I am wondering how many fills everyone had before the band started working. I have been banded for a year and a half and to be honest I haven't really been using my band because I had complications after the surgery that really scared me. After my surgery my band had some liquid in it from the doctor testing it to make sure there weren't any leaks. I have had one fill since and I don't feel restriction (which I didn't expect for a few more fills) but I do have some problems with getting stuck and swallowing. I really want to get back on track with my band but I'm terrified of getting stuck. It hurts so bad and is quite embarrassing. So, how many fills did it take you to get restriction and how often/much do you exercise?

Thank you in advance!

For some, the band works with no fills. I haven't had a fill yet and a number

of others have lost their goal weight without fills. This is probably unusual.

It seems that most people use fills to the "sweet spot" before they are

comfortable with their weight loss progress, and this seems different

with each individual.

It took until my 3rd fill and 4 mths to get proper restriction. I exercise 3x a week (I walk on the treadmill for an hour and then do weights for about 20 mins). I have 15 lbs till goal of 135.

Good luck

Marci

They put in 2.7cc during my surgery and I had 2 fills after that (total of 5.3cc) to bring me to my sweet spot. That worked up to my one year mark. I have had a couple tiny fills since and am now at 5.7cc, I think. It may only take a tiny bit more to get you where you want to be.

Pay attention to the foods you have been stuck with and your chewing. You may find there are some foods you just can no longer tolerate. Since surgery, and no matter my restriction level, I just can't eat some things.

The best way to judge restriction is if you can eat a small portion and not be hungry for several hours.

Thank you for your responses. I am going to schedule a fill and am hoping I will see some changes.