My name is Megan. This is my first time posting on this site. I am 25 and had lap-band surgery in December 2007. I initially lost about 30 pounds (gained all back after pregnancy), but have been having so much trouble since. The band is always either too tight or too loose (where I can eat almost anything). I cannot find a fill volume that will work for me to lose weight. I absolutely cannot stand not being able to swallow or food getting stuck! At $100 a visit for a fill/unfill, I cannot afford to keep going back every week to get it perfect. Honestly, I completely gave up on the lap-band altogether after my last fill 8 months ago (too tight again), and have since been continuing to gain weight and lose self-esteem. I want to be able to lose weight so bad, but right now I feel like I wasted $13,000!!

Any one have similar experiences? Any advice? Comments?

Is there even such a thing as a perfect fill volume where you can eat (what you're supposed to of course), feel full, and not have food get stuck?

Thanks so much in advance!

I'd appreciate all responses

Hello. I had my first lap band surgery 3/24 and then a "re-do" on 3/26. I feel fine and had 3cc for my first fill. I go again today. I've lost 25 pounds and am "wicked" happy 'bout it. Will I continue to lose? Right now...I do get full eating 3 squares per day, but find myself getting hungry again and sometimes sneak snacks like I used to at night (tv time). I just hope my weight loss will continue or am I stuck on this 25 pound plateau? Thanks to all who answer.

If you want to achieve the correct fill level, you will have to see your doctor regularly for tiny adjustments. This is part of the expected aftercare for the band. If you want to succeed, you have to do your part--and that includes scheduling doctor's appointments.

Do it sooner rather than later so that you can start enjoying the BENEFITS of the band. There's a world of difference between a poorly-adjusted band and one that is just right.

I had surgery on 3/11/2010, I had my first fill on 4/7/10 (3cc's), I had my 2nd fill today, 5/06/10(2cc's). Since the surgery I have lost almost 20Ibs. I think that you have to be patient & you must trust your doctor & follow his advice. The Lap-band is not a quick fix, there are gonna be ups & downs, but you must be consistent & see it through, one step at a time.

If I was you, I would go into my doctor for a consultation, & go back to Step#1 & start fresh.

If you don't trust your doctor, then find one that will work with you & help you be successful...to me that is Key, to have a doctor who knows what he is doing, & who wants the best for you.

DON'T GIVE UP...May God Bless You & May he direct your steps & give you Peace.

~taRa.*

My daughter has this trouble too. She is super sensitive to fill and tolerates much less than most other people. Can I ask you? When you first get a fill do you do liquids for a couple days and then very gradually add back mushies and then real food? When you get stuck do you go back on liquids for a day and do mushies and gradually back to food? I think you may be just sensitive and may have to handle food very very carefully. Also you may need to get smaller adjustments so you can have time to get used to them in between. Hugs!!!!