Well, today was a huge experience for me...

First of all I DROVE into Toronto all by myself and I am SO happy that I was able to do it. I took a leisurley route and did just great.. Got to the clinic 2 hours early but that's o.k. I had lots of time to relax.

The seminar was very informative...( we sure were a questioning bunch) but took longer than I had thought..

I was 2nd to last in getting my fill ( then I had to sit there and "sip" my Water bottle.

That first "SIP" is really the hardest.. can't even begin to discribe the queer feeling that you get when you think 'water' will not even go down.

BUT, it did I just took REALLY small sips (teaspoon) and then it got progressively better and easier...

My drive home went well and I just finished 1/2 cup of beef consumme... it was WARmed so it went down easily too.

Whew, glad that today is done.

Grateful

Hi: The fill nurse is very experienced and will tell you what the first/2nd/3rd fill will be. However, not everyone has the same restriction when the band is first inserted. For me, I live in BC and I had restriction right from the start, if it ate more than 1 and 1/2 cup, I would PB so when I flew to Toronto, the fill nurse put in four ccs which I found was tight so she took out 1 cc again it was too tight so she took out 1 cc more. I flew back to BC with 2 ccs. The doctor out here has since put in a single cc twice to give me a total of 5 ccs. The point I am trying to make is everyone is different and it is better to go slowly in your fills than to be overfilled the first few times. Talking to long time banders they all say they have the most success with a looser fill than a tight one. Doddie

I totally agree with you Doddie63. Do not rush on having fills. Be patient because the band can be very finicky.

Loriely how are you doing? Have you had your tests done yet? How are you feeling? I missed you at the luncheon on Sunday.

Yes i had my test done. The band is fine . I had a polyp on colon so had that removed and the dr is checking it. I go back for a follow up on Oct 2. Dr said the pain is from my fibroid tumors so he is going to refer me to gyno dr. Dr. Yau is very good. I work straight week end now so i don't get off work til 12 oclock. I don't drive to T.o Hopefully there will be a lunch a little closer to me and maybe i would go a little later.

There must be a restaurant in Trenton - maybe I could check to see if NancyC would like to come with me and meet up with you there some Sunday afternoon. We'll work on that!

Cindy

Even Cobourg or Port hope .It is only 20 min drive.Thanks Cindy i would like that. Maybe dh would go too as he is a bandster too.

WEll its a week now and I can finally eat 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of food at a meal.

ALSO, I can finally swallow all my meds. I've had to do without for a week, as the suckers would just not stay down... PB'ing my pills.

I can open my Antidepressant and sprinkle it on food, but my other pill(s) are hard little devils that are enteric coated to dissolve in the gut. They were the problem. It is available in liquid and I tryed that post op in July, when I was on straight liquids for 3 weeks but OMG the taste is unbearable and very 'burning' going down my esophagus.. I hated it.

So in future I guess I'll know that for 5 or 6 days after a fill adj. I'll just not be able to swallow the pills and hopefully it won't pose any long term issue.

I am booked next Wed 26th for a 3rd fill... but i think I'll just ask for a 'wee' one not a whole cc...

Hi: Just think if all goes well, you won't need those nasty pills. Yesterday, I was taken off my 2nd BP pill now I am down to one. With weight loss and exercise I am inching towards not having to take any BP pills. Can't wait, hope the same comes true for you. Doddie

Cindy D and Loriely

I would be happy to meet you in Port Hope for a Sunday lunch if that works for you. I am in Ajax and it is no big deal for me. Looking forward to it.

Hi: Just think if all goes well, you won't need those nasty pills. Yesterday, I was taken off my 2nd BP pill now I am down to one. With weight loss and exercise I am inching towards not having to take any BP pills. Can't wait, hope the same comes true for you. Doddie

Oh I am glad that you were able to Cut down on your BP medication. That is awesome!

Unfortunately the med I was referring to is for my BiPolar disorder so I have to take it for life... or at least as long as I have a brain ha,ha,ha...

That would be great Cindy D and Donna D and anyone else. Just pick a Sunday.

How about Sunday the 28th of October. I haven't a clue what they have in the town of Port Hope but I will try to google it and see.

Sounds like a great plan and I'll mark it in my calander. Just let me know where.

Had my first fill today....

Cindy

You won't know how you feel until at least tomorrow. Start your day with something warm to ease you into it.

Thanks Donna - coffee should be a great test - I ate carefully but well tonight.

Cindy