We've gotten through (for most of us) the first month of being banded!!!:clap2: Since the other thread was getting so long I decided to start a new one here so we can continue our journey together........

Hope you're all having a good weekend!

Kirsten...thanks, this is a good idea.

I am leaving for my first fill in a few hours. I am feeling nervous...just the usual nuerotic stuff like 'what if my band slipped' what if I PB on the plane on my way home etc etc. I need to stop and breathe!

I will let you all know how it went! Thanks to those who have shared your first fill experience here...it is very helpful and reassuring.

Bye for now!

Bandiva...I'm sure it'll be fine!! I had to fly to get my first fill and everything went smoothly. Hopefully you have a day or two before you come back so if you need an unfill before you head home you can get one. But I doubt you'll need it!! Most first fills aren't that restrictive....

Good luck!!

Kirsten - great idea!

Bandiva - report back on how it goes after you're all done - my first fill is Thursday and I'm NERVOUS!!!

My fill is Feb. 9th and I can't wait.

Though, I went to Carrabbas last night and did excellent! Only two pieces of bread (couldn't resist, but didn't have 5+ pieces like normal), half the salad, 3/4 of one chicken breast and some zucchini. I was proud of myself.

I did have alcohol, though. I had some last weekend and then this weekend. Is there a reason we can't have alcohol beyond the breaking down of Vitamins and empty calories? I don't drink often (though it doesn't seem like it from this post, I really don't, it's my birthday) but once every few months I do like to go out and have a few. Do you think I'll be ok?

Maurdan,

I wouldn't worry about having alcohol once in a wihle...as you said, the reason most people tell you to stay away from it b/c of the empty calories, that's all. The only thing I've found is that since we're not supposed to drink when we eat....it makes it difficult to drink wine at dinner, etc....so I really don't drink as much as I used to b/c I can't!

I'm curious....are you going back to MX for your first fill or do you have someone locally you're following up with?

I'm having my first fill this Tuesday. Did anyone that has had a fill had problems with getting their pills down? I have been cutting mine up but I'm still afraid they'll get stuck.

Hi, December Bandsters! It's great to find the thread. Over the next few days I'll go back to the original posts to get to know you all a little better (and to do my ticker and stats!).

It's great to see the info on the fills...nice to know what to expect. I also didn't think about the pills. I've been swallowing whole for a couple of weeks but forgot I need to rethink that once I have a fill I'll be curious to hear what others have to say.

Finally, has anyone tried the newer body composition scales? I just saw them this weekend...in addition to body fat and weight, they report Water composition, muscle mass, and bone mass. I'm really just curious to track the water. I'm curious how well they work. Both were from Homedics...one marketed by them and the other by Tony Little through HSN. If you've tried it or have any information, I'd love to hear from you.

I'm curious....are you going back to MX for your first fill or do you have someone locally you're following up with?

I'd love to go back to Mexico, but financially it makes more sense for me to have my fill here. I used Fillcentersusa.com to find a fill doctor. However, Dr. Rumbaut's office also gave me a list of doctors who would do my fill. I went with fillcentersusa after reading about them here.

I need help? Do I need a fill? I am getting hungry after 2 hours of eating. I can eat way more than a cup of food but I do get stuck when I eat dense food such as chicken? Mushy food is not staying with me. What do yall think?

I need help? Do I need a fill? I am getting hungry after 2 hours of eating. I can eat way more than a cup of food but I do get stuck when I eat dense food such as chicken? Mushy food is not staying with me. What do yall think?

you were filled one day before me - and GOD AM I HUNGRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! mushies are not doing much for me either. but i get to start solid food this week! (YEH!) my doc does not do fills until 6 weeks out... so my first is scheduled for feb. 2nd... i can't wait..... have you scheduled one yet?

good luck and KNOW you are not alone............. others have joked with me that THIS period is known as "bandster hell" - as we are healed and CAN eat as much as we did before surgery, but cannot to keep the band effective. HARD STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!! keep me updated on how it's going for you!

I haven't had my first fill but my dr said we'll do the first one (this wed - yipee) and then I can have one every 2 weeks if I need to. So you might want to call your dr. You might be ready for another fill. I heard it said that the first one often gets absorbed by the band.

I had my first fill and I am convinced it has been absorbed into my body b/c I can eat way more than a 1/2 cup!! I am going to figure out this week when I can go back for a 2nd fill and I think this time I'm going to ask for it to be done under fluro so I can get as good of restriction as possible!!

OfferRocker....I take a small pill every day and haven't had problems with it EVER...even right after my surgery! Not sure how big your pill is, but I think as long as you take it w/a little Water, it should slide right down no problem!

SMJ...Welcome!! I actually just yesterday saw an ad for those scales somewhere...they look cool, but the scale I have now works just fine and I'm already obsessed enough as it is w/the number, I hate to think of what I'd be like if I had to think about how hydrated I am, how much fat I have, etc! LOL But I'm sure it's a good scale! If you get one...let us know!

BEXLEY....yep...sounds like you need a fill!!! Just remember the first one may not change things much so you still just have to try and live by the bandster rules regardless. Hang in there and let us know how it goes!

MAURDAN...Makes sense!! I was just curious about how many people who have the surgery in MX go back there for fills....I think I'd be going locally too.

Not much to report here other than I don't feel like I have much restriction!!! I need to schedule another fill ASAP before I start gaining weight....I have only 3 more pounds to lose before 2/28 to hit my first mini-goal.....I'm gonna do it!!!

Kirsten---thanks for your input about the pills. I’ll just keep splitting my pills and drink plenty of water. Or I’ll crush them up and put them in some sugar free pudding. (That suggestion came from a friend who worked in nursing home.)

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SMJ---Welcome and best of luck on your journey.

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Bexleygal---I agree, it sounds like you need a fill. I’ve found that drinking a lot of water when I start to get hungry (which is about 2 hours after I eat) can help a little bit. I’m in the same situation and am hoping that once I get my fill that hunger will go away for a while.

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<O:pStephanie--Good luck with your first fill. Mine is on Tuesday and I can't wait. :clap2: </O:p

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I called my doctor today and getting another fill tomorrow. I really hope this helps! Thanks everyone for the tips. I was able to eat nachos last night so I know I need a fill. I made them at home so they were healthy!

Hi December Divas -

Sounds like everybody is rockin' it. Isn't it amazing how we quickly adjust to our new way of eating? I am absolutely thrilled with my results and look forward to my fill on Thursday. I just ate 2 sausages and a string cheese. I WANT RESTRICTION!

So listen Mommas. I have a pile of clothes that I'd like to get rid of. I originally posted in the clothes swap thread, but the girl who said she wanted them has disappeared. They are primarily business clothes - size 26 and 28. I am 5'8" tall. Grey/black/khaki/navy colors, with some jackets, linen pieces, etc.

I sent a PM to siyah as she asked after the other girl, but I haven't heard back from her. If anyone wants them let me know, otherwise I'll repost on the Clothes Swap thread. Siyah, of course, has first dibs. But I thought I'd let you know they're available. If you want pictures, I can post some.

Trying to find the energy to exercise today. I'm beat. *Sigh*

Nathalie