After reaching the Green Zone, how often do you go back for fills to stay there--I'm thinking perhaps because of leaks and also because some Fluid naturally seeps out every month (or am I mistaken?)

Also, I have 5 CCs in an 11 CC Realize-C band and I feel absolutely nothing. It's as if nothing at all happened. And I've been abstaining from liquids 30minutes to an hour before/after eating. Please tell me nothing is wrong with the band and that this isn't unusual.

I wouldn't say Fluid seeps out every month, in fact, once you're in the green zone you can go many months without needing a fill. Over time the fluid does diminish but that's over considerable time.

You had your surgery in early November, yes? It takes the majority of people multiple fills before they can feel a difference. Be patient, it'll come. Just be sure to continue to follow up with your surgeon.

Best wishes.

I kind of thought it was supposed to be gradual? From other people's experiences, I might be at the Green Zone at about 7.5 to 8 CCs, which is only 2 more fills. So I thought I'd feel *something* by now.

Don't go by other people's experience. Everyone is different and everyone reaches the Green Zone at different levels in their band. It's all dependent not only on the size band you have but your individual anatomy.

Forget about the numbers- it's irrelevant. All that matters is how you feel.

Everyone is different. In my case I had a monthly drs appointment. At that time I would get weighed etc and discuss with the dr how I was doing,... If I thought I needed a fill we discussed it and sometimes I got it..and sometimes he vetoed it. Once you hit the green zone you usually know when you need a fill. One day you are eating the way you are supposed to and are completely satisfied...and the next day you are hungry all the time, looking for food and realize you need a fill.

The first year I think I had 4 to get to green... Then 2 or. 3 more as I continued to lose. The second year I had two and now that I only go to the dr every quarter if I wake up and need one all of a sudden I will just call.

As you become one with your band you will be more in tune and know the signs. It's not something anyone can really explain well....

Great responses!

Don't dwell on the CC's in your band. Like Missy said, it's irrelevent. Here's why: Every stomach is shaped a little different. Every stomach lining has a different thickness. Every stomach has a different layer of fat surrounding it. Doctors try to place the band in the right place but the further away from the esophogus, the bigger the stomach will be at that point.

So, some bandsters need no fills at all and some need all they can get. Each of us are different.

tmf

I found after my 3rd fill I was never hungry and just loved that that's how I knew I was in the green zone for me. It make eating right so easy of course I make sure there is no food in the house that I cant stop eating or that I shouldn't eat ( usually the same thing) from what I have read on here most people are happy when their band is just over half full. mine is 10cc with 6.5cc before I felt anything . Get your fills as needed don't wait if u are hungry before 4 hours.

After reaching the Green Zone' date=' how often do you go back for fills to stay there--I'm thinking perhaps because of leaks and also because some Fluid naturally seeps out every month (or am I mistaken?)

Also, I have 5 CCs in an 11 CC Realize-C band and I feel absolutely nothing. It's as if nothing at all happened. And I've been abstaining from liquids 30minutes to an hour before/after eating. Please tell me nothing is wrong with the band and that this isn't unusual.[/quote']

You are supposed to drink mainly Water right up to the time you take your first bout of food. This helps prevent sticking & keeps your esophagus moist. Then you don't drink until 30 mins after eating

You are supposed to drink mainly Water right up to the time you take your first bite of food. This helps prevent sticking & keeps your esophagus moist. Then you don't drink until 30 mins after eating

My doc said no water 30 minutes before eating.

My doc said no Water 30 minutes before eating.

This was the OLD way, & things do change in the medical field. This was the rule with my Bariatric Surgeons as well, but studies have shown differently. I work in the office & worked for the best top notch surgeons out of NY City for over 12yrs. We go to seminars State to State to meet with different Doctors & reps from "the makers" of the Band & you'd be surprised on some of the new updated topics. When I looked at the old post-op pamphlets compared to the updated ones, yes I do see where it did (in the past) say no water 30mins prior. But with people getting stuck its said to sip on water right up to you take your first small bite of food. It does not say gulp or guzzle it down. It says small sips right up to you take your 1st bite. Then don't drink for at least 30mins after eating. U are doing the right thing by listening to your Doctor, but just pointing out that things change in the medical field. Much success with your journey. #banded12/22/10. 100lbs gone.

This was the OLD way, & things do change in the medical field. This was the rule with my Bariatric Surgeons as well, but studies have shown differently. I work in the office & worked for the best top notch surgeons out of NY City for over 12yrs. We go to seminars State to State to meet with different Doctors & reps from "the makers" of the Band & you'd be surprised on some of the new updated topics. When I looked at the old post-op pamphlets compared to the updated ones, yes I do see where it did (in the past) say no Water 30mins prior. But with people getting stuck its said to sip on water right up to you take your first small bite of food. It does not say gulp or guzzle it down. It says small sips right up to you take your 1st bite. Then don't drink for at least 30mins after eating. U are doing the right thing by listening to your Doctor, but just pointing out that things change in the medical field. Much success with your journey. #banded12/22/10. 100lbs gone.

Mine says the same thing. Drink right up until the point I start to eat, then wait until 30 minutes after eating to drink again.

Thanks for the info, guys, but what about satiety? Does drinking right until you eat affect that?

And my dr said to sip during my meals. With all this reading on here I'm now confused. Sip/no sip???

Wait 30 min utes

Merry Christmas

Thanks for the info' date=' guys, but what about satiety? Does drinking right until you eat affect that?[/quote']

Well if u sip no. It's just to moisten the esophagus. It's not like you are to drink a full 6 or 8oz glass of Water. Just a few sips like the day of your surgery if u have medications that you must take they will tell you to take if with a small sip of water. Just small sips just enough to dampen/moisten your esophagus. Your not drinking that much to get full.