I had a complication about 3 weeks ago. I got some salmon stuck and threw up for over 2 hours. My surgeon's office told me to come in right away. He ended up having to take all my Fluid (4.5 cc's) out so I could have a few days to get rid of the inflammation. I was pretty restricted for a few days after because of all the swelling so I'm very glad he chose to take the fluid out. A week later I went back to the office and he put 4 cc's back into my band. Well since then I have basically no restriction. I can eat ANYTHING I want and A LOT of it! It's almost as if I dont' even have the band.

When I had 4 cc's before I was pretty close to the green zone and the 4.5 cc's was pretty on the spot if not slightly over filled. I'm really confused that I could go from such great restriction to getting basically the same amount of fluid put back in and get no restriction. I'm back in bandster hell again. I don't go to the Dr. again until the middle of September so I'm not sure if I should go in early or wait it out.

Has this ever happened to anyone before to get a "refill" to have it feel like nothing? Of course my mind wanders and I think a slip or something, but he said when I was in that it looked great under floro. Any help would be really appreciated!

Well first, .5 can make a huge difference in the amount of restriction. Even as little as .2 can make a big difference, so it makes sense you wouldn't have the same level of restriction you had before the unfill.

Just for the record, the band isn't supposed to stop you from eating anything. Nor it is supposed to limit your food intake. It is only supposed to help you feel satisfied with less food for longer periods of time. Satisfied doesn't mean stuffed full or unable to eat more, either. It means no longer physically hungry.

I have a similar problem. I got a partial unfill due to reflux and after getting a fill I still don't have much restriction. It is difficult but I am trying to eat better and really pay attention to portion sizes. My doctor said that if your pouch has dilated at all that even after getting a fill again you won't have the same restriction.

Good luck to you!

Before my salmon incident, with the band, I couldn't eat any breads (unless they were toasted bagel thins). I couldn't have rice or left overs especially chicken. I was also hit or miss with some pastas. Now I am able to have all those things and I can eat a rather large plate before becoming anywhere near satisfied I'm not even close to the restriction I had when I was at 4 cc's before. So I've had to basically do it on my own the last couple of weeks. I'm sorry this is happening to you, too and good luck as well! The lapband sure is a journey of ups downs and learning curves for sure! I was just worried something could be wrong and wondered if this was normal. Sorry you are going through something similar but glad I'm not alone.