Hey guys Pre-op here but In doing some reading I'm seeing some people comment that their doctors/pa/rn will only give a certain amount of fill at each visit no negotiations. And will only allow a fill every six weeks.

Is that normal?

I know that fill volume is subjective to each individual. But I also don't see how saying there is no fill standard & then turning around and saying this is our fill standards makes sense.

I also observe that 3-4cc is a good place to start if your band had no liquid in it at surgery.

I'd appreciate your wisdom on this.

Thanks!

Rebeca

Well it's true there is no fill standard but it there couldn't be one. No two patients are the same or need the exact same thing. Due to differences in anatomy, some can take big fills and need lots of Fluid in their band whereas others need very small fills. A good example: My doctor tried to put 3cc in at my first fill and I was literally gurgling up Water. It was way too tight and 1cc immediately had to be taken back out.

Fill schedules are relative to the surgeon but most vary between 2-6 weeks. As far as the fill amounts being negotiable, some doctors will but most won't at first. Again to use myself as an example, at the beginning I wasn't given a choice in the amount (but I was fine with that, I trust my doctor completely). Now, if I feel I need fill, I will discuss how much I want with my doctor. Part of that is because I've had my band over a year and he knows I know the rules and won't walk around with a band too tight.

I look at it like this- we trust our surgeon to cut us open and put a band around our stomach so we should trust them on what is best for our fills too.

Just my experience

my doc decides the fill amout with me after we discuss what i've been feeling. sometimes it's .5 or .25...or it could be none. It all depends. everyone is different.

2 week schedule here. The nurse decides what she will give me, so far I haven't found a reason not to listen to her.

My doc Inserts needle, sits me up while needle still in and has me drink a bottle of water all the while adjusting until I'm good and tight but can still swallow water easily. With that said the first 3-4 fills he still didn't get me as tight as I am now and I didn't like that then. Now I know better and they want to gradually wean you into it while you learn what it will and will not do. It's a big slow learning process.

I also do not have any clue how much he puts in at each fill nor do I know my total fill now. He refuses to tell medical personnel how much because he has had them try and self fill. Not naw but hell naw here! Lol

MedicRN I can understand his rationale but that's unacceptable. You have the right to your medical information. I want everyone to remember that just like diabetics wear medic bracelets, you as a bander need to inform docs that you have a band. Most will not have had experience w/ band ports and so you should also be educated on what guage needle to use. If you go into surgery which requires anesthesia you should inform the anesthesiologist that you cannot have an orogastric tube placed and if it's required they will have to unfill the band first. Otherwise you risk tearing the esophagus, aspirating or having excess air in your stomach that can cause rupture. It helps to know how many cc's are in your band so they know how much they should anticipate taking out. I find this all relevant information and a dr. never has the privilege or right to withhold information from a patient.

Rebecca,

Every doctor establishes their own standards or approach to how to treat their patients. However, cares are always individualized. If a patient complains of reflux after surgery, they will be less inclined to put 3cc into your band if that's the normal starting fill.

Fills are very touch and go. If someone's been on the band for a long time and are at a high fill volume already, the doc may want to move up by 0.2 cc opposed to a newbie who can probably tolerate 0.5-2cc.

A very important factor are those who are dishonest with their doctors and want to manipulate them to place a higher volume than is appropriate. They usually end up in the red and either have adverse reactions or lose excessive weight etc. And this is why some dr's are strict on their protocols. If you have a smart doc, he/she will use subjective data (what you say you feel) AND objective data (your actual weight loss) and make an informed decision as to what is best for you.

My doc is of the six week variety and the first fill they do is aggressive at 4 cc's in a 10 cc band. But my band has been ok from day 1 with no fill so I opted to pass on that (for now).

I trust my doc and have a great relationship with him. I have no doubt whatsoever he would answer any er docs call if I needed him. Also having worked in er's I know it's highly unlikely unless it was a big major hospital they will not have the proper non Coring needle used with lap bands. They only carry huber needles which are not proper to use.

And as a Registered Nurse I always advocate patient responsibility. Please support the understanding that patient's should always been full informed of their medical care and it is their right and responsibility to understand their medical care and conditions.

Again, if a patient will be having surgery requiring anesthesia they need to inform their surgeon and anesthesiologist that they have a band and an OG tube cannot be place w/out first unfilling the band. Whether future accomodations are necessary to secure the proper needle may be a consideration, but those accomodations cannot be made if a patient does not prepare the medical staff.

I would be unhappy with my doc if he withheld any information from me.

Sorry I didnt read all the posts so I apologize if I repeat something. Not everyone need fills. Some people never get fills, some once and some many. Every person is different and every doctor is different. I just try to take each day one by one and each meal as it comes. Best of luck to you!

My dr refuses to tell you how much is in your band or what he gives you. He says it isn't your concern. But He is a notorious a hole. I'm trying to get in elsewhere for fills. He also refuses to give you a fill if he thinks you are making bad food choices and aren't exercising. You practically have to "earn" a fill. I could not hate him more than I do.

If my doctor wouldn't give me MY medical info, I'd fire him on the spot. Luckily my doctor pioneered the band in the US and is the proctor for the band company! The guy knows!

I trust my doc and he's great and as an Rn and a paramedic I know all about the dangers of what could happen but I appreciate all the concern!