Here is my story, after surgery on April 28, 2005 I asked my Dr. what size of band I had, He looked in my folder and said "It says you have a 11cc (VGB), but I know I put in a 10cc band" Okay from what I know this is a big difference. Now I am a bit confused on how to find out what band I really have. I have a picture of my band around my stomach, will I be able to tell from that? Or should I get my serial number and find out through Lap Band company? And who would I contact? I have never felt real restriction and I think that's why I have not been able to lose the weight. So what do you all think I should do? Thanks for your help.

Trish,

You are right, this is good info that you should know. I probably wouldve pushed this issue with my surgeon a little more. I mean, he's telling you one thing and your personal ID card says something else?

hmmm, I would start by phoning his office tomorrow morning and asking someone in his office to help you get the correct info.

Okay - here are the possible bands he could have put in:

VG band - which has a 10cc capacity

10cm band - which has a 4cc capacity

9.75cm band - which also has a 4cc capacity

From what you said, if you are quoting the surgeon correctly, it sounds like there was a typo on the chart referring to the VG band as an '11cc capacity band' when it is actually a '10cc capacity band'. The difference between 11cc capacity and 10cc capacity is minimal, anyway, so it hardly matters if that's the discrepancy. Now, if he was saying he thought he put a 10cm band in you, then there's a BIG difference in capacity (4cc vs 10cc).

You definitely need to push him on the issue, and find out which one you have.

P.S. I really wish that we referred to capacity in ml like the Europeans do!! Then we wouldn't have this confusion between cm and cc's - it happens all the time!!

A vanguard band holds 10 CC's. With the tubing, the estimated maximum fill is 13 cc's. Hope that helps.

thanks everyone for your help. I think I know why now I have never had restriction. I have a 2cc fill and from what I know the VGB needs more then 2cc.... I am still going to get to the bottom of which band I have.. but I know for sure he said 10cc not 10cm... so yeah 10cc and 11cc is not much of a diffrence and they both are VGB so I will get it fixed now.... thanks again!

If he definitely did say 10cc, then it is probably a typo on your chart - because the VG band's "official" capacity is 10cc. The VG band is the same band as what people call the "Vanguard" band. I think it's pretty likely that you have the VG band.

It sounds like your main issue is that you don't think you have enough restriction. Is your surgeon refusing to give you any further fill at this point, or do you feel he is being too conservative w/your fills?

-Yvonne

Hi Trish...

Alot of ppl with the VG band dont feel restriction until about 7mls(ccs). I didnt have restriction until about 7.5mls. If you do have that band dont worry it will probably take a couple more fills to get that sweet spot.

Good Luck

It sounds like your main issue is that you don't think you have enough restriction. Is your surgeon refusing to give you any further fill at this point, or do you feel he is being too conservative w/your fills?

-Yvonne

No He is letting me get more fills I have a appointment March 10th. I just wish I knew about this a long time ago, I would probably of lost more weight, with a tighter fill... I guess before I wasnt sure or what to look for in restriction.. now I do and at 2cc I can eat just about Normal.. Or more then Normal... (Hurry march 10th) lol

I thought the Vanguard held 14cc's.

C