Hello, my name is Audree. I was banded in January of 2007, so over 6 years ago. My surgery was done in Mexico by Dr. Ariel Ortiz. I am a self pay lower bmi bandster. I also have the Inamed 4cc band, low profile port. My highest weight before surgery was about 195. Prior to that after I had my daughters, my highest weight was 240. My lowest was about 160 and I am around 166. Its been a few years since I was able to go back to see him for a check up or fill, so I can eat with almost no restriction. The only exception to this is right before my cycle, if I am stressed or eat to fast.

I recently got married and have a new insurance. I was happy to find out that I could be seen here for check ups and fills by my new doctor in the States Dr. Phillippe Quilici in Burbank. I had my band checked and they said it was fine. I got a .5 fill which supposedly put me at 3.5 I thought they said. I felt very little restriction. So, I am going back this month on the 24th to get another fill. I am excited to use my band again after all this time and finally get down to my goal of 150. I am really looking for encouragement as a lower bmi bandster who is close to goal. I am about 16 pounds away from my all time goal. Then I know that maintaining it off will be the new goal. With little restriction I had to maintain and/or lose maintaining between 175-165 for the last few years. But I know the band still keeps me from eating as much as I could without it. There are days I don't feel as restricted, then there are days I can definitely feel it! I am doing a 5 day pouch reset currently on day 2 before I get my fill next week on Thursday.

I am super excited to get back on my journey!!!

Sounds like you have done very well over the years! Congrats on your hard work, dedication and success. I wish you much success getting back with your dr. and getting off those last few pounds!

Sounds like you have done very well over the years! Congrats on your hard work' date=' dedication and success. I wish you much success getting back with your dr. and getting off those last few pounds![/quote']

Thanks for your encouraging words Im really excited to finally cross the finish line to my goal!

You've done a great job! All those years without maintenance to you band, that is truly impressive. With a will like that I'm sure you will get to goal. Congrats on the new insurance. It's amazing the differences from one to the other.

Way to go finding a new doctor and getting the band checked out and now the fills to get you where you need to be. I love it that the band is adjustable. You are so ready to do this -- very happy for you! We have similar stats but you're much closer to goal. I am 5'6" and started at my all-time high of 250 and am now at 190. Feeling the pants loosen which is usually a sign I'm about to drop a little chunk. My goal is 148 -- I think. I actually have no idea what will feel right. But I'm sure happy to have this sixty pounds off! And now I'm an exerciser -- just back from my daily one-hour walk and can't believe how good I feel. Yippee!