Hi Pinenut,
I'm wondering how things have been going for you since your first fill. Care to share?
Thanks, Cherry

I haven't had a chance to look here in a few days, but since the first fill, I have had another.

I went in on the 18th and had an additional fill. It took a couple times but Audrey found the port. She didn't think there was as much fluid as was noted in my chart but guess I am now at about a 5. I am actually on my way to an appointment to have Jessie take a look.

I wil post more on my return! Thanks for asking! (I think m kyboar eeds atteries!)

After my first fill things were not that different. I had some restriction for about a week and then it seemed to be gone. Could eat pretty much anything. SO I called and got on the cancellation list for another fill. I ended up getting an appointment on the 18th and headed up there. It was a ghastly day and it took me an hour and a half to get up there from Tacoma and two and a half to get back. Needless to say, I was at work til 7 pm!
I was feeling ok, and got a kids chicken meal at JITB thinking that I was starving. I managed to eat one of the strips. Thats it. One. It was enough, but in my mind I wanted more to eat. I had the rest at dinner time after work, but the real problem came when I took my pill at night. It is pretty big and it got STUCK. Cold chills, sweating, sitting on the potty. I had it all. I did NOT want to throw up and didn't feel I could take the anti nausea since I was pretty much blocked. THat lasted about 2 hours of yuck. I finally accomplished the mind over matter and went to sleep. When I called the office in the morning they pretty much confirmed that that is what happened. I was told that there is someone on call 24 hours and to always call if you feel something is wrong, and that sometimes, the only way through it is to bring it up. THey suggested drinking hot water to help it disolve quicker or split the pill or try taking them with hot water all together.
I have managed to get by the pill thing and just try to relax and take it. I will go back to the 2-50mg pills next week when I have insurance again. YEAH!
SO I kept my appointment that I had for the 24th in case I needed to have an unfill or just needed some counseling. I tried to plan better during the week, but with TOM looming, I was STARVING on Tuesday and couldn't seem to get full. I tried to make better choices and got some chili and then some chicken salad rather than go for the cookie and chips. I was better on Wed. and then decided to make the trip to Everett on Thursday after all. I was concerned that I maybe had a leak since Audrey thought I was reading about 5.2 after she added 2cc's. It all didn't quite add up.
I went up there and told Jessie what was going on and my concerns and we decided to have her try to pull what she could out and get a better measurement. She also added 2 more cc's, so by her measurements, I am now at 6 cc's after my third fill.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE is an understatement. This must be what restriction is about. I have to concentrate hard on chewing. And my staple of tortilla does not pass well. I was even ok with dark bread, but I don't think that will be an option now. It is amazing what can fill you up. I still am having some liquid calories, but have made an effort to find the Tropicana SF lemonade vs the Minute Maid light. ONly 5 cals in the Tropicana and I actually prefer the taste. I have been sticking more steadfast to the protein and veg rules and had gone down 6 lb since my 2nd fill the week before. I am at a total loss of 27 lb and am feeling good about myself. I am setting a new goal of an additional 40 lb down by Christmas. That would be fantastic!

Now that you have read my novel, you will have to respond back with your status. Were you at the meeting earlier this month? I am planning on attending the St. Joseph meeting on the 1st Mon. in August.

Thanks for the update, Pinenut. My first fill will be August 16 and I am looking forward to it. Right now, I can pretty much tolerate anything - or at least the stuff I have tried. I've had a couple of really unpleasant "overly full" feelings after eating too much but no pb, sliming, etc. I'm still trying to eat soft(er) foods and I haven't tried steak or anything like that. Unfortunately, my weight has been holding steady for the last three weeks. I have been increasing my exercise and I definitely feel better, so that is a plus. But I'm hoping to see some pounds drop when I finally get the fill. I'm really worried that I won't be able to get all the water down once I am restricted though. I know the water goes right through but if the pouch is filled with food from a meal, doesn't that cause a problem? I'm having trouble getting all the water in now, let alone later.

I'm sorry to hear about your scary time with being "stuck" but I'm glad to hear that you are getting some restriction now after the second fill. Please keep us posted on how it goes! I won't be at the St. Joe's meeting but I will be at the NWWLS meeting on August 16th.