MistyDTX

I was banded in October 2007. I lost almost 60 pounds and was doing great! In February 2009 I found out I was pregnant with my son and had hypermesis. Since I couldn't keep anything down and all the vomiting was actually painfil my doc took about 1/2 of my fill out. Not only was my hypermesis better almost immediately, I could eat pretty much anything I wanted. Bad bad news! During my pregnancy I gained almost 50 pounds. Ugh! When my son was born I had every intention of getting back on the horse. He was an incredibly difficult baby. He had colic, cried ALL.THE.TIME and I was just physically and mentally exhausted. Honestly getting a fill was the LAST thing on my mind. After I went back to work I went to a different doctor for a fill, a doc that was closer to my office and more convenient. I got a small fill that didn't really do much but I got a HUGE wake up call when I realized this doctor billed my insurance company $800 for my fill. $800 came out of my HRA account and pretty much screwed me up with my insurance for the rest of the year. I was so so mad. Mostly at myself because I didn't ask enough questions but still.. I was mad and didn't want to go back. So now, here I am only 30 pounds lighter than I was when I was banded almost 5 years ago and I am so discouraged! I have been waiting to get back to the right place mentally, don't know what that's supposed to be exactly, but I recently decided I've just been using that as an excuse. I just have to DO something instead of just sitting around waiting. I do still have some restriction, I'm not able just eat anything I want, but I know it's not enough. I called my surgeon's office and I'm just waiting for them to re-verify my insurance again so I can go in and get a fill. I have to get back on the horse!! LOL! My 6 year old and 2 year old NEED me to be the healthy happy me I was and I know I can be again!

I was banded 10/07 and I'm down about 70 pounds. Admittedly I have not been eating well the last few months and I think I need to get another fill. My DH and I are also trying to get pregnant soon. So my question is... should I get another fill now, only to have it taken out if/when we get PG? The more I could lose before getting PG the better, right?? And one I do get PG, do they take out your fill immediately? Someone told me at the end of the 1st trimester but I thought they would do it right away. Any pregnancy/banding advice is appreciated!

I was banded 10/07 and I'm down about 70 pounds. Admittedly I have not been eating well the last few months and I think I need to get another fill. My DH and I are also trying to get pregnant soon. So my question is... should I get another fill now, only to have it taken out if/when we get PG? The more I could lose before getting PG the better, right?? And one I do get PG, do they take out your fill immediately? Someone told me at the end of the 1st trimester but I thought they would do it right away. Any pregnancy/banding advice is appreciated!

My 2nd fill was in February and my 3rd in May.

I had my 3rd fill about a month ago. I'm happy with the restriction I have and I don't want to be any tighter. My doc said that with one more I should be where he wants me to be. Problem is... I don't want to be any tighter than I am. This fill has been the biggest adjustment for me so far. Before this one I was still able to eat pretty much anything, just far less of it, and I was still losing. Now I am PB'ing often, but not often enough to think I would need an unfill. I'm trying to be really good, but something as simple as scrambled eggs got me this morning. It's almost like this fill has been a real challenge mentally for me. I don't feel like I'm ready to get another fill. I feel like I've hit a brick wall and that if I got another fill right now I'd really be in a bad place. Has anyone else experienced this? What helped you over the hump? Thanks!

You know, its just the way my doctor does it. I don't know why. I was REALLY upset about it but it all worked out. I'm going in today for my 3rd fill!!

DH and I took off Friday to take DD, 21 months, to the zoo. It was a BEAUTIFUL day and we had a great time. Except for... my first PB! By the time we got to the zoo all of us were starving. We went to a BBQ place and I ordered sliced turkey. No bread, nothing special. Just turkey. After about the 2nd bite I felt it, that lump-in-your-throat, OMG-what-have-I-done feeling. I stopped eating and just sat there waiting for it to go away. I could tell what was about to happen and there wasn't anything I could do to stop it. I had a huge stack of napkins and yakked right into them. It was gross and embarrassing but it wasn't painful. I couldn't figure out WHY I would PB on turkey. I must have just taken a too big bite or didn't chew well enough because I was so hungry. Once I had PB'd I was able to still eat a little being very careful. All I can say is YUCK!

Kimmie - Keep me posted, I hope it all works out for you. I was VERY lucky and had no problems with my employer and UHC was great to work with. You will be in my thoughts!

I have United Healthcare and I pay $50 out of pocket for my fills with Dr. Carter. I think that's his standard co-pay for those with insurance. Good luck!

I can't believe it! I went in for my 2nd fill today and have lost 11 lbs since last month. I am sooo excited! I really didn't think it would be that much since I've been able to eat whatever I wanted. I am thrilled! So now I have about 3cc in my little band and I'm ready to get on with it! LOL!

I was banded by Dr. Carter in October and didn't get my first fill until January 17th. I thought I would lose my mind! I didn't though and you will be OK too. I have my 2nd fill scheduled for tomorrow, once you get through the first 3 months he has you coming back monthly after. I would also read about fills 6 weeks out and I really don't think I would have been ready then. I thought I was but in hindsight I don't think I was. Hang in there! I know it's tough but you WILL get through it! Feel free to PM me if you need encouragement!

Hey there Tens! Hope you are all doing well. I'm off for my 2nd fill tomorrow. I really hope I can tell a difference with this one. I got 1cc in January and was still able to eat whatever I wanted. Right after my fill I noticed I would go from being content to STARVING at the drop of a hat. It was the weirdest thing. Then I ended up with a stomach bug a couple of weeks ago that was really awful. I don't know if I've lost much since my last appointment so I am anxious to weigh in. I can tell I have lost because I can actually take off my jeans without unbuttoning them at all! That's fun! :blushing:

I am 4 months post-op and the last 2 days have been agony for me. I have had the worst gas I have ever experienced. I've also had diarrhea for the last 24 hours. I've used Gas-X strips, taken Gas-X tabs and taken some Immodium. Tonight I took a hot bath and have been using the heating pad. I made myself take my DD to the park because I know walking helps get the gas out. NOTHING is helping! The last time I had this much discomfort I was in the hospital having a baby! These gas pains have been so bad they've felt like labor! Until now I haven't had any gas issues at all, other than right after banding. Is gas this severe common? It's nuts, I can HEAR and FEEL the gas in my belly. What else should I do? HELP!

I am 4 months post-op and the last 2 days have been agony for me. I have had the worst gas I have ever experienced. I've also had diarrhea for the last 24 hours. I've used Gas-X strips, taken Gas-X tabs and taken some Immodium. Tonight I took a hot bath and have been using the heating pad. I made myself take my DD to the park because I know walking helps get the gas out. NOTHING is helping! The last time I had this much discomfort I was in the hospital having a baby! These gas pains have been so bad they've felt like labor! Until now I haven't had any gas issues at all, other than right after banding. Is gas this severe common? It's nuts, I can HEAR and FEEL the gas in my belly. What else should I do? HELP!

I had my first fill last week and ever since I have been starving! I will be going along happily content and suddenly I am dying to eat! Like in mere seconds I feel like I'm about to starve to death. Is this "head hunger" or what??