makena2

I was banded on 10/28/05 with Dr. Richard Benevides at the Surgery Center of Richardson. If I hadn't wasted about 8 months on insurance, I was scheduled within 30 days of getting the last turn-down on insurance. I was self-pay, $15K including fills for one year. I'm VERY pleased with Dr. B, his staff and the fill center. He has monthly overviews showing the surgery on video, etc. It's a really informative session.

I had my first fill on December 1, no restriction to speak of. They put 1 cc into my 4 cc band... I'm scheduled for this afternoon (12/15) for my second and going tell them "...fill 'er up, please!"

Can somebody tell me why wait staff at restaurants don't leave leave , "no, I won't have anything to drink" alone? They insist you have water, tea, something...arghh!

Dear Makena, How did your fill go. I am at the same weight and do not have an appt until 1st week in Jan, had band Nov 22. I also do not have any problem with consumption, do not feel full. I am hovering at 187, and aren't budging. Checking on how the fill went and if you are doing well. Debra Debra - my fill was fine, however I don't feel like the restriction I have is the "sweet spot". I'm still able to eat WAY more than I should. I'm hovering around 84 right now and am kinda frustrated by it. I'm giving it another week to see if it restricts any more, then going back to fill up again. I think for us "lesser" BMI girls, it's harder to see progress because our goal isn't so far away (although it seems that way). I'm trying to stay syched up.

Thanks to everyone for their advice, support and sharing. It is so great to know you can come here and get answers. I got the feeling when I got my fill that they were just putting the "standard" 1 cc in and not really looking for what my fill should be based upon the flouroscopy (sp?). It took like 2 seconds to get the fill...my opinion too quick to really assess if it was right for me. Since I have a year of fills included in my SELF-PAY, damn it, I'm gonna push them to get me to that sweet spot!

Ok, maybe I'm just impatient. I had my first fill on Thursday, December 1. I was able to eat normally the next day with NO problem. In fact, probably more than I normally would (emotional eating, I'm trying to do better with that). So, I got hungry faster it seems because I ate more and I had no restriction to "stop" me. They put 1 cc in my 5 cc band...how soon should I pursue another fill? Do I just need to give this time (knowing I need to deal with the emotional eating issue)?

My surgeon told me to wait 4 weeks post-op. I'm scheduled for December 1 which is 5 weeks post-op. Can't WAIT to get filled...I can eat WAY more than I want.

I'm scheduled for my first fill on Thursday of this week (Dec 1) and I CAN'T WAIT. I've been banded for a month now and can eat anything and everything. I'm SO looking forward to my fill to start getting some restriction. Thankfully, I'm staying right where I am at 185, but know that if this keeps up, I'll be right back up again.

Like any surgery, it's scary. I got banded 3 weeks ago and am amazed how quickly I've recovered. The first couple of days can be rough (some pain, drowsy, generally feel like crap) but get through those and you're smooth sailing. Let the hubby be there for you and help you through it. It's the best investment you can make for your hubby, your little boy and YOU. Having you around for the long haul is more important than anything and you're doing something that will help that happen. Best of luck to you and know that you're not alone.

So, what I'm getting from this post-op liquid diet stuff is that if you can tolerate more "mushies" before the 2 weeks are up, go for it? I will admit that I'm now day 11 after surgery and had some egg salad (no bread) for lunch and I did fine. Is the purpose of the liquid diet after surgery to make sure you don't PB or vomit? If that's the case, I can see why the liquids. However, if you're doing ok with alittle mushies a little early, what the harm?

Hi! I'm in Frisco, TX. I just got banded 11 days ago by Dr. Richard Benevides at the Surgery Center of Richardson. He's great, his staff is great, the surgery center of great. They have meetings as well for people at various stages of banding (pre and post) which is very helpful. I highly recommend them!

I was also a self-pay, went to Dr. Richard Benevides in Richardson, TX. His procedure includes the band, one year of fills for $15K. So far, I've been VERY pleased with him, his staff and my procedure. I'm 10 days post-op now and am doing great. I hope that helps.

I'm now day 9 after surgery in Richardson Texas. I took a shower the next morning after surgery, it really makes you feel better. Somehow your body can get relaxed a little. Gas pain is just that, mine was all in my back. Pain meds are wonderful and of course, time. Hang in there, it does get better.