and how long have you been banded. Just curious.

I am at 1.65, and have been banded 8 weeks.

why do they fill so little each time? Is there a standard that doctors usually follow for filling the band.

My doctor said that the fills need to be done gradually to give the stomach time to adjust. He said if he went from zero to 7 cc (in a 10 cc band,) that I wouldn't be able to tolerate it. But he can get to 7 cc over time if he takes it slow. Plus, since everyone is different, they don't know how much is the right amount for each person. Being too tight, besides being uncomfortable, is risky for the band since it can lead to slippage (from PBing) or erosion.

While it's not always easy to be patient, I chose my doctor for his conservative approach so I don't really mind. :confused:

I'm told after the first 2-3 initial fills, they'll go very slowly until we reach the point of eating no more than 2/3 cup of solid food. Since I've paid for this myself and 1 year of fills is included, it's not a big deal to go in every 3 weeks or so for a fill. They'll do a fill every 7 days if I'm not loosing and can still eat too much at one meal. After Feb. my "free fills" are up and I'll need to pay again for another year's worth. I've had .1cc put me over the top for a while, but then things loosen up and I need another. From what I understand, the fat around the edge of the stomach is finally shrinking, thus the looser band as you loose weight. And that's a good thing. I'd rather have more fills with my Dr. being close by than to struggle with un-fills etc.

lessofme

Your date is the same as mine. I'm down 38lbs. I have had 5 fills. I have skipped my last 2 fills. The last time the doctor said he would give me one if I wanted. But he hated to over fill, because he said when you take some out, it does not mean you will go back to where you were before. So I'm at 2.4 and plan on staying there awhile. Bonnie

I just got back from my 5th fill and had no trouble drinking the bottle of water they require before leaving the clinic. Doc put in another .5cc for a total of 3.1. I've had very little restriction: he says I have a small upper stomach. I asked him what is average for fills for most people to feel restriction and he said around 2.0 or so. I hope theres some restriction with this one.

I didn't feel any good restriction until 3.75cc. I'm now at 4.25 in a 4 cc band. The 4 cc band can hold up to 5 cc. Everyone is different. Some people may feel major restriction at only 1.3cc and some (like me) don't feel it until close to maximum. Good luck!

i'm already at 3.6 & still have no restriction. is something wrong??

i'm already at 3.6 & still have no restriction. is something wrong??

 

Probably not. I had the same situation and everything was fine. I did have a little restriction, come to think of it. Now I'm at 3.9 and think it may be my sweet spot. You could have a leak if you aren't feeling any restriction at all, I guess. Ask your doctor! I'm assuming you have a 4 cc band, right? Good luck!

i'm already at 3.6 & still have no restriction. is something wrong??

Ya, do you have the 4cc band. If you have the larger band then I heard restriction starts around 6.0. There is also a thread with peeps with the larger 10cc band.

Good luck, on the other hand, there are people WITH the 4cc band who don't feel good restriction until after 3.6 or more.....

Let us know how you are doing.

hugs

I am 3.5 mos out and just got my 2nd fill, with 2 cc in my 4 cc band. I think I'm going to need another fill before I reach my "sweet spot".

I have a 10cc band got my first fill 2cc and I have restriction. looks like the first time was a charm for me !!:clap2: I could barely get a tbsp of food down on day 2

i'm already at 3.6 & still have no restriction. is something wrong??

I thought the same thing. Trust me you will get there. Your band can hold more than 4 cc. Talk to your doctor. I have 4.25cc in my 4cc band.

thank you so much for all the encouragement! we are so lucky to have a place like this! i do have a 4 cc band. i'm scheduled to have another fill next week...so hopefully this'll be the "sweet spot" i've been dreaming of:) thanks mom, paula, and missy!!

Yesterday was my second fill and she said, "It's full". She put in 2.3 cc. Don't know how much was in my first one. 1.5? I am super tight and can barely drink water. I'm scared!!

Yesterday was my second fill and she said, "It's full". She put in 2.3 cc. Don't know how much was in my first one. 1.5? I am super tight and can barely drink water. I'm scared!!

Want2beme, did she put in an extra 2.3cc or take you from 1.5 to 2.3. In our small band a fill of 2.3, which would have taken you to a total of 3.8ccs sounds dangerously huge to me. On the other hand a fill of 2.3 in total sounds about right, but ya it feel very tight.

How is it going today?

I've been at 2cc in my 4cc band since the beginning of december. I think I may be at my sweet spot. I skipped my January fill because I just didn't need it. Just wondering how long this sweet spot will last.