On January 9th, I had my sixth fill which put me at 3.9 cc's in a 4 cc band. I am filled through fill centers USA and my doc told me during that visit that fill centers only allows him contractually to fill to 3.5 cc in a 4 cc band. Even though he fudged for me a little and put me up to 3.9. I'm guessing that he won't do it again. This did not worry me at the time because I have been at my sweet spot since then. I went from 234 on jan 9th, to 218.5 as of a few days ago. Just in the last 2-3 days it seems to be fading. I noticed I can eat a little more before I am satieted and it is worrying me that I might have stretched my band. I do not drink with meals, I measure 1/2 cup to a cup at every meal. I had one time of splurging on a pop-tart. I ate the whole thing even though less than half I was more than full. I dont' know why I did it, but can just one time stretch your band? I'm really worried even though it is my own fault. anyone else have anything like this?

I had problems "finding" restriction. I can usually eat past my band if I eat quickly with lots of distractions. I don't get the sense of fullness quickly enough or loud enough unless I turn off the TV, put down the book, take a deep breath and get into a trance-like commune with my band. Small bites, slowy, putting down my fork regularly, and I find my own sweet spot.

I also have to find a balance with food. Too many "sliders", and I can eat too much....gravy, melted cheese, dressing. Too little and I can't get enough nutrients down, but I try to stick with chunks of meat and veges without sliders as much as possible.

I have read where some people, once maxed out on their fill, have all of the fill taken out and then let their stomach "rest" for a month or two...then start over again. I'm fairly certain it worked well for them. Hang in there!

I don't know why, but I like this idea.

Foodstampchamp, do you have an update for us?

I hope this can be resolved for you.

Last year I had almost maxed out my band and was still not loosing. My Doc took out all the fill and replaced it, but not quite as much, with a thicker substance. The difference was like day and night. I am now feeling much more restriction with less CC's and have started loosing weight for real. Hope this helps.

And wow, I have never heard of that before. Can you tell us what the other Fluid was? I am glad you and your doc found a solution.

I don't know why, but I like this idea.

Foodstampchamp, do you have an update for us?

I hope this can be resolved for you.

Yes I have a very good update. From the moment I started this thread I decided to really buckle down and measure EVERY meal I ate. My problem was, no matter how much I put on my plate or in my bowl I wanted to eat until I finished. If I had 6 oz. on my plate I would finish it and feel satisfied, if I put 2 cups on my plate I would finish it and feel satisfied (not in my head of course, I would be upset with letting myself eat so much even though I didn't need to). I went out, bought 20 bowls that only hold 6 oz, and no matter what I eat, no matter how good for me or bad for me, I am losing again and have regained the restriction I had when I first got my last fill almost two months ago. I'm not saying that will be the same for everyone, but it is working for me.

It sounds like you are too tight and you need to have a little unfill.

It sounds like you are too tight and you need to have a little unfill.

I have an appt. to go see my doctor on March 5th. I dont' want an unfill but I definately don't want a fill. I'm happy where I'm at and getting in 80 oz. of Water in no problem.

Interesting thread guys... I recently had my first fill and am now perusing the fill threads.

MaryS I have been watching your posts and I am glad you haven't given up and you are feeling a little better these days. I am really pulling for you!

Analoren-Sometimes after a fill you can be a bit inflammed and tighter than you will be later.

The only thing that stopped my reflux was nto eating for 4 hours before bedtime.

I found out the name of the thicker fill my doctor used to get me a better result. It's called Omnipak. At least that's what it's called in Australia. Sorry for the delay getting back to you.

I found out the name of the thicker fill my doctor used to get me a better result. It's called Omnipak. At least that's what it's called in Australia. Sorry for the delay getting back to you.

Thanks Fleur, I am going to ask my surgeon about that. I have never heard of that previously and for people who have maxed out their fill, I feel it is a brilliant answer.

Hey guys! The thicker fluid that you guys are talking about is called Omnipague. It is a fluid that is an IV contrast that can be seen on the flouro and it is thicker than the regular saline. They use it to see leaks on the flouro and my doctor says it's like "fix a flat" if you have a very slow leak. It will usually stop the leak. I have determined that I have some sort of leak. I think it's my port, but I don't know for sure because we never see a leak on the flouro! If my fill doctor fills me with the omnipague my fill stays in the band (so far). If he starts mixing regular saline with the omnipague it will start leaking after a few fills. Right now I have 3.6 cc's of straight Omnipague and it feels way tighter than when I had 3.5 cc's which was a mixture of 3.2 cc's of omnipague and .3 cc's of saline. That mixed fill held in my band, but he added another .5 cc's of saline and when it diluted the omnipague that was already in my band I guess it thinned it out too much and the fill leaked. Because the omnipague is thicker, it gives you more restriction. I am sure I will need a new port eventually, but the ladies at my fill doctor's office said it can keep working indefinately. Thank goodness for omnipague! I am on my second band and I am self pay!