Changing Dr.s/Not full anymore

[TRYANDTRYAGAIN 0]

Banded fall of 2013. Lost 63 lbs over 10 months post op. But for some reason my capacity to eat more food and not be satisfied for extended periods has occurred. I do not vomit nor do I feel nauseaus. I have regained 50 lbs of the 63 mlbs lost. I am a male, 270 lbs and have 7.5cc in a 14 cc band. My surgeon is a wonderful Dr but very conservative with fills Tends to only give 3/4-1 cc per fill per visit if that much.. Also he often tells me that I am to blame for my overeating (which I am) that I am using food as a "drug"....I feel I am not getting the most out of the band itself.

With that all said, I did not have the surgery to feel hungry again 20 minutes after eating quality Protein, minimal carbs...etc.

As reluctant as I am, I am thinking of seeing a new Dr. in my area. I feel badly about this but I am spiraling back to my starting weight very rapidly. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[parisshel 1,892]

I can't offer any help but I notice this in myself. I was banded in March 2013 and lost well the first year--like you, 63 pounds. Most of it with a small fill of 3 ccs in a 10 cc band. But after one year, I had some complications and had to get unfilled for three months. Then refilled, Then more complications...eosophegal spasms, heart arrythmia that prevent me from getting any additional restriction.

Now, almost two years out from my surgery, I no longer feel the full effects of the band, even when eating a band compliant diet. I'm hungry shortly after eating. I think about food much more often than I did the first year post-op, when my thoughts never turned to eating or snacking.

One thing I've noticed on this board is that many of us who got unfilled and re-filled never find the initial restriction. I'd love to know why this happens...it can't just be psychological. I've also noticed many in my group of 2013 bandsters now struggling...either to get the last pounds off or they are just stuck at a longstanding plateau (like myself). The band just doesn't seem to be as active at this point. Is this common? Will researchers one day find that there is a set amount of time (say, one year) that the band does its best work and then after that one needs to do traditional dieting to get to goal?

I'm sorry I'm not being more helpful, but I just wanted to acknowledge your post and say that I share a similar experience.

Edited January 21, 2015 by parisshel

[Bandista 7,466]

@@TRYANDTRYAGAIN hi there -- do not give up! I really believe it's all about the right fill. My surgeon asks how much it takes to feel satiety and how soon does hunger return. He is looking for a tennis-ball sized portion (his lingo) and not hungry again for 4-5 hours. I'd have one but not the other. I was hungry again too soon. So we kept going until I found the green zone -- it took me several adjustments. I am a healthy eater but ate way too much. We are all here because we are emotional eaters, used food as a drug, whatever. It's why we elected weight loss surgery. You've had the band installed but until it is properly adjusted it is not going to do its job, which is to dim your appetite. Once then appetite monster is off your back it's your job to make good choices. I have in my signature below links to info that helped me a lot. Good luck -- be perseverent! Maybe a strong talk with your doctor would do the trick.

[lisacaron 5,075]

You know I think we can have issues like any other surgery where we not only stretch out that pouch but also lose sensitivity to the nerves that the band sits on and initially tells us that we are not hungry.

Some people have nerves so sensitive that just having the band is enough for them and they never need a fill. Then there are those who are like me, and need the max fill to know I have the band in there for it to work.

There are some Dr.'s who just don't/can't understand how it feels if they are not banded. I understand though why they are conservative with their fills, it's for our own safety. I have had my band get too tight and it was not fun. Basically irritation to the stomach from medication caused the stoma to swell and nearly close. When I had all the Fluid removed I was on a liquid diet for 3 weeks, which was not easy..but I'd been through it before and I was happy not to lose the band and need more surgery.

If your not happy with your Dr. you are allowed to visit another one, but you may find talking with your doctor a step to take first so your happy with your decision.

My surgeon retired and I was forced to find another and I can see how different each place is and each Dr. is as well. Do some research to other doctors, maybe a consult or just a call to inquire as to their practice of fills etc. Let us know how it goes!!

[TRYANDTRYAGAIN 0]

Thank you for those who have replied. Your experiences and help are greatly appreciated.