juliegeraci

On Friday Oprah will host a show about WLS and cross addiction ie. alcohol, sex, shopping. Should be a good show.

I would ask your doctor how many ccs your band takes. Let me tell you though that it took me 5 fills to get good restriction. You are just at the starting point so it doesn't surprise me. I would call and ask how long you need to wait in between fills. My doctor does fills every 2 weeks. Sounds like you need another one. Good luck.

I remember that I couldn't sleep on my side a week or 2. As far as the chills go I would ask your doctor.

I agree with Wheetsin. In my opinion it comes down to whether or not you are losing. If you can eat 1 cup of food and still lose you are lucky and shouldn't get a fill. If not, then you should get a fill. Just be prepared to only consume 1/2 to 3/4 cup after a good fill. Make sure you get plenty of protein. Protein shakes are vital for me as they give me 30 grams a day. I hope this helps you. Good luck.

As a side note, I eat everything just smaller portions. You should be able to enjoy all your favorite things.

Does anyone have a fill doctor in Northern CA who takes insurance? I have UHC and my doctor isn't on the plan. I live in Gilroy so anything within 40-60 miles would work. Thanks!

yes for sure. Most bandsters eat 800-1000k calories a day.

What you are going through is normal. I had a complete breakdown before surgery thinking to myself "what a pig, I can't believe I've done this to myself". Band surgery is fairly easy. Just take it easy the first week and make sure you follow the post op diet. Good luck!

Scruffy, congrats on getting banded. You will love it! Happy New Years.

Littlelove, congrats on your restriction. You will have to see how you do with alcohol caloriew. In my case, since I have 2 drinks a day I typically maintain. Good luck.

Kittee, you are doing great. Keep up the good work!

Could be that it is time for a fill. You can usually have one at 6 weeks. Good luck.

Lori, you are doing fabulous. It took me over a year to lose 65 lbs so you are doing great. Keep up the good work!

Good for you. Isn't it wonderful to see the difference in your face! Good job!

Very common to eat a cup of food when you don't have a fill. You are not stretching your pouch.

When you are originally banded now is the time to heal. The weight loss really starts when you start to get fills. I would go on amazon.com and search there for a good book.

Kim, it is all about restriction girl. Some people can eat 1 cup and lose. In my case it is more like 1/2 cup. I always start my day with a protein drink with 30 grams of protein to help. Keep going back for fills until you feel good restriction. Make sure you can still eat solids though.

Melanie, quick question for you? How is your restriction? Do you think you need a fill since you have lost 30 lbs?

Does anyone have a fill doctor in Northern CA that takes insurance? I was banded by Dr. Mckeen in San Jose last year and I have UHC. They covered my surgery because he was a specialist but will not cover fills. Does anyone have a recommendation?

Edeva, I would love a new lapband buddy. I've been banded since June of 06 by Dr. McKeen in San Jose. Does your doctor take insurance? Mine doesn't so my fills are $200 out of pocket! I live in Gilroy. Where do you live? I am a slow loser at 65 lbs for 1.5 years. I am down from a size 24 to an 18. My goal is 1 more size. How are you doing?

Laura, I have to be honest with you. While allergy tests do show the foods you eat can cause imflammation in my experience is is pure metabolism, food consumption and exercise. I went through the same thing 3 years ago. I am allergic to everything. I gave up carbs and lots 30 lbs on my own before being banded. Since I've been banded I have lost 65 lbs eating all the foods I am allergic to. I just don't buy into the idea that foods make you gain weight. It is calories in and calories out. She may be one of those that has to only consume 800-1k calories like a bandster. Should be interesting how she does if she eliminates those foods. For me, it didn't work. Keep me posted. Julie

I have to pay $200 out of pocket for my fills. I need to fight UHC. My doctor is not in network but I believe if there is no specialist with 30 or 60 miles of where you live you can fight them to pay. Has anyone else ever been through this. What did you have to do to have them pay for fills?

Rhonda, I can't live without my protein drink! I eat so little during the day that the 30 grams really helps me with my intake. Other than that, I always eat solid protein during the day. Cheese, chicken, fish, etc.

I would give it to this Thursday and call for a fill.

Karen, aren't NSVs the best! Congrats. Keep up the good work.