NaNa

1. Does the doctor discuss your opinion regarding amount of the fill? If I want less restriction as I feel I am doing well is this considered? Yes, this is part of your aftercare, your surgeon will talk to you about how you are feeling, your hungry and how much weight you are losing. FILLS ARE NOT AUTOMATIC, AND THEY NEVER SHOULD BE. Fills SHOULD ONLY BE GIVEN IF YOU NEED THEM. If you are losing well without a fill, you SHOULD NOT GET ONE. If you already have some restriction from surgery and your appetite is dimmed, and you are losing weight, you should NOT get a fill. Getting a fill when you don't need one can create unnecessary issues, and complications. You will KNOW when it's time, your hunger will increase and you will began struggling with losing weight. 2. Does the process hurt? Typically if the fill is done properly, a fill only takes less than 1 minute, some people do report the surgeon/ or fill giver having trouble accessing their port, but most people who have skilled fill givers don't have any issues. I have not had many issues with fills in over 8 years. Do they put you out? NO. 3. After the fill how long before you know if its too tight ? It depends on the person and what is going on in their body, some people feel it right away, but for many others, it can take up to 2 to 3 weeks before your fill adjustment settles in, this is ONE REASON to wait about 4-6 weeks between fills, to keep from piggy back on a fill if it gets too tight. 4. Do most people feel ill after their fill? NO

Yep, as the others mentioned you are stuck, and a stuck episode can be very painful and last for HOURS. Please remember the more saline you get in your band, you will have to adjust what you eat, if grilled chicken worked at a previous fill level, it may not work with next fill adjustment. When I am in the green zone, I cannot eat grille chicken, I agree with the above poster, I have to get creative, eat dark moist chicken with lots of sauce, it's the price you pay for restriction. You do want to avoid getting stuck often, it can cause band issues -- long term

Yes, it's true for men and women..LOL...the smaller you get, the more private parts you see, that you really never knew you had...

Mis73 is right, many people here want sunshine and roses blown up their butt, and NOT THE TRUTH. If the truth "stings" this is probably not the place you should post, no one here can diagnose your symtoms, we can ONLY TELL YOU ABOUT EXPERIENCES WE'VE HAD, or seen others have , or studies we've read. There was a post recently about someone reporting "night time coughing and reflux" I told the poster THE TRUTH based on what I've experienced and what I've seen so many others lose their bands over. And guess what? I was told I was "scaring the newbies"...for crying out loud.... I am over 8 years post op, I don't have to post here either, or share my wisdom, but as I've seen the band has a VERY HIGH complication rate, most of it preventable, I feel sometimes "SOME" newbies would "LIKE" to hear the TRUTH, about the lap band, I am sure...SOME may not want to hear it from ME, but many do. Many surgeons don't know any signs of danger with the band, they don't live with it, WE DO, so we can only advise you of dangers of what we've seen, but our ADVICE SHOULD ALWAYS be take with a grain of salt, since we are NOT MEDICAL professionals....anything that's related to your port, port pain, incisions, frequent vomiting SHOULD ALWAYS REQUIRE PROMPT ATTENTION FROM YOUR SURGEON...YOU CAN'T GO CHEAP by querying this board on your lap band health. Also, many people don't even want to hear the TRUTH from their surgeon either, they'd rather ask a ridiculous question here about breaking fill rules with their bands -- and see if it'll fly...LOL. Now back to my vacation at the beach.

I think you have a point here, lap band "problems" are mainly due to not having restriction, bad aftercare, can't afford fills, being unfilled from being too tight etc...MANY PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT THE BAND that is a FACT....for being annoying if things aren't right. However, what I found and by those with the Sleeve, that have ISSUES just deal with it, or have their GI docs to deal with all of their reflux issues and heartburn and nausea...and honestly after someone gets the Sleeve they really don't have to deal with their surgeon any longer...Surgeons are cutters... However, they have to constantly "DEAL" with long term lap banders and their "reflux issues" because when the band is damaged --ONLY the lap band surgeon can treat and manage reflux by either unfilling the band, or surgically fixing the pouch or a revision surgery... There ARE MANY Sleevers that have reflux issues...MANY...in fact surgeons suggest those who have issues with refux from the band are advised to NOT get the Sleeve, the Bypass is recommended if they are considering a revision from the Band. I have a few Sleeve friends that told me that don't have any reflux or dumping syndrome...but some say they get this the further out they get... The biggest complaint that I see with my friends that revise from Band to Sleeve is that you have re-learn the restriction and they have tighter restriction with the band than the Sleeve...however they also say they can eat better with the Sleeve -- but ALMOST ALL say they still get hungry.... I am not too quick to do the Sleeve because my older sister had the stomach stapling surgery 20 years ago. (SIMILAR TO THE SLEEVE) restrictive only..she's never really been hospitalized or had any dangerous life threatening complications, -- HOWEVER, I've seen her suffer from stomach pain EVERY SINGLE DAY for many years, not enough for hosptiization, but enough to be annoying and she vomits often, and she fears those staples will cause some issue eventually, which that had --she had a revision surgery 8 years ago..but still did not lose enough weight... Also she still have a "little" restriction, but not enough for weight loss and she gained all her weight back years ago..and if she wants to lose weight she has to diet and exercise because there is nothing she can do at this point. That's my fear with the Sleeve, after about 2-3 years, the Sleeve stomach WILL STRETCH double it's size in capacity and you really can't do anything after the Sleeve stretch but revise to the Bypass or DS or get reSleeved which I hear is very dangerous since many don't have enough stomach left to do anything, but the stomach will stretch too much for it to help with weight loss. I guess it's a personal decision on which direction someone takes...NO weight loss surgery is perfect...BELIEVE ME...I wanted to revise to the SLeeve...even tho I did not want to get my stomach removed...but I really did not see a benefit and I DO NOT want dumping syndrome the rest of my life...to each his own.

I don't think 140 pounds is too small for your height, my niece is 5'0 and has never been over 125 pounds in the 40 years I've known her and she is far from skinny. I am 5'7 and 140 would look dangerously too thin for me, for my build and bone structure... Honestly, it's always better to get below goal "if possible", because LONG TERM -- it may not always be this easy to maintain your weight loss like this, and it may come a time where you'd wish you wre back at 140, trust me on this one. Good luck and enjoy it, you look great!!!

Sharpie, you are like me...I did not want to deal with the unpleasant side effects of the Sleeve, I forgot to add dumping syndrome....that is one of the reasons Sleevers tend to do a little bit better in losing quickly, because the friends that I've spoke too told me they get sick as a dog if they eat even a small piece of cake or candy.... The thing I like about my band at 8 years, I can have my cake and eat it too.. .LOL and two bites of cake...honestly will stuff me at my current restriction level and I have no sickness I get to enjoy my sweets without gut wrenching nausea and dumping syndrome... My birthday and Band anniversary was yesterday and I enjoyed my Birthday cake...and got satisfied on only two bites...LOL And weirdly enough...surgeons don't put emphasis on Sleeve dumping like they do Bypass dumping...I think Bypass dumping is a bit more severe...I've had Friends to pass out at Bars, their job, and social events from dumping syndrome and it's nothing to play with.

Funny how everyone is different and have different experiences, I had dissolve-able stitches..that did not require removing and the sterilized steri strips fell off on their own. Also I did not have to see my surgeon until 4 weeks post op. If you feel great, congrats!! For MOST people the next step is to wait until 4-6 weeks post op for their band and port to heal to start the fill process if you need one. Good luck!

Congrats to you!! May you have many more successful band years!! I was 8 years yesterday...forgot to post about...haha...

That must be very heartbreaking, sending you warm vibes.

Congrats!! Keep working that band.

Congrats!!

In this case -- if you are willing to go the Sleeve route, it's probably better since the band has not worked out for you. If your band has slipped/eroded then it's medically necessary and you should be able to fight it, even with a low BMI. Good luck

I am 8 years post op, and I would say I've experienced a "tighter" band while in flight sometimes, and it also depended on how "tight" my band was and what was going on with me personally. I would say it's not FACT OR MYTH, but it depends on that individual person. I fly a LOT with my husband and I've only experienced a tighter band when my band was on the "tight side" or if I had some allergies or congestion, but other than those few rare times that my band was very tight, I never have any issues while flying. I agree with the above poster, I would never get a fill right before vacation or right before a long trip when you may not have access to your surgeon, the band CAN tighten up after a fill without notice. Also Allergan the manufacturer suggest to people if they are going to be out of the country for long periods of time, they suggest to remove a little Fluid from the band to prevent any obstruction or any swelling.

If you fear a revision with the lap band, I would suggest -- DON'T GET ONE. There are NO guarantees, if anyone tells you that you will get the lap band and be revision "free" forever are not being realistic or honest. Most lap band issues, are not serious, just annoying if they happen and sometimes can get costly if you don't have insurance, so you need to weigh that too if you are thinking about the lap band. In fact, there are NO guarantee that you will not need another surgery if you get the Sleeve, for "different" reasons. Please know that the Lap Band is a VERY high maintenance tool -- as long as you have it. Aftercare is critical to the success and longevity of your lap band. The CORE differences in between the Sleeve and Lap band are the ability to see your surgeon OFTEN FOR FILLS, especially in the first year to be successful with it. Some people are not able or not willing to commit to this and the Sleeve may be a better option. Also the CORE difference is with the Sleeve over 85 percent of your stomach will be removed, NO ONE can answer this question but you if you want your stomach removed, this IS a deal breaker for most people and they opt for the lap band. Also, please NOTE: That MOST Sleevers report awful gut wrenching reflux and nausea that sometimes CANNOT be managed with PPi's and sometimes this require a revision to the Bypass if the reflux gets unbearable, Reflux is VERY COMMON with the Sleeve. However, REFLUX IS NOT COMMON with the Lap band UNLESS there IS slippage, frequent reflux with the lap band indicates that there is a problem with the band, and reflux can be avoided by taking certain precautions, not overeating, preventing frequent vomiting and not keeping the band too tight, so reflux can be avoided with the band in most cases. Again, you need to make the decision whether the lap band will be the right decision for you, it is a tool, that requires aftercare which can get costly depending on where you live. With the Sleeve you will have a different aftercare, of making sure your labs are ok, many long term Sleevers report some Vitamin deficiencies, they also remove a portion of your stomach that absorbs B Vitamins -- this could cause some issues down the road, but you have to stay on top of your vitamins, but not as severe as the Bypass. I am 8 years post op, I got a replacement band last year due to a hiatal hernia, I had the choice to revise to the Sleeve, but again, I chose the lap band again because I did not want my insides rearranged/stomach removed 8 years ago, and I still do not want that today. I love my band and I would not change to any other procedure, however I know there are risks with it, but I am willing to deal with any risks that come my way with the band, I signed up for that. Many people love their Sleeve, many people love their bands, you have to pick a surgery that is RIGHT FOR YOU. Good luck

That is funny

Hello... I am assuming you have an AP lap band also ...as you mentioned you have the 14cc band? The AP lap bands come in two sizes: AP small - holds up to 10cc's of saline (which can go over in some cases) AP large - holds up to 14cc's of saline (which can go over in some cases) http://www.lapband.com/HCP/product-description/ Btw: I know of another lap bander that had the large band and it took her 2 years to get to goal, she lost nothing in the first year, because with the big band, it took ...soooooo long before she got to the green zone. But she is very happy now that she's lost all her weight and have had no lap band issues.... So don't give up hope, it could just mean you have not reached the green zone yet, once you get there..you will know it, weight loss will become very easy and you get satisfied very quick on very small amounts. Good luck

It's different for everyone when they reach the green zone, it seems like you are near or already there, you got the larger band, so it make take a bit longer for you. I have a AP small 10cc band, it took about 6 fills before I felt ANYTHING...then I got my last fill of an extra .5cc and that put in into the SWEET GREEN ZONE . I have to admit I had to get used to this new AP band, I was very used to my old 4cc band that had kiss @ss restriction out the gate....but I am loving how easier this new band feels on my body, softer and gentler but with good restriction. I can't eat but a few ounces per meal and I get satisfied and the scale is finally moving along with daily walking. Also remember, restriction ALONE will NOT move the scale for most people, most people have to sweat and walk and keep their meals mostly Proteins to see the scale move rapidly and steadily. I have 6.9cc in my 10cc band it took about 7 months to get here. I love my new band!

The Nurse filled you up to 10cc and then removed all the saline? If I were you I would ask your surgeon what his opinion of that..... Better yet, call and ask the Lap Band manufacturer (Allergan) what their thoughts are with not following the band recommended first fill adjustment procedures for first fills and the long term consequences. They will answer your questions for free. It should NEVER be painful to drink water.

Wow..just wow you look amazing and on your way to GOAL.!! That's what I did, I got up at 5am each morning and walked for 30 minutes...and my weight drop quickly --- you will be to goal in no time.

Being negative without substance has no value to any forum. Anyone can say the band is a piece of crap, until their tongues wagg....But having a reason "why" the band is a piece of crap -- should be of value.

I've heard others report no weight with "hard workouts"...many bariatric patients are told to take it easy with the workouts, you could be building muscle which will make you gain, or either stall. Most bariatric patients walk for weight loss or do a combo walking and lifting weights...I don't think lifting weights or biking will do it alone. Also you may not be in the green zone yet, but keep it up sooner or later you should drop some weight, some people lose in bulk instead of weekly.

You said it in a nutshell, this is why OH band forum is now DEAD, because of evil band bashers, some I honestly remember kept their bands too tight, had to always "look for trashcans" to vomit, many admitted to vomiting 25 times per day? I honesty did not know it was possible to vomit that many times per day... I've heard of some "healthcare" professionals and nurses filling their own bands....creating horrible infections in their ports...alcohols, drug addicts, I've even heard of some folks taking meths to induce their weight loss with their bands...you have NO clue of what is going on with that person... This is why I am so cynical when it comes to band issues...I've heard so many horror stories of band abuse...it will make your head spin. The thing is most people will support people that abused their bands, as long as they fess up as to why it happened, regardless of what type of complication someone has whether, it surgeons fault, patients neglect with aftercare, abusing the band, or whether it eroded, slipped, or whatever, most people will get support. I think when people come in with a fly by night post and just say'...the band is a piece of crap and liked to killed me and everyone else that has one will suffer the same fate, with no explanation of "what happen" --- should always be avoided and in my opinion given absolutely -- NO SUPPORT.

I came back and re read your post, and honestly you sound kinda like many of the band bashers on Obesity Help that has actually destroyed that entire forum. The reason I say that is this, you never shared with us what REALLY HAPPENED. You just say it destroyed your life and caused horrible complications. I think what would be REALLY helpful to others is telling us EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED? Did your band slip, erode, did your body reject it? After hearing about thousands of lap banders over the years on various boards that suffered horrible complications, when you really investigate why, it was really not the lap band but with other medical problems that caused complications with their band. There are many contradictions with the band, heck having a hiatal hernia is a contradiction, which MANY obese patients have, but having the hernia repaired is a must in order for the band to work properly. Also if you got your band removed in only 6 months, it could be surgeons error also. There are warnings and precautions with the band, and knowing how to use it properly helps many from complications or failures or no weight loss. I think it's ok to tell your story but it would be more credible and beneficial if you told us exactly what happened, instead of saying the band was the worst thing you've ever done.

Hello... Good to hear from other long term banders, I will be 8 years out next week myself. I had the 4cc/10cm band for over 7 years. You are correct they no longer use the 4cc bands in the US, there are still many oldies out there with 4cc bands that are doing well, but MANY have gotten their bands removed, or revised to other surgeries. Actually I wanted to keep my 4cc band, I lost a lot of weight with it very quickly and kept that weight off for over 6 years, but I could not longer get into the green zone without reflux, due to a hiatal hernia, so I decided to get my hernia fixed and the surgeon had to remove the 4cc band because they don't unbuckle without destroying the entire lap band system. I gained back over 50 pounds too because I had trouble keeping restriction (due to the hernia) in my 6th year and I decided enough was enough and got a brand new band replacement, I was not ready to revise to the Sleeve or Bypass. The longest person that I've heard that kept their 4cc band was Jessie Ahroni, (She actually wrote the first book on living with the lap band) she was 14 years post op, and someone posted on Obesity Help last year that she had her band removed in an emergency, and she updated that post herself and confirmed that she'd revised to the Sleeve. Apparently she was bending down and she said her band slipped really bad, and she had to have emergency surgery to remove it. Also I know a few that are 11 years post op, but they've had some replacements over the years, and are still doing good. Regarding my new AP 10cc band (Rebanded all in one surgery Nov, 2012), I love it, it feels softer on my body, and my band is tight and I have no reflux or burning, something that I had trouble with over the years with my 4cc band and I had to be on PPi's constantly -- but with my hernia repair and new band -- no PPi's reflux, or acid reducers and I am truly thankful to my new surgeon that fixed me. Good luck to you and I hope you have many more successful and uneventful years with your band!