MaireCA

Try getting a fill with fluoroscopy. They can better gauge the fill level because they can actually see the extent of the restriction. I made a mistake by getting a slight unfill/refill without fluoro and now I am not restricted enough. I have made an appointment for fluoro this time.

I was banded 4/11/08 and had my first fill 5/21 to 2.5cc of 4 cc band. I just an unfill, then a slight adjustment fill and now I am at 2.3. I have lost over 20 lbs so far.

I have a 4cc band and was at 2.5cc when I had the unfill. At first he took out .4 cc but then I went back a couple days later and added .2cc. So I am now at 2.3cc and it feels just about right. I have a good restriction with a good full feeling after a few ounces of food. No problems with liquids and no more choking on food. I am really glad I did the unfill. A complete unfill may be too drastic unless you have some complications. Perhaps, another slight unfill will make all the difference. Did you talk to your doctor about it?

Did you find out how much Dr. Husted charges for a fill? I just had one with a Dr. McKeen in San Jose and he charged $450 for the first visit and $350 for each thereafter. He is a great doctor, but it is difficult to afford him.

I appreciate the replies. It turns out it was definitely the band. I had an unfill earlier this week and what a difference it made! Almost immediately, I felt fine. I was able to drink the very same stuff that made me puke earlier. My doctor indicated that allergies or hormonal differences can also cause a temporary restriction. However, since my restriction was so bad, I had an unfill rather than try to wait it out any longer.

My stomach has been increasingly more sensitive. At first I was experiencing increased restriction where I couldn't even drink Water or hot tea in the AM without problems, but could eat in the afternoon. (Note my earlier post). Over the weekend, I thought I would go on clear liquid to soothe my stomach in case it was swollen. I tried Isopure, Vitamin water, and watered-down Protein shake, but felt nausea after sipping each of them. Beef broth was okay. Overall, my stomach feels awful. Has this happened to anyone? I thought this may be the flu, but I have no other flu-type symptoms. I will call the doctor tomorrow, but was looking for some insight in the meantime... Maire Banded 4/11/08 lost 20 lbs

Thanks! I was considering a slight unfill of .1 or .2 cc, but was holding off partly because of cost. Fills/unfills here cost $375 a pop! Is it possible that it will loosen up as I lose weight? - or is this just wishful thinking? I am losing about 2 lbs a week.

I received my first fill on 5/21/08. 2.5cc. I initially had a good restriction with a little more restriction in the morning than in the afternoon. I would drink some hot tea in the morning and it would seem to loosen everything up. Now, I can't even drink Water or hot tea in the AM without problems. Just a couple sips of water hurts. I am fine in the afternoon, but in the evening I am restricted again. Is this normal? Does the band get tighter over time? Maire Banded 4/11/08 lost 20 lbs