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"Fills" are when you go to the doc and have them put more saline in your band. Bands will hold up to 10cc or 14cc of fluid. The more saline you have, the more restriction. When you have the surgery, the doc might put in a couple cc's of fluid, depending on the surgeon. So you have to go back every few weeks and get some added. I've had 6 fills, and have 7.3cc. It took me 5 fills to get good restriction. Most docs give you 6 months to a year of free fills.

It's still early, don't worry yet! Happens to us all, the beginning is hard. Which is why it's referred to as Bandster Hell! lol

My aunt also had the surgery, and she's 52 yrs young. She also didn't have major health issues, but she did have joint pain and arthritis. And yes, as you get older it's harder to lose. She's 30lbs down and already says she feels so much better, whether it's playing with grandkids or just walking up and down her stairs. It is a very personal decision for everyone, and if it's not for you, then it's not. No doc should pressure you. But don't think you're too old! If your weight doesn't bother you, then don't. But if you think being lighter would improve your life at all it might be something to think about. You do have another 30-40 yrs ahead you! ha Good luck with whatever you decide!

I was freaking out too! When I had my first consultation with my surgeon, they scheduled my surgery for 2wks later and put me on liquids that day, I was not expecting that! After about a week I cried to my husband about missing food, and how I could never have anything good anymore and I didn't get to have "one last day" of stuffing my face because I was put on liquids so soon. I was very upset, as sad as it sounds. But I got over that very quickly after the surgery. I can still have my fav foods, just in moderation. And I actually don't crave the "yummy stuff" like I thought I would. Your husband will understand, once he gets his band, there is a change in your thinking and you want to do the best you can with your band! You can put down more than a few bites, he will be satisfied! And what is the 10-10-10 thing you talked about?

I've never had anything come up, food or water. When I didn't have good restriction in the very beginning, I could drink and eat with no problem. But I stopped doing that. Now I have good restrictiona and it's painful if I have a drink. I have to wait at least 30 min after eating. But sometimes if I'm eating something really HOT I have to sip sometimes! lol

I take my pills no problemo. Just one at a time. If they are too big, I cut in half.

Maybe you need a fill? I think there are many people on here that would understand what you're going thru. And congrats on the weight loss! Last week I was making some bad choices, I even had chicken strips and a couple hot fudge sundaes (my weakness)! But this week I'm back on track. I had a fill yesterday, and when I have good restriction, I just can't cheat. Some things that help me with snacking and the sweets I love are the 100 calorie snack packs, weight watchers ice cream (in individual servings), and I don't keep bad food in my house. I absolutely do not buy that stuff at the grocery store. Cuz I know if I'm craving some chocolate at 11pm I'm more likely to go to my pantry than get out and drive somewhere to get it. Just know you're not alone. Sounds like you've done great so far, and I know it's taken alot of hard work on your part. Keep your chin up!

I think the hiccuping and burping just come with it. I get aweful hiccups almost every meal. And my hubby makes fun of me cuz I burp more than he does! But it does sound like you may be a little too tight.

I had a feeling that was the problem!! At least you know you're not crazy! lol. Good luck with it and I hope whatever it is gets fixed.

Thats how my fills go too. I have to sit up and drink water. But they don't fill it all the way then take out. They add little by little until I feel the water going down slower. Congrats on your weight loss!

I told my boss, who was the owner and the only person who really needed to know, lol. Because I was out for a week. The rest of my coworkers, I just told them I was going out of town and wouldn't be in, I said I was taking vacation time. Which was somewhat true. I tried to keep it vague so they wouldnt' ask too many questions, lol. Do whatever feels right for you.

Are they part of your post op diet? My hubby had gotten me the wrong ones too, and I ate them anyway. Me personally, I didn't eat as many as I thought I would. I didn't feel good and they got old after a while, lol.

Question, why did you wait so long for a fill? But yes, I was able to eat normally after a fill up until my 5th one. I didn't have restriction until then. My doc had me wait 24hrs before eating solid food tho after a fill.

i can eat bread, just not as much at one time. if i have a burger, i take the top bun off. and YES, i eat burgers from time to time! sue me, lol. or if i have a small roll or muffin, i take small bites. i had pizza for the first time last week. and it was harder to get down, so don't think i'll try it again!

My last fill was about 2 1/2 weeks ago, now I"m at 7.2cc. And I knew immediately. I definitely CANNOT eat like I used to. My first meal after that fill was 1 egg and 2 pieces of turkey bacon. And I was FULL. It's a different kind of full. I don't feel it in the bottom of my stomach. But I feel fullness and a little bit of pressure in my chest, like "whoa, stop, can't do anymore". Kinda makes it uncomfortable to continue eating after a bit, so I know better and stop. Before this fill, I felt minor restriction, but could still probably eat what I wanted. Not now!

I'm so sorry you don't have restriction!! I didn't have any until I got up to 7.2cc. I would definitely talk to your surgeon and see what is going on. Maybe (God forbid) you have a leak and you don't have as many cc's as you think you do? Or maybe they wrote down your cc's wrong? This happened to me the last time I went for a fill. They thought I had 7cc's and I was complaining of no restriction. Turns out I only had 6 something cc's in my band. Doesn't sound like much, but it made a huge difference. The nurse thinks the cc's were written down wrong, but I'm going to my surgeon on the 30th to check for a leak. They said if I do have a leak it's small and won't require surgery. I hope you can figure this out and it works out for you!!! Good luck

I liked his office because they move fast! I was self pay and they scheduled my surgery in 2wks. Dr. Veninga is a little "different", lol. I thought he was odd, but he seemed very smart and he did a great job on my surgery. The nurses and the physician's assistant are all awesome. I think you'll like it!

Hey, that's my doc too!

Ahhh.... when I lose all my weight I want to.... 1. Cut my hair. Being fat causes insecurity, and everyone compliments me on my hair, so it's my security blanket. 2. Not have to suck it in all the time!! Breathe!! haha 3. Go on vacations and not be restricted due to my weight! Example: In Vegas I couldn't keep up with my friends on the strip, the walking was too much and my feet and knees were killing me. In Cancun, I wouldn't go scuba diving cuz I didn't want to be seen in bathing suit... you get the idea. 4. Do & think about ANYTHING other than my weight! It has consumed my life for too long, and I cannot wait to have that monkey off my back and enjoy living!

Amen Jackie, I would go into debt a million times over to be healthy and feel better about myself. If I could watch what I eat and had the motivation to excercise I would have done it ten years ago... some people need the band and will do anything and pay any price to make their lives better. Good luck to everyone!!

I know how you feel!! I just got restriction 3 days ago and it's awesome! Now I know what this whole band thing is all about! haha. I was stuck too at like 18lbs, now I've almost lost 30 and I'm so excited. Good luck to you!

My nurse actually recommended flintstones chewables twice a day. That's what I take

Yeah, I think I got mine at walmart, I know it had her picture on it. I love it, I'm getting another.

I love the cacique bras! But since surgery the underwire bothers me and my incisions. Not comfy. So I found a great bra, I think it's Queen Latifah's line, no underwire and the support is amazing! I was very suprised.

Can you not switch hospitals and surgeon?? That price seems aweful high! Sorry to hear your bad news!