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!

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.

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.

You guys enjoy your lunch today! I've had a BAD night (I had lunch with a friend and tried some tortilla soup broth...big mistake!). I'll be with you in spirit. Have fun!

I'd love to try to make it...is it too late? What time? HoJo's in Irving...got that. I, too, am on liquids (boo) but would love to have some soup and tea with you guys. Thanks

What an awesome video...now I know why my port site hurts! Thanks for sharing!

Heatherfeather - I too have about 70 or so to lose. I was banded one week ago today (11/3). Because of my little (#!$#@) weight to lose, I was a self-pay. It is and will be SO worth it. After years and years of yo-yo diets, slow metabolism, age, babies, etc., I was mentally ready to try something more dramatic. It takes the mental readiness as much if not more than the physical readiness. I didn't want to wait until I had high blood pressure, diabetes, blah, blah to get this done. It's an investment in ME. Good luck on your decision. This forum is a great place to get support.