I was banded a year ago, and it seems that my assigned clinic nutritionist changes her story on me. After my first fill in February she told me I had to wait 15 minutes between drinking and eating, then a few months she told I had to wait only five. I was so amazed, I asked her to repeat herself and wrote the five minute figure down in my notebook. A few months after that, she told me I needed to wait 20 minutes. I showed her my notes from the previous session and she backpedaled, saying "Oh, uh, you only have to wait five minutes if you've quickly slammed water." Okay, that sure wasn't what she said before. This isn't the only time I've felt she's changed her story. My trust is a little impaired now.

So, with that in mind, I wanted to ask a question about fill amounts and why certain amounts no longer cut it after some time. I've been up and down from 6.0 to 7.6. I had problems with constant vomiting at 7.6 and 7.0. I've been at 6.2 for at least four months. I've had problems getting a fill amount that makes me full quickly, yet also allows me to eat salmon, vegetarian "meats" and other high-protein foods. Often I've had the worst of both worlds: unable to eat those foods, AND still able to eat a large quality of slider foods. This was the case at this level for a few months, but as of recently I'm eating big quantities and I'm also able to eat those high-protein foods, so I am considering moving back up .2 ccs to 6.4. I've lost only ~10 pounds since June, so I'm frustrated.

Anyway, my question is, why would a fill amount make me quickly full for a while, and then no longer cut it? My weight has not changed much in the last several months, so that shouldn't be a factor. Does the band lose the fill? More importantly, does this mean that I'm going to have to get this thing filled every few months for the rest of my life?

Thanks in advance for any info you have, and thank you to the moderators for having this board for us!

Here's my 2 cents worth -- I try to stop drinking about 10-15 minutes before I eat - with my band fill level 10cc in a 14 cc band - that seems to be enough that I can then start eating and not have a problem. At restaurants -- I don't order a drink other than ice Water unless I think I really will have time to drink it before or after I've eaten -- which is generally not true. I've wasted coffee and iced tea many times before I realized I should just not order them so automatically like I used to do. Saves money not ordering a drink!

On why some fill amounts seem to do more than others or lose their effectiveness -- this is one I think is so personal and individual based on how much 'belly fat' you have around your stomach and whether you are losing weight around your stomach and liver (abdominal fat) or are losing all over or from somewhere else seems to be changing more than your belly. If you are noticing a fill doesn't seem to be giving you the right restriction level, make an appointment to see your surgeon - they will always be the best source - better than internet friends or general people who aren't bandsters - follow your surgeon's advice first and foremost.

Hope this helps.

Hi there,

I was told to not drink anything 30 minutes before and after eating. I find the timing to sometimes be challenging meaning I sometimes have to decide if I need Water or food and then must wait to have the other. The first few times I went out for a meal, I totally forgot and ordered a drink. I didn't remember I couldn't have it until AFTER the waiter brought it to the table. I asked for a to go cup so I didn't waste it!