I had a fill about 12 days ago. I was significantly tighter but able to eat a little. This week I am on my period and I am usually tighter the week of my period. Tomorrow is my first day back to normal (off period) but I haven't been able to eat ANYTHING the last day and a half. It takes me a while to even sip a cup of water, but it wasn't THIS tight until just 2 days ago. Anyway....my question...how long would you wait before going to the doc? I have been banded since June and only lost 21 pounds...so I am getting really frustrated and I am really wanting to give this new adjustment time to work some magic. Thoughts?

I would go back in for a slight unfill. Being too tight actually leads to weight gain because you're reduced to eating slider foods and drinking your calories so it's definitely not in your best interest.

On a side note- if you're expecting "magic" or even weight loss from a fill, you're going to be very disappointed. The band is just a tool and fills don't result in weight loss. Weight loss happens when you're burning more calories than you're consuming, so even with the band, you still have to work for the weight loss.

This link may help you have more realistic expectations from the band: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Best wishes.

I understand that the band is a tool. I exercise on a regular basis but I am just having a hard time finding the green zone. I am just trying to see if I am not giving myself enough time to adjust to how tight it is. I have already lost 4-5 pounds so it is helping, but I am not used to being this tight.

I understand that the band is a tool. I exercise on a regular basis but I am just having a hard time finding the green zone. I am just trying to see if I am not giving myself enough time to adjust to how tight it is. I have already lost 4-5 pounds so it is helping, but I am not used to being this tight.

If you haven't been able to eat anything for a day and a half, you're too tight. Losing a couple pounds because you can't eat isn't worth it if you end up with a slip from a band too tight.

The choice is yours but so is the risk. If I were you, I'd be calling your doctor tomorrow and letting them decide what's best.

I guess my confusion is why I would have been fine for the first 10 days and now all of a sudden it is too tight.

I guess my confusion is why I would have been fine for the first 10 days and now all of a sudden it is too tight.

I don't know, that's another reason why if I were you I'd be calling your doc in the morning. Let them decide what to do, it's their job and what you pay them for.

I was also banded in July 2012 and I have variability with "tightness." My doctor said to give in a few days...stick to liquids and then slowly progress to solid foods. For me it usually only lasts 2-3 days and things go back to "normal." If you are concerned, call your doctor and ask.

It can take two weeks to fill to take effect. If post period you can't eat 3 oz solid protein by lunch you are too tight. Remember .1-.2 cc can make all the difference.

Don't wait, go now. You might need an unfill...just a little can make a big difference.