How full is your band??

[sHeLLaBee 130]

OK... I will be the downer. The real answer is it does not matter how much fill is in my band. What matters is how you and your doc think you are doing with whatever fill you have. Many on this forum have lost close to 100 pounds with NO FILLS!!! We are all different, and comparing is a dangerous game to play. Do what works for you and do not rely on fills to get you to your goal. Your goal is a new lifestyle not just losing weight. Learn how to eat better as you lose if you want permanent long lasting results. I am still learning myself, even though getting close to goal. Good luck on your journey, it is a new lifetime.

I totally agree! There are people who have had the band for years and never needed a fill because the band itself gave them enough restriction. There are also people who have had to have fill after unfill after fill to be successful. We are all on this journey to learn to be healthier and to learn to eat better FOR LIFE, but if it was that easy we would have never been over weight to begin with. Use the tool that was granted you by this drastic measure that was needed to be a healthier you. Don't suffer through feeling hungry all the time. I know that, even with the band, I have to learn when to stop, but in case I am having "one of those days" I know my band has my back and if it isn't adjusted correctly for me, then the surgery was for not. Be patient. You will get where you need to be successful. It is different for all of us, so we can't compare, but hearing other peoples experiences sometimes gives us another outlook and makes getting through the wait easier because we know there is hope. People have survived all scenarios and been successful! Good luck!

[catfish87 3,471]

Starbaby11

Does your Dr do fills using a fluoroscope where he/she can see your restriction level while they are making an adjustment? By doing this, they also can see proper placement, and if the band has come undone....YES, IT HAPPENS! Otherwise, its just a guess on the amount of fill, and can be a slow process getting to proper restriction. I see on here where some people have 20 fills, sometimes as little as .5 cc's. So don't be discouraged if you don't feel restriction yet. You'll get there, just much faster with fluoro. Best of luck with your success!

[starbaby11 5]

Thanks so much everyone!

Im not comparing i know were all so different just wanted to chat a bit about it.

Im in ireland and its such a taboo to have weightloss surgery here, theres no support except from my doc who is great but a bit hard to relate to when it comes to daily struggles.

I do feel restriction, i dont think i'll need much more of a fill.

3 small meals a day, good choice food!

Not getting the full 3-4 hrs of feeling full so my doc thinks a small little fill in 2 weeks will help that.

The scales will just not move and its disheartening

What i love about the band is now matter how much of a bad day im having i cant console myself with endless amounts of food anymore.

Its just not possible!

Thanks for all the advice and understanding,

Great to have somewhere for advice.

Its been a lonely 9weeks

[starbaby11 5]

Catfish: no my doc just does it with the normal injection, never heard of a fluoroscope!

[toritz 64]

hey I am in England - check out a site http://www.gastricsurgeryfriends.com/ mostly banders from the UK they are a nice bunch x

[catfish87 3,471]

Starbaby11

The fluoroscope is similar to an xray machine. They still do the actual fill the same way, with the same needle, etc. The difference is you take the barium and swallow it while the doctor is making an adjustment, standing up in my experience. I would suggest at least asking about it. Restriction is MUCH quicker if they can see what they are doing, otherwise its just a guess/experience.

[turtle11 16]

I thought it was so weird how each band and person are so different. I have a friend that was banded 8 months before me. She met her green zone on the 3rd fill with only 4.5 cc and I went for 5 fills and have 7.5 before I hit mine. I was so discouraged when I wasn't losing like she did. But everyone is different and I was in Bandister Hell for like 4 months. It took a lot of will power. Good Luck and be patient.

[lorabeth 10]

I just had most of my fill removed for the stomach flu

But I was at 4.8cc in a 10cc band. I was fine right out of surgery. Went against my gut and had a fill. 1 cc. It was too much, so half was taken out. still to much. So back to what I was originally at and felt so much better.

But I was just in the office two hours ago and she took out 3cc. So I have 1.8cc in my band. Just ate some cheese and crackers. First food I have kept down in days due to the stomach bug. Once I am feeling better and eating I can have the Fluid put back in.

[LadyMaggie 145]

I have an AP Large Lap Band, with my surgery in April 2012; I currently have 9 cc in a 14 cc band and just hit "Green Zone: THIS month. . . too long in Bandster HE** ---> glad to be leaving HE**!