Only one fill - could I possibly need an unfill? Help!!!

[NJBandit 0]

Hi Everyone,

I rarely post on here, but feel like I am struggling, and could use some help.

I was banded back on April 18, 2011. The surgery went great, no complications, and I lost about 30 pounds prior to the surgery just from modifying my habits. So far, I have lost around 85 pounds, and I am about 10 pounds less than what I originally considered "ideal." I have had only 1 fill, back on June 4, 2011 (which strikes me as odd, because most people I encounter seem to have several fills). I have gone back to my surgeon every 6 weeks, and he has not felt the need for any additional adjustments. He also said that the band looks fine, and the placement is perfect.

For the past 2 months, I feel like I have been unnecessarily tight. I am dropping lots of weight, but I feel like my band is getting tighter even though I have only had the one fill. I have a hard time eating most solids, and I feel that I am chewing thoroughly and eating slowly. I am vomiting several times per week. Sometimes I can barely eat 1/2 a veggie or turkey burger, and these things are very good sources of Protein. Even some light, flaky fish will sometimes be hard to get down. I eat so much Soup, Greek yogurt, Protein shakes, and Protein drinks, but anything solid is usually a chore. I am fully prepared to not be able to eat breads or heavy carbs (like pasta), but I am having trouble with most solids, even the good ones.

My questions are as follows:

1) Is it normal to only need 1 fill? I keep hearing about all of these people having multiple fills, and I have only had 1!!

2) Is it possible that I could need to be slightly unfilled even after only having 1 fill?

Needless to say, I am TERRIFIED of putting weight back on. I have been so happy with my weight loss, and I feel great, but I do feel that I should be able to eat slightly more, or at least vary my foods a bit more. I cannot subsist only on soft Proteins and soup the rest of my life. I feel like I have been in denial that I might need an unfill, because it makes me feel like a failure. I have my next appointment with my surgeon next week, and I am struggling with whether I should ask him for a slight unfill, or keep my mouth shut.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[Corrigan 75]

It sounds like you pretty well have a handle on your problem.

It might be a good idea to have your exam under a fluoroscope

to let you know for sure, what's going on. I'm not having any

fills for the foreseeable future. I'm still losing and hunger isn't

a problem yet. You've done an amazing job with your weight,

I hope you can get the help you need to keep it up. Best of luck.

[WEESIE 5]

I would suggest you tell your surgeon everything you have just told us. He will make a decision that will be right for you. I agree that a fluoroscope exam will be useful as well. Then they will know exactly how tight you are. Great job on the weight loss.

[highland 168]

It concerns me that you can't comfortably eat solids. I've had three fills and am at 7cc's in a 10 cc band. I can eat anything comfortably. I have never thrown up, slimed, or PBed! I do have to work at making smart choices everyday, but I would hate to think that I couldn't eat a normal meal. By this I mean Protein bar or Protein shake in the morning, tuna salad or chicken at lunch, and grilled chicken or fish, salad, and veggie for dinner.Sometimes I wonder why I don't have any problems with the throwing up everyone talks about. I might be the weird one!!lol I would let your doctor know exactly what you're eating and how hard it is to eat healthy solid Proteins. Good Luck!

Also - I don't think the number of fills is as significant as the amount of fill you have. Some doctors can be very aggressive with their fills and also might give a fill at the time of surgery.

[DRCS 2]

I know where you're coming from except I have had no fill yet and feel like you. As long as I'm on Protein Shakes, Isopure or any liquids I'm fine. In the last couple of weeks I am petrified to eat anything solid. I have been feeling like I'm going to die and then throw up for the next 1 - 2 hours almost anytime I eat solids. I couldn't chew any slower or longer if I tried it is practically liquid when it goes down. I'm afraid I did something to the band because of the vomiting, that's the one thing my Dr. said to try and be careful not to do because of band slippage or stretching of the pouch. I'm due for my first fill on Nov. 8th but am scared to get it because of it being harder to eat solids than it is now. On the other hand I need it because I am starved and want real food. One more thing ! I never feel full or that I am getting close to it. The only way I know I'm done is when I get the first feeling in my throat that it won't go down , then the chest pain. I stop immediately but it's already to late.....It's vomiting and slime time !!!! Shouldn't there be a feeling in between? I'm not even eating much before it starts. I'm lucky to get in 600 - 800 calories a day and that is including the Protein Drinks.< /strong>