Alana

Not to sound like a Debbie Downer, but are you really supposed to be drinking this soon after surgery? If we aren't supposed to have anything carbonated for 6 months, why is alcohol ok? I know the effects aren't the same as carbonated drinks, but I can't imagine that they're any less serious.

I want to do the 21 days straight so that hopefully, by the end of those 21 days, it will be easy as pie (low cal, sugar free pie) for me to go. Then, once I've established the gym into my normal routine, I'll shorten it to 3-5 times a week

Hi Erin! I believe it's 3 weeks for cardio - I would wait longer for anything aerobic or any abdominal work. Walking is ok, but don't wear yourself out. Swimming is good after 3 weeks, too.

I received a book about weight loss surgery from Fill Centers when I had my first fill. (I don't have the title off hand, it's at home) It mentioned something that really stuck with me and I thought I'd share. It said it takes 21 days to make something a habit. 21 days is not a long time, people! that's only 3 weeks. think about all the GOOD habits you could learn by doing them for just 21 days. (Granted, everyone is different and it make take certain people less or more time). I think I'm going to start my first habit with the gym. I never minded working out, it was GETTING to the gym that was my problem. On Thursday, I get paid and I'm going to take advantage of Gold's Gym $14.99 month to month program and start a 21 day challenge. I will go to the gym EVERY DAY for 21 days, even if it's just for a half hour to walk on the treadmill. Hopefully this works!!

Thanks, ladies!

I had my first fill on Saturday and although it was only 1.6 cc's, I think I felt a little restriction tonight! For my boyfriend and I, I made lemon chicken with veggies and brown rice. I ate mine on a small side plate and couldn't even finish it the small amount on my plate. Before being banded, I could eat a full plate and go back for more rice. I ate my chicken first, veggies second, and rice last. It wasn't A LOT of restriction, but enough to tell myself to STOP EATING. YAY!

That's odd - I kept my phone on because I could receive and send texts (no calls, though) and I wasn't charged anything extra. I have Verizon and I made sure to check my statement from that time. I haven't heard good things about Sprint - sorry you had to deal with that!

Careful with the apple juice!! Even though it tasted wonderful during the liquid diet, it gave me diarrhea like no one's business. :bad: Once I stopped drinking it, it went away. Just keep it to a minimum.

To be honest, as much as I liked the actual OCC facility, travelling there is just SOOOOOO inconvenient. It's an entire day of flying, travelling into TJ and then back. Even if I could have saved money by going there, nothing beat only spending about 30 min at the Moultrie location (which is really nice, by the way) and then driving the 45 minutes to my house where I could completely relax instead of getting on a plane for almost 4 1/2 hours. The stress of all the travelling just isn't worth it to me. I will probably be back in August for my 2nd fill. I feel like I have some restriction now, but I don't normally feel it unless I'm drinking water. Only then can I feel the water go down, kinda sit there for a moment, and then gurgle down completely. It's a pretty good feeling, but I wish I felt it more when I am eating.

I had my surgery on 5/09 The needle didn't hurt to where I was uncomfortable, but it is still a needle! I'd say this hurt more than getting a shot, but less than getting blood taken - if that makes sense, lol. When she pulled it out, I was shocked at the length, but I understand that have to go kinda deep to access the port. Sher, what time were you there? My appt was at 10:40. Maybe we can coordinate our next fill to go together! I live in Tallahassee, FL. You?

Well, I got my first fill today at the Fill Center in Moultrie. The visit didn't start off very well because for some reason (either I didn't pay attention or my Fill Center rep didn't explain it), but I didn't realize I had to pay for the fluoro THERE. I thought it was all going to go through at once when they charged my mom's card (she paid for my first fill as an early birthday present). I just paid my credit card off and my rent check was taken out, so it was tough having to part with the $200 today when I wasn't expecting it. The nurse that did it also made sort of a snide comment that I didn't think was neccessary when I griped about the $200 to my boyfriend. "Well it's not like I'm going to just give it to you for free". Oh well.. The needle did hurt a bit, but not as bad as I thought. It was kind of cool to watch on the fluoro machine. I ended up getting 1.6 cc's - I was hoping for more than that so I wouldn't have to come back so soon, but I trust that it was the right amount. I hope I won't be returning as quickly as I've seen some people on here. It's too expensive! As a side note, the fill nurse said she thought I could get down to about 120 lbs! I've never thought about that number in my life. Ever. I plan to get a breast reduction eventually, so I know that'll help with my weight loss, but wow. 120. I hope it's attainable! I gained some of the weight back since I started eating solids and was at 226 today. That would make it 106lbs to lose. That's a scary number to think of, but I think if you break it down into smaller goals, that makes it easier. From now on, I'm going to look at it as ten 10lb groups. Every 10 lbs I lose, I'll treat myself to something. Hope everyone's weekend is doing well!

I visited my gynocologist about a month before my surgery ( he was thinking I had PCOS, which I don't, thank god) and he asked me if I had ever considered having a breast reduction. I'm only 4'10 and I have a 42DD (down from a 44DD at start of surgery!). I said yes and that my insurance would approve it if I lost 70lbs. I told him that I was getting the lapband to lose weight and that I'd eventually get my breast reduction and he was extremely supportive. he said he had heard about the lapband as a "fix" for certain fertility issues caused by obesity (much like how it's a "fix" for type II diabetes). I haven't told my GP yet, but I plan to the next time I'm there. *I'd like to say that I do not believe the lapband is a "fix" or "cure" for obesity unless you work hard, eat right, and exercise! Didn't want there to be any confusion there.

LoL, you're so funny, Will!

That's funny, since they're not selling any tomatoes here in Florida! I see signs everyone here "No Tomatoes"

Hi Angela, I think it took me about a good 2 weeks for the bloated/gassy feeling to completely go away. I'll be 5 weeks post op on Friday and I honestly don't feel like I had anything done to me (surgery wise). I feel great! I know it sucks, but this time will pass, I promise!

Honestly, I'm glad my surgery was done the day after I arrived. Even though I fasted and was starving by the time we got back to the hotel, I was glad I had that night to relax, spend time with my mom, have a yummy last meal, etc. Granted, I could have done all those things (except for the eating) after my surgery, I just felt more rested and mentally prepared for my surgery the next day. I was exhausted after travelling from Florida and I couldn't imagine having surgery after all that travel. It's up to you, but that's my vote!

According to Fill Centers USA, Darlene (the fill nurse) ONLY does it with fluoro - don't have a choice in the matter. I'd prefer for it to be used, anyways.

Anyone else going to be there then? My appointment with Darlene is at 10:40. I was surprised at how expensive it is! $549 for the first fill....thank goodness for my stimulus check!

I have no idea if this will work for you, but I always felt better after having a fat free fudgsicle - whenever I felt nauseous or weak or hungry, it always worked for me. I'm probably just weird, though. Hope you feel better!

Hi Jena, I live in Tallahassee, FL - just minutes from the GA border. I definitely cannot afford to fly back out to SD - with the flight fees, transportation fees, and the inconvenience of the long travel, it's just not a good option for me. I also wouldn't want to wait 3 months for my 1st fill - I was banded on May 9th. If it doesn't work out with me going to Moultrie, I'll go to the center in Tampa - I have family there so I can stay for free and visit with family members. Hope yours goes well!

Thanks! I will contact them tomorrow morning.

whew - I will contact her to see if she's ok with it - how did you guys contact her?

So I just found out from the amazing Blazn (hey, that rhymes!) that the woman that did her fill will be in Moultrie (the closest fill center to me) on June 14th and that she's only there once every 2 months. June 14th would put me at 5 weeks post op - is that too soon? Blazn really enjoyed having her do her fill and I feel more comfortable going to someone that has filled someone I know. Otherwise, I'll have to drive down to Tampa, which isn't bad, just much further. Did anyone else get their 1st fill that early?

I wonder if that date would work for me. That would put me at 5 weeks post op. Is that too soon? How did you contact her?

Hey Blazn, So she does the fills for Moultrie, too? That's probably where I'll end up going - not too far from Tallahassee. Glad you had a good experience!