about how many cc's are recommended for fills?

I'm a poor single mother... let's face it, and uninsured. As a self payor, I want the most bang for my buck.

I read on other forums where after 3 fills, discouragement due to no restriction, and they only have 1 -1.5 in their band!

in a 4cc band the first fill recommendation is 1-2cc's...

what's up with just a little at a time? Is this just a ways for the provider to make extra money?

My first fill is tomorrow with FillCentersUSA in Salt Lake City and I'm going to just die if the provider doesn't fill me as recommended.

I am 6 weeks out and have absolutley no restriction and have lost ZERO pounds despite no chips, soda, etc.

Can I request 2 cc's?

about how many cc's are recommended for fills?

I'm a poor single mother... let's face it, and uninsured. As a self payor, I want the most bang for my buck.

I read on other forums where after 3 fills, discouragement due to no restriction, and they only have 1 -1.5 in their band!

in a 4cc band the first fill recommendation is 1-2cc's...

what's up with just a little at a time? Is this just a ways for the provider to make extra money?

My first fill is tomorrow with FillCentersUSA in Salt Lake City and I'm going to just die if the provider doesn't fill me as recommended.

I am 6 weeks out and have absolutley no restriction and have lost ZERO pounds despite no chips, soda, etc.

Can I request 2 cc's?

We are all so different and react differently to fills, that I'm not sure there is an amount per fill that would work for us all.

My fills were included for a year, so if my clinic were motivated by money, they would want me in as little as possible right? But they have done a little at a time, because I tend to react a lot to a fill, and if they over did one I wouldn't be able to keep liquids down. Even if I end up at that fill level later, if that makes any sense.

My first fill I received 1.6cc's and have been great with that..

I'm 11 weeks PO tomorrow and have lost 18 lbs. I'm very happy with my 1.6 loss per week.

Each person is different..

My mom and I were banded about 2 months apart (hers on 5/2/07 and mine on 6/27/07). She was getting very discouraged about her lack of weight loss for a while after surgery (I'm at that point now also). :grouphug: Starting with the 10 day liquid pre-op diet up until 6 weeks post, she lost 25 lbs. and I lost 20. I keep saying hang in there until the fills get going, knowing that the restriction would help with more weight loss. My surgeon says this time frame is more like dieting on your own... :hungry:

Anyway, she has had two fills (first time 2 cc's and the second 1 cc). She stated the same opinion that was brought up that she felt it was a way for the docs to make more money, due to paying a specialist's co-pay for each visit. The doc assured her that there was a protocol to follow to see how the body adjusts to the fill, so it can't be rushed. She has a VG band (as do I) which holds 10 cc's, so it is frustrating until it is set at the right point. :confused:

We just have to be patient and follow the process. I get my first fill on August 16th and every fill 2 weeks thereafter as needed (can't wait).

Banded by Dr. Jose Erbella and Dr. Gary Bunch, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton, FL

:cat:

Just be careful not to insist on so much fill that you are too tight. My first fill was only 1.2 cc, but I was way too tight and didn't want to admit it. I ended up with a slipped band. It is smart to take it slow because you don't know how your body will react. Good luck and good health!

You guys are right, it's better to go slowly even if it means a year without weightloss than have a slipped band.

I guess it's just frustrating to see everyone, well most if not 99.998% lose at least ONE pound in the first 6 weeks.

But it's been a life changing time as for years I was addicted to chips and soda... and haven't had any since pre-op...you'd just think I'd have lost... something!

Thanks again!

Grace I gained 4 pounds in the first 3 weeks! My dr gives fills in 3 weeks after surgery, then I started losing but dont get discouraged it will happen!

Grace.....I want to know how the fill went??? Im also in utah & planned to start getting my fills at the fill center after i get my initial fill in mexico....I also want to add in i've gained 5-8lbs (depending on the day) since surgery it sucks!!!! Hopefully our fills work for us!

FillCentersUSA uses Dr. Muse w/ Highland Family Practice near Salt Lake City.

I was checked in paid $299 (inital visit, all others 155 that includes fill).

Vitals taken and then Dr. Muse came in... went over family and personal history . Very thorough.

Advised me about the band, what it does and doesn't do.

Discussed eating.

Discussed my not loosing any weight.

Quick exam then off to the radiologist.

Numbs the area and then takes a nanosecond to insert the needle - bullseye!

He has 2cc's in the syringe and only puts in about half then does the flouro again. The flluid slipped right through. (should be a 3 second delay)

Drank almost a cup of Water and he repeatedly asked about feeling, burping, etc.

Nothing. He placed the more and repeated... nothing! Slipped right through. So then at 2cc's... it did slow down... but wasn't quite 3 seconds.... but we agreed 2 is enough for a first fill. (max allowed anyways for a 9.75 band)

He said he could see me in as soon as 4 weeks if I needed it.

So, the fill went BETTER than expected. MissJess... thanks for sharing that you gained, too. I truly hope, and strive, to NOT EAT anymore save the little bit at each meal.

I'll keep you posted!

Oh thank you so much for getting back quick Grace!!!! & what a GREAT experience! I didnt think fill centers used fluoro so wooohooo & double woohoo highland is much closer than salt lake for me! (in fact I work in american fork lol) im much more excited about going now! What did he say about weight gain? I contacted my surgeons office (the nut) & she said its quite normal but obviously its not! I also have a 9.75 band so I hope they are just as good at filling it! (heck now im considering canceling my trip to mexico & just doing the fill here!)

lisah25, I'm going to see Dr. Montgomery, too. What city are you in?

Darr

Air fare is more than the fill! That's why I chose Dr. Muse.

And don't want to burst your bubble... but it's not in Highland... it's like Murray/ SLC... exit 301 on the I-15 just past the 215 bypass.

Boy don't I wish it were Highland!!!!! :eek:

Hey Grace I sent you a private message....did you get it?

lisah25, I'm going to see Dr. Montgomery, too. What city are you in?

Darr

I'm between Lynnwood and Everett. So their Everett location is perfect for me.

I really liked Dr. Montgomery, and all the staff there.

My surgeon did say not to get discouraged because it is very normal for lap banders to gain a few pounds in between going off liquids up to the first fill. I am one of the unlucky ones who has to wait almost 6 1/2 weeks post op to get my first fill, but I'm staying optimistic and trying to compensate on those days when I overdo it. So far, I've gone up and down about 3-4 pounds, but as of today I'm back where I was post op. :whoo: My fill is August 16th, so I've got to hang in until then. I hope he puts in 2 cc's!! And I can't WAIT until I can get back to the gym.:dance:

Banded 6/27/07 - VG band, Dr. Jose Erbella and Dr. Gary Bunch, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton, FL

I use Dr. Muse and FillCenter in SLC as well, and I have been very impressed with him. He hasn't been doing fills for long, but he is always very fair and tries to do what is best for the patient and the band long term.

I just had my third fill and am up to 2.8cc's. This is the first time i've felt real restriction. So it may take a few fills, but I do believe Dr. Muse is trying to do what's best long term and not just make money

~Lori