Mimilou2004

Yay, Rosie....I am so happy for you...the initial soreness will pass and it is a great feeling to get in shape while being "older". I made the decision to cut back where I could so that I can keep my personal trainer who helps me tremendously. Best wishes. Mimi

Popcorn is a slider food for me, too. I eat a bowl every day and love it. I try not to buy it at the movies, but it tastes so good with all the unhealthy "butter" and salt. Mimi

G, what is wrong? Please share. Mimi

I so get where you are and feel your pain. Our stories are so incredibly similar it is amazing, but I had to have surgery because my stomach slipped up and over my band in 3 places. The surgeon was able to pull it back down but told me if it slips again he can't save it. I have gained almost 20 pounds and that is from food, not bags of chips and chocolate...I wish that was it because then I could kick them out of my life, the wt gain is from eating to quell the ferocious appetite the band helped me control. I have 3 cc now and no restriction..it is murder going up 1 or 2 cc at a time at 6 wk intervals. I have a fill Wednesday and am praying for enough to feel some restriction. If I could do it on my own I wouldn't need the band!!!! Best wishes, Mimi

Tracy, I am so sorry for what you are going through. I hope WW is just the ticket. I am recovering from the same situation and slowly getting my adjustment back, I have gained back 20 pounds. Hang in there and keep posting. Mimi

Mine is $200 price if no insurance, $500 with insurance of which I pay $125. You need to talk to your insurance bcause it doesn't make sense to cover the band and not the fills...maybe they call it something else? Also, you need to call your doc's office to see how much it costs for self pay fills. Mimi

Mine is $200 price if no insurance, $500 with insurance of which I pay $125. You need to talk to your insurance bcause it doesn't make sense to cover the band and not the fills...maybe they call it something else? Also, you need to call your doc's office to see how much it costs for self pay fills. Mimi

Boy, these problems go on and on and I feel like moving on, too. Mimi

Well, I can't tell you what you want to hear because I don't know what amount your doc does for his first fill. To be honest it might be a couple of fills before you start to feel restriction. Be brave and keep exercising etc. And thank goodness the Holiday's temptation are behind us. I have been where you are at least 3 times due to unfills then a slip with corrective surgery and to be honest I have gained 17 pounds this time. I will be getting evaluated for a fill next Tuesday and am keeping my expectations low for feeling any restriction and my spirits up as much as possible. Best wishes on your journey. Mimi

I am going through something very similar and have put on close to 20 pounds. All of my clothes are skin tight and I regret getting rid of all my bigger size clothes. In addition I am suddenly lactose intolerant despite using the enzymes. I wish you the very best of luck, I understand and feel your pain and joy. Mimi

Please don't be so hard on yourself and anxious about not losing quickly enough. You are doing the best you can....until you start to get restriction you are essentially doing things on your own. Best wishes, Mimi

I had mine converted to a low profile in October and I must admit it was a waste of money for me....it wasn't moved very far and has already started growing scar tissue....plus the previous location was stretched out and has stayed stretched out....now I have TWO lumps!!!! I do wish you luck because there are many posters who are happy with their change over to a low profile. Mimi

I, too, use the ball several times a week with no problems. Good luck. Mimi

Your story sounds very close to mine and I had a hiatal hernia and band slip from all the hernia vomiting. I believe there is a type of Hiatal Hernia called a sliding HH and if it is down when you have the UGI it might not show. I so wish you the best of luck. Mimi

I am delighted to know that I have company in the New Year....I, too, gained over Christmas and my practice doesn't give fills from the middle of Dec thru the end of the Holidays, so no fill for me!!! By the time I knew I was in trouble the soonest I could get in is Jan 11th!!! 20 pounds up is no joke but not a reason for my practice to overbook!!!! I will be watching eagerly for support and reinforcement!!! Good luck everyone. Mimi

Tracy, I was happy to see you return, this new format sucks but one does get used to it, kind of. I wish more of the old timers would come back...the newbies need us and we need each other. I have had a few serious issues and have been unfilled totally for 2 months and have gained 20 pounds, it has been hard on me to say the least....I still may lose my band. Your recommittment to losing wt and letting go of your anger at the prince is awesome. I am looking forward to your posting more, Mimi

I feel so bad for what you are going through. I am going through something similar all because of a Hiatal Hernia and my band slipping (repaired but not OK yet). The surgeries wear you down and out and the anesthesia totally messes with your body. EVERYTHING messes with your emotions. I hope you don't mind, but I will say a little prayer for you to start feeling better and that everything heals properly. I am sending good thoughts your way, Mimi

I can feel your enthusiasm and know you have many things you want to talk about. Please don't get your feelings hurt if you don't get many responses. This web site has undergone major changes and many many of the previous posters don't come anymore. I encourage you to keep posting but to also use your search button and look through older posts. Best wishes, Mimi

Interesting question....I am not sure about comparing them because I had a very easy GB removal....the only pain I had from my original banding was the port site and that was significant but localized to that one area. Good luck, Mimi

I wouldn't bother taking that stuff, you will be home soon enough because it is probably a short of 24 hour stay and you will most likely be on clear liquids. Mimi

Thanks, K, for the info and picture. I wasn't as fortunate as you and my stomach slipped my band 3 places and I may lose it, Since my unfill I have gained 25 pounds and am devastated. Don't stay overfilled, ppl. Mimi

At 2 yrs out I thought I was safe to drink some....NO WAY!!!! I was in agony because the bubbles couldn't go down or up and out!!! If you don't have much restriction and stir most of the bubbles out, you might be OK....I really miss Diet Coke a whole lot. Mimi

In my opinion Mederma is a waste of money. I was faithful in using it 3 times a day for 5 months and got no improvement...and it costs a fortune!!!! Mimi

Hang in there and do the best you can...at least you aren't suffering any more!! Mimi

Z, I am glad you are doing better since your unfill. Maybe in a month or so you can go back and get 0.2 fill and be OK. After all the suffering you went through, enjoy the holidays and try for moderation. I have followed your journey and have faith that you will do well. Mimi