I had my 3rd fill last Monday - I'm at 9.5 ccs. I'm not 100% sure on the band size, I was told its a Realize C band. So I've lost about 28 lbs give or take since July 26. My question is - how do I know if I need another fill? I do get a tight feeling in my chest which my dr told me may mean I'm eating too fast. I get this weird gurgling sound in my throat when that happens. However, other than that I can eat pretty well. Any feedback is much appreciated!!

Is your hunger controlled? Can you go at least 4 hours between meals without hunger? If so, then you probably don't need a fill.

Are you hungry too often? Can't go at least 4 hours without hunger between meals? Then you might need another fill.

Always ask your doctor to help you decide- that's his job and his specialty.

Is your hunger controlled? Can you go at least 4 hours between meals without hunger? If so' date=' then you probably don't need a fill. Are you hungry too often? Can't go at least 4 hours without hunger between meals? Then you might need another fill. Always ask your doctor to help you decide- that's his job and his specialty.[/quote']

Thanks! This helps. I am definitely feeling hunger before 4 hours passes, between meals.

It's not just about hunger.

#1 Are you losing weight?

#2 Are you satiated for at least 3-4 hrs after meals?

#3 Are you experiencing any negative symptoms (GERD, getting stuck frequently, unable to pass food/liquids)

#4 Are you eating more than the maximum 1 cup of food per meal?

Your doctor uses all this information to determine (with you) where you are (Red, Yellow, Green) and if you need a fill (or even unfill) based on these responses. Not all the answers need to be yes or no. It's a matter of getting the full potential of the band without compromising your health.

9.5cc is pretty high for a third fill. I would be interested to learn more about your band and the max volume it allots for fills.

The symptoms you are describing sound like the occassional woopsie. When you eat too much, too fast or too big of a bite your band (stoma) will give you negative feedback as the pressure increases. There are nerves that are than activated and it causes everything from hiccups to referred pain, but these are the same nerves that tell your brain you are full/satisfied on a mere cup of food. Listen closely to these signals and identify what you are doing to cause it so you can practice avoiding it

It's not just about hunger. #1 Are you losing weight? #2 Are you satiated for at least 3-4 hrs after meals? #3 Are you experiencing any negative symptoms (GERD' date=' getting stuck frequently, unable to pass food/liquids) #4 Are you eating more than the maximum 1 cup of food per meal? Your doctor uses all this information to determine (with you) where you are (Red, Yellow, Green) and if you need a fill (or even unfill) based on these responses. Not all the answers need to be yes or no. It's a matter of getting the full potential of the band without compromising your health. 9.5cc is pretty high for a third fill. I would be interested to learn more about your band and the max volume it allots for fills. The symptoms you are describing sound like the occassional woopsie. When you eat too much, too fast or too big of a bite your band (stoma) will give you negative feedback as the pressure increases. There are nerves that are than activated and it causes everything from hiccups to referred pain, but these are the same nerves that tell your brain you are full/satisfied on a mere cup of food. Listen closely to these signals and identify what you are doing to cause it so you can practice avoiding it <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Thanks Hazelsbliss - these questions and info really help. I have a better idea of what to think about and what to discuss with my dr. I can tell that I will likely go through with my next scheduled fill in a few weeks. Last time I ate was around 1pm today and I am already feeling a bit of hunger now at 3:15. I'm also going to look into the actual size of my band. Thanks again!!

wow, good to know