My 1st FILL HOLY SMOKES

Hey Gang, Got my first fill last night. It took Dr Garber 5 times to find the port. And the needle...holy smokes it was huge. He told me I had a small band 10 cc's and he used 2cc to fill. He asked me to drink a big glass of water to see if I could keep it down. You have to be kidding, just with the first sip I felt tightness in my chest. I could feel the sip of water fill the pouch and trickle down into the stomach. I honestly couldn't breath. I asked him if I could stand up and drink and he told me to go ahead walk around. Great, I thought while drinking the next 5 sips, I will have to stand and walk around while eating so that I can let this pass. Then Dr Holover came in and said this is way too restrictive and he took out .5cc....oh man what a difference. I noticed the difference immediately when I started sipping the water again. And I could fully breathe again. Then they hit me with the cost.....$250 a fill. I have heard of the initial fills lasting just a few days and then no restrictions. Well, I am here to say that I am directly speaking to the 1.5cc in my band.....You will do the trick you will stay restricted, you and I will become the best of friends because you are my nifty tool. You will help me stay satified and help me stay within my portion size. You are too expense for me to get you done every month. So, I declare at this time that you will work well for me and stay restricted for the next six months. By the way Everyone have a Fabulous Memorial Day Weekend. This is the start of Summer. I send wishes to all that read this that this summer be the best summer of your life. May all the fruits of your hard work bring you joy and happiness. May all your wishes come to life within these summer months. May health, friendship and laughter be with you each and every day. Lastly, may the sun warm your skin with extra blessings and may you lose another dress size per month... Hugs and love to all.....Susan

Susan, hello hun ~Hugs~ Glad it is all better now.. I guess from now on you will see Dr Holover or wth the band do you get to see the both of them? I have seen and talked to Dr Holover often when I go into the office and at the hospital and I really like him Thanks for all the great wishes hun and the same back to you! Debra P

Hi Susan! I honestly don't know what my fill schedule was, I am going to ask the Dr to write it down, next month. I do see the surgeon monthly. I am at 2.5 ccs now. I thought I was at 1.5-lol I also have the 10cm band-4cc capacity. But before this last fill, I had good restriction for awhile. I think I am just right now, although at times I wonder if I am too tight, but I have no reflux and can tolerate a little solid food at night so that's a good thing. You should be ok for awhile with the fill. They say give it 1-2 weeks before you know if you need another. You may find times where you are flying more on willpower than the fill. Those are the times I know I need another fill. Have a great weekend! Kristine

My band is 11 cc's and I'm up to a 6 cc fill and probably need one more to get to the sweet spot! I hope it works out for you? Good luck and HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY BACK AT YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kenny

Hi Susan, I just love the last line of your post, it is so sweet...esp. the dress size. Ha. Have a great weekend! Tavia

Hi Susan - from another Susan. I just had my 2nd fill yesterday and am now at 1.4cc in my 4cc band. Of course it's only been a day and I've been on a soft diet but I am really feeling encouraged. Seeing the difference that you reported going from 2cc to 1.5cc encourages me also. My first fill was 1cc and I noticed little difference. In the last week I definitely could eat anything (and went ahead and tried many things I shouldn't have). When the saline was removed it was .8cc so my surgeon said that some must have evaporated and he added back in 1.4cc. I love the way you talked to your band - you tell her Fills are $150 with my new surgeon (My former one is no longer there). Since I have no out of network benefits he was kind enough to tell me that he would reduce the fee since I would have to pay cash. I also loved your closing paragraph - enjoy your long weekend! Susie