Chris61

I found out last June that I had sleep apena and started using the CPAP machine about a month before being banded. I had a pressure setting of 12 and now down to a 7. I have lost close to 50lbs since being banded 6 months ago. I have been having problems with to much air etc. along with not wearing the mask the whole night. I talked to the doctor about it and he suggested that we try using a dental device instead. Insurance approved me for the device and I have started to use it and it is great. Here are pictures of the device. The dentist who deals only with sleep apnea feels that this device will work for me and that she wants to do a sleep study in about 4-6 months to ensure that it is working. If it is working then I will not need to use the CPAP. <TABLE class=tabfolder cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=tabfoldertitle><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=tabtitlerow><TD class=tabtitlespace align=right width="99%"></TD></TR><TR class=tabtitlerow><TD colSpan=2></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=tabfoldercontent style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px"><!-- photosgrid table --><TABLE class=photogrid cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><!-- type = image2 --><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=imageinfo noWrap colSpan=2>Herbst_anterior_close_up.jpg (651k) [View] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!-- type = image2 --><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=imageinfo noWrap colSpan=2>HErbst_elastic_holder_buried.jpg (525k) [View] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><!-- type = image2 --><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=imageinfo noWrap colSpan=2>Herbst_heavy_hardware_side.jpg (548k) [View] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!-- type = image2 --><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=imageinfo noWrap colSpan=2>HErbst_heavy_Herner.jpg (618k) [View] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tabfolder cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=tabfoldertitle><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=tabtitlerow><TD class=tabtitlefield noWrap height=15 rowSpan=2>Photos: </TD><TD vAlign=top> </TD><TD class=tabtitlespace align=right width="99%"></TD></TR><TR class=tabtitlerow><TD colSpan=2></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=tabfoldercontent style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px"><!-- photosgrid table --><TABLE class=photogrid cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><!-- type = image2 --><TBODY><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=imageinfo noWrap colSpan=2>HErbst_Chris_Walters_2008_front.jpg (701k) [View] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD><!-- type = image2 --><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR><TD class=imageinfo noWrap colSpan=2>HErbst_Chris_Walters_2008_front_1.jpg (689k) [View] </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><!-- type = image2 --><TR><TD style="PADDING-RIGHT: 5px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 5px; PADDING-TOP: 5px" vAlign=bottom align=left width="50%"><TABLE class=photopanel cellSpacing=0 width="100%" border=0 cellpaddind="0"><TBODY><TR><TD class=thumbnail noWrap><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=image vAlign=center align=middle width=98 height=98> </TD><TD class=savetolinks vAlign=top noWrap width="99%">Scan and Save to Computer</NOBR> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>So far the dental device seems to be working. Chris </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I was banded 6 months ago today and my wife was 6 months last week at Des Pers by Dr. Minkin and he is great. There are a few companies that do offer financing and you can find them on this website. If you have any questions just ask. I can also forward you a letter that we used to help get us approved. Chris

I have heard that Dr. Hall is good. He has been doing them for a long time. I used to live just south of Lubbock in Brownfield, Texas. He was just started to use the band in 1999 when they first came out. That is about all I know. I have been banded 6 months as of today. Chris

Congradulations on being banded. There are several people on this board that have had Surgery at Depaul and also at DesPers. I have had my band six months as of today. I love it and would do it again. If you have any questions or need advice just ask away. Chris :thumbup:

It is hard to believe that it was six months ago this week and next week that my wife and I were banded. Time sure has gone by fast. Combined we have lost over 70 lbs. We have had three fills each. I have a total of 5.2 cc in my band and I think she has 4cc. She has lost over 32 pounds and I have lost 45 since my high of 250 in June of 2007. We went for are 6 month check-up with the surgeon and he feels that we are doing really well. He also feels that we are almost or right at the sweet spot. He could have done an adjustment next week but we both felt that it might make us to tight and would have to come back for an unfill. He did leave it open that if we felt that we needed a fill that we could call him and go in and have it done. He also said that we are on track with loosing 1-3 lbs a week and that by September which will be one year that we should be down another 30- 40 lbs. With summer coming on and able to get out and do more exercise etc. I really feel that we will make it. We are both very please so far with the loss in weight, and wish to thank every one for all your support, advice and friendship. Without I doubt we would be here today. I will say that the last 9 months have gone real fast and we have seen a lot of changes in our lives in regards to health and other issues. It has been a real learning experience. People have asked if it has been easy? I would have to tell them no it has not. I tell them that what you have to do is to take baby steps (or one step at a time). It is something that will no happen overnight. It takes a lot of work to change lifestyles and eating habits. It is something that does not happen overnight. One of the biggest issues I have dealt with is when going out and eating with other people is trying to eat real slowly while they are eating real fast. I will say that it has caused me to slim a lot and to have a few bp’s. I have also had issues with some types of foods. I eat most foods and not have a problem. I have had some issues with shredded pork, real thin potatoes. I have also notice that when eating sandwiches I do not eat hardly any of the bread. The head hunger is still there. My body is still trying to adjust to the fact that Iam eating less. My stomach still says I am hungry even though I am full. I really wish there was a way you can control this. We have both notices changes in are bodies, we are down in clothes sizes, are bodies are a lot thinner and we have also noticed that we get colder easier than before. We are able to do a lot more things and spend longer times on them. For myself I have seen changes in my sleep apnea. I have gone from a setting of 12 down to a setting of 7. I am going from the machine to a herbest dental retainer to wear at night while sleeping. Iam only getting about 2 hours a night with the mask on. The doctor feels that this will work a lot better for me, since some people have problems. We have both gone to a new doctor who is band friendly and understands the issues that we are dealing with. I saw him on Monday as well and he said the blood pressure and all the blood test were good expect for my uric acid (gout) which is still high. Were not sure if the gout will go away or not at this time. My wife has had her meds changed and is slowly getting off of insulin and her other meds as well. I know this is long but it has been a while since I have posted and I also wanted the new people that are coming in and getting ready for this procedure to understand that it does take work, it is not going to happen overnight and that the rewards are great. This has been one of the best things that we have done and would do it again. Chris

It is hard to believe that it was six months ago this week and next week that my wife and I were banded. Time sure has gone by fast. Combined we have lost over 70 lbs. We have had three fills each. I have a total of 5.2 cc in my band and I think she has 4cc. She has lost over 32 pounds and I have lost 45 since my high of 250 in June of 2007. We went for are 6 month check-up with the surgeon and he feels that we are doing really well. He also feels that we are almost or right at the sweet spot. He could have done an adjustment next week but we both felt that it might make us to tight and would have to come back for an unfill. He did leave it open that if we felt that we needed a fill that we could call him and go in and have it done. He also said that we are on track with loosing 1-3 lbs a week and that by September which will be one year that we should be down another 30- 40 lbs. With summer coming on and able to get out and do more exercise etc. I really feel that we will make it. We are both very please so far with the loss in weight, and wish to thank every one for all your support, advice and friendship. Without I doubt we would be here today. I will say that the last 9 months have gone real fast and we have seen a lot of changes in our lives in regards to health and other issues. It has been a real learning experience. People have asked if it has been easy? I would have to tell them no it has not. I tell them that what you have to do is to take baby steps (or one step at a time). It is something that will no happen overnight. It takes a lot of work to change lifestyles and eating habits. It is something that does not happen overnight. One of the biggest issues I have dealt with is when going out and eating with other people is trying to eat real slowly while they are eating real fast. I will say that it has caused me to slim a lot and to have a few bp’s. I have also had issues with some types of foods. I eat most foods and not have a problem. I have had some issues with shredded pork, real thin potatoes. I have also notice that when eating sandwiches I do not eat hardly any of the bread. The head hunger is still there. My body is still trying to adjust to the fact that Iam eating less. My stomach still says I am hungry even though I am full. I really wish there was a way you can control this. We have both notices changes in are bodies, we are down in clothes sizes, are bodies are a lot thinner and we have also noticed that we get colder easier than before. We are able to do a lot more things and spend longer times on them. For myself I have seen changes in my sleep apnea. I have gone from a setting of 12 down to a setting of 7. I am going from the machine to a herbest dental retainer to wear at night while sleeping. Iam only getting about 2 hours a night with the mask on. The doctor feels that this will work a lot better for me, since some people have problems. We have both gone to a new doctor who is band friendly and understands the issues that we are dealing with. I saw him on Monday as well and he said the blood pressure and all the blood test were good expect for my uric acid (gout) which is still high. Were not sure if the gout will go away or not at this time. My wife has had her meds changed and is slowly getting off of insulin and her other meds as well. I know this is long but it has been a while since I have posted and I also wanted the new people that are coming in and getting ready for this procedure to understand that it does take work, it is not going to happen overnight and that the rewards are great. This has been one of the best things that we have done and would do it again. Chris

It is hard to believe that it was six months ago this week and next week that my wife and I were banded. Time sure has gone by fast. Combined we have lost over 70 lbs. We have had three fills each. I have a total of 5.2 cc in my band and I think she has 4cc. She has lost over 32 pounds and I have lost 45 since my high of 250 in June of 2007. We went for are 6 month check-up with the surgeon and he feels that we are doing really well. He also feels that we are almost or right at the sweet spot. He could have done an adjustment next week but we both felt that it might make us to tight and would have to come back for an unfill. He did leave it open that if we felt that we needed a fill that we could call him and go in and have it done. He also said that we are on track with loosing 1-3 lbs a week and that by September which will be one year that we should be down another 30- 40 lbs. With summer coming on and able to get out and do more exercise etc. I really feel that we will make it. We are both very please so far with the loss in weight, and wish to thank every one for all your support, advice and friendship. Without I doubt we would be here today. I will say that the last 9 months have gone real fast and we have seen a lot of changes in our lives in regards to health and other issues. It has been a real learning experience. People have asked if it has been easy? I would have to tell them no it has not. I tell them that what you have to do is to take baby steps (or one step at a time). It is something that will no happen overnight. It takes a lot of work to change lifestyles and eating habits. It is something that does not happen overnight. One of the biggest issues I have dealt with is when going out and eating with other people is trying to eat real slowly while they are eating real fast. I will say that it has caused me to slim a lot and to have a few bp’s. I have also had issues with some types of foods. I eat most foods and not have a problem. I have had some issues with shredded pork, real thin potatoes. I have also notice that when eating sandwiches I do not eat hardly any of the bread. The head hunger is still there. My body is still trying to adjust to the fact that Iam eating less. My stomach still says I am hungry even though I am full. I really wish there was a way you can control this. We have both notices changes in are bodies, we are down in clothes sizes, are bodies are a lot thinner and we have also noticed that we get colder easier than before. We are able to do a lot more things and spend longer times on them. For myself I have seen changes in my sleep apnea. I have gone from a setting of 12 down to a setting of 7. I am going from the machine to a herbest dental retainer to wear at night while sleeping. Iam only getting about 2 hours a night with the mask on. The doctor feels that this will work a lot better for me, since some people have problems. We have both gone to a new doctor who is band friendly and understands the issues that we are dealing with. I saw him on Monday as well and he said the blood pressure and all the blood test were good expect for my uric acid (gout) which is still high. Were not sure if the gout will go away or not at this time. My wife has had her meds changed and is slowly getting off of insulin and her other meds as well. I know this is long but it has been a while since I have posted and I also wanted the new people that are coming in and getting ready for this procedure to understand that it does take work, it is not going to happen overnight and that the rewards are great. This has been one of the best things that we have done and would do it again. Chris

It is hard to believe that it was six months ago this week and next week that my wife and I were banded. Time sure has gone by fast. Combined we have lost over 70 lbs. We have had three fills each. I have a total of 5.2 cc in my band and I think she has 4cc. She has lost over 32 pounds and I have lost 45 since my high of 250 in June of 2007. We went for are 6 month check-up with the surgeon and he feels that we are doing really well. He also feels that we are almost or right at the sweet spot. He could have done an adjustment next week but we both felt that it might make us to tight and would have to come back for an unfill. He did leave it open that if we felt that we needed a fill that we could call him and go in and have it done. He also said that we are on track with loosing 1-3 lbs a week and that by September which will be one year that we should be down another 30- 40 lbs. With summer coming on and able to get out and do more exercise etc. I really feel that we will make it. We are both very please so far with the loss in weight, and wish to thank every one for all your support, advice and friendship. Without I doubt we would be here today. I will say that the last 9 months have gone real fast and we have seen a lot of changes in our lives in regards to health and other issues. It has been a real learning experience. People have asked if it has been easy? I would have to tell them no it has not. I tell them that what you have to do is to take baby steps (or one step at a time). It is something that will no happen overnight. It takes a lot of work to change lifestyles and eating habits. It is something that does not happen overnight. One of the biggest issues I have dealt with is when going out and eating with other people is trying to eat real slowly while they are eating real fast. I will say that it has caused me to slim a lot and to have a few bp’s. I have also had issues with some types of foods. I eat most foods and not have a problem. I have had some issues with shredded pork, real thin potatoes. I have also notice that when eating sandwiches I do not eat hardly any of the bread. The head hunger is still there. My body is still trying to adjust to the fact that Iam eating less. My stomach still says I am hungry even though I am full. I really wish there was a way you can control this. We have both notices changes in are bodies, we are down in clothes sizes, are bodies are a lot thinner and we have also noticed that we get colder easier than before. We are able to do a lot more things and spend longer times on them. For myself I have seen changes in my sleep apnea. I have gone from a setting of 12 down to a setting of 7. I am going from the machine to a herbest dental retainer to wear at night while sleeping. Iam only getting about 2 hours a night with the mask on. The doctor feels that this will work a lot better for me, since some people have problems. We have both gone to a new doctor who is band friendly and understands the issues that we are dealing with. I saw him on Monday as well and he said the blood pressure and all the blood test were good expect for my uric acid (gout) which is still high. Were not sure if the gout will go away or not at this time. My wife has had her meds changed and is slowly getting off of insulin and her other meds as well. I know this is long but it has been a while since I have posted and I also wanted the new people that are coming in and getting ready for this procedure to understand that it does take work, it is not going to happen overnight and that the rewards are great. This has been one of the best things that we have done and would do it again. Chris

It is hard to believe that it was six months ago this week and next week that my wife and I were banded. Time sure has gone by fast. Combined we have lost over 70 lbs. We have had three fills each. I have a total of 5.2 cc in my band and I think she has 4cc. She has lost over 32 pounds and I have lost 45 since my high of 250 in June of 2007. We went for are 6 month check-up with the surgeon and he feels that we are doing really well. He also feels that we are almost or right at the sweet spot. He could have done an adjustment next week but we both felt that it might make us to tight and would have to come back for an unfill. He did leave it open that if we felt that we needed a fill that we could call him and go in and have it done. He also said that we are on track with loosing 1-3 lbs a week and that by September which will be one year that we should be down another 30- 40 lbs. With summer coming on and able to get out and do more exercise etc. I really feel that we will make it. We are both very please so far with the loss in weight, and wish to thank every one for all your support, advice and friendship. Without I doubt we would be here today. I will say that the last 9 months have gone real fast and we have seen a lot of changes in our lives in regards to health and other issues. It has been a real learning experience. People have asked if it has been easy? I would have to tell them no it has not. I tell them that what you have to do is to take baby steps (or one step at a time). It is something that will no happen overnight. It takes a lot of work to change lifestyles and eating habits. It is something that does not happen overnight. One of the biggest issues I have dealt with is when going out and eating with other people is trying to eat real slowly while they are eating real fast. I will say that it has caused me to slim a lot and to have a few bp’s. I have also had issues with some types of foods. I eat most foods and not have a problem. I have had some issues with shredded pork, real thin potatoes. I have also notice that when eating sandwiches I do not eat hardly any of the bread. The head hunger is still there. My body is still trying to adjust to the fact that Iam eating less. My stomach still says I am hungry even though I am full. I really wish there was a way you can control this. We have both notices changes in are bodies, we are down in clothes sizes, are bodies are a lot thinner and we have also noticed that we get colder easier than before. We are able to do a lot more things and spend longer times on them. For myself I have seen changes in my sleep apnea. I have gone from a setting of 12 down to a setting of 7. I am going from the machine to a herbest dental retainer to wear at night while sleeping. Iam only getting about 2 hours a night with the mask on. The doctor feels that this will work a lot better for me, since some people have problems. We have both gone to a new doctor who is band friendly and understands the issues that we are dealing with. I saw him on Monday as well and he said the blood pressure and all the blood test were good expect for my uric acid (gout) which is still high. Were not sure if the gout will go away or not at this time. My wife has had her meds changed and is slowly getting off of insulin and her other meds as well. I know this is long but it has been a while since I have posted and I also wanted the new people that are coming in and getting ready for this procedure to understand that it does take work, it is not going to happen overnight and that the rewards are great. This has been one of the best things that we have done and would do it again. Chris

It is hard to believe that it was six months ago this week and next week that my wife and I were banded. Time sure has gone by fast. Combined we have lost over 70 lbs. We have had three fills each. I have a total of 5.2 cc in my band and I think she has 4cc. She has lost over 32 pounds and I have lost 45 since my high of 250 in June of 2007. We went for are 6 month check-up with the surgeon and he feels that we are doing really well. He also feels that we are almost or right at the sweet spot. He could have done an adjustment next week but we both felt that it might make us to tight and would have to come back for an unfill. He did leave it open that if we felt that we needed a fill that we could call him and go in and have it done. He also said that we are on track with loosing 1-3 lbs a week and that by September which will be one year that we should be down another 30- 40 lbs. With summer coming on and able to get out and do more exercise etc. I really feel that we will make it. We are both very please so far with the loss in weight, and wish to thank every one for all your support, advice and friendship. Without I doubt we would be here today. I will say that the last 9 months have gone real fast and we have seen a lot of changes in our lives in regards to health and other issues. It has been a real learning experience. People have asked if it has been easy? I would have to tell them no it has not. I tell them that what you have to do is to take baby steps (or one step at a time). It is something that will no happen overnight. It takes a lot of work to change lifestyles and eating habits. It is something that does not happen overnight. One of the biggest issues I have dealt with is when going out and eating with other people is trying to eat real slowly while they are eating real fast. I will say that it has caused me to slim a lot and to have a few bp’s. I have also had issues with some types of foods. I eat most foods and not have a problem. I have had some issues with shredded pork, real thin potatoes. I have also notice that when eating sandwiches I do not eat hardly any of the bread. The head hunger is still there. My body is still trying to adjust to the fact that Iam eating less. My stomach still says I am hungry even though I am full. I really wish there was a way you can control this. We have both notices changes in are bodies, we are down in clothes sizes, are bodies are a lot thinner and we have also noticed that we get colder easier than before. We are able to do a lot more things and spend longer times on them. For myself I have seen changes in my sleep apnea. I have gone from a setting of 12 down to a setting of 7. I am going from the machine to a herbest dental retainer to wear at night while sleeping. Iam only getting about 2 hours a night with the mask on. The doctor feels that this will work a lot better for me, since some people have problems. We have both gone to a new doctor who is band friendly and understands the issues that we are dealing with. I saw him on Monday as well and he said the blood pressure and all the blood test were good expect for my uric acid (gout) which is still high. Were not sure if the gout will go away or not at this time. My wife has had her meds changed and is slowly getting off of insulin and her other meds as well. I know this is long but it has been a while since I have posted and I also wanted the new people that are coming in and getting ready for this procedure to understand that it does take work, it is not going to happen overnight and that the rewards are great. This has been one of the best things that we have done and would do it again. Chris

6 month update down 45 lbs.

Glad to see you are all doing well. We go on Monday to see Dr. Minkin and will look at getting a fill the following week. Dr. Minkin has us doe liquids for one day and then soft foods the next and back to regular foods on the third day. He days this is a why to help you stomach adjust to the tightness of the band. Not sure about why Clear Liquids. How much of a fill did you gals get this time. Chris

My wife and I have the inmed AP Standard 10cc size. My sister-in law has the advance one.

My wife and I were banded a week a part. We have both been doing good. It will be six months next week for her and the following week for me. We have come a long way with this and it's is one the best things we did for each other. Just like Rainer said it is amazing on how you can save money when it comes to eating out and buying food. We do share things often. I have even notice we take a lot of the food gome with us. I even notice if I get a sandwich now I hardley eat the bread. Good Luck if you have any questions just ask. Chris

Same here. I have had three fills and up to 5.2 cc go in for a check on Monday and might get another fill. I feel it a lot more now than I did when I had my first and 2nd fill. Keep in mind everyone is differant and reacts differantly to band. Chris

I have notice I burp a lot more now. Also have the same problems as Weetsin says. I even have the bloating with using the CPAP. So now Iam going to get a dental device(Herbst Appliance) and not use the CPAP and see how I do with that. Chris

The last time I went for a fill I asked the doctor how much was in the band. I wanted to make sure there was no leaks or anything like that. So he just took the Fluid out and told me how much and put it back in and gave me another 2.3cc. I wonder if you might be a little tight. I have been fighiting the hunger pains as well. I would eat and still feel hungery for a while. Chris

I was banded in Sept. of 07 Also. I have had three fills and will see the doctor next week about another fill. The last time I went to have a fill I asked the doctor to pull out what was in there so we would know how much. I had 3 cc's and he gave me another 2.3 cc. I asked him how long it should last as well. He said that it should last a lot longer this time. he said that a lot of times it is because you are loosing fact around the band and that is you need a fill. My wife also was banded and has a little less than I have in my band. I hope that this helps you out. Chris

MY wife and I were on Clear Liquids until surgery. After surgery we were allowed to be on any liquids. I was able to drink milk, ensure, carnation instant Breakfast. I would call his office and ask him about it. He might even start you on soft foods on Monday Jaime, like he did us. I even made chicken noddle Soup and just took out the noddles. Even had tomato soap. I hope that this helps you out. Chris

It will go real quick for you. Are you having it done by x-ray or in the office? Weather they do it by x-ray or in the office they will clean the port area and then give you a little novicane or something like that and then use a very small needle and instert it into the port then they will check to see if you have any Fluid check that. Then they will put some fluid in about 1-2cc and have your drink. swallow either Water or barrium if you have the upper gi and see how it goes. Then they remove the needle and put a bandaid on. It will take less than 15 minutes. I hope that this helps you out. Chris

Thats great to here that you were approved. Amazing how people have a hard time reading and understanding things. I think that is what is the biggest problem with insurance and getting approved. Chris

Congradulations on getting approved. MY wife and I were banded one week a part. We are both pleased with the results. Best thing we have ever done for ourselves in improving are life. Chris

I have UHC and my employeer covers the band and all the fills. You might want to check your company policy and see what it says. When I started with the company 5 years ago it was not covered. Sometime in 06 they changed the policy. I happen to be looking up something else and saw that it was covered. To us about 6 months to get everything in place. Went to the Doctor in July and both myself and the wife were banded in Sept. If you would like e-mail me your address and I will send you a letter that we had used to get approved. Chris

I would think you would be covered if you have everything in the file when they sent it in. You should know somthing within 30 days. We were approved in less than 30 days. Chris

The Hospitial charged 31,000 and was paid 11,000 our doctor charged 10,000 and paid about 2,600. They charge 1,000 for X-ray for band fill and get about 100.00 doctor charges about 500 a fill and gets about 100.00 I hope that this helps you out. Chris