I was just curious about the saline that is put into the band and how many band size's there are. I'm only been doing this since June and thought there was only one size. I guess I'm really interested in once your band is filled to capacity and why do you have to keep going back to get a fill. I never really thought to ask the doctor. Thanks I appreciate your help

Terri, You should ask your surgeon what band and what size did he put in you. That way you know how big it is and how much saline it will hold. There are different brands and sizes but, he has to document that in your paperwork so it's ok to ask him/her. The saline is put in the band to test it prior to surgery, then it's taken out before they put it in you. You're first fill and the amount will be between you and your surgeon. I'm assuming you realize that the saline is put in through your port and each fill differs in amount depending on the surgeon and patient. I've had my band since Feb 06 and I've had 3 fills and 1 unfill of half the Fluid in my band. My band holds 4ccs of fluid. As far as the band being filled to capacity....again knowing your band will help with that. As you lose weight the band becomes loser around your stomach so you'd need a fill. Reason being, the opening between the top portion of your stomach and the lower part will be more open as you lose fat. Tightening the band will help make more restriction so you can continue to loose. Because there is fat around your stomach, alot of people have restriction as soon as the band is put in place....some still need a fill when they first get it because they don't have as much fat around their stomach and/or the band their surgeon used was bigger. I believe the surgeons judge how big a band to use in order to avoid it having to be completely filled for the patient to have restriction. I haven't heard of anyone being at Capacity and being comfortable with their band. That's definately a separate question to put out there and also a big one to ask your surgeon. See if he/she has ever had a patient with a band to capacity.

Hope that helps.

Sherry your the best, it does explain alot. I did not ask a lot of questions because I did not know what questions to ask. I did not do much research before the band surgery, I just knew I wanted it. I did not even know there was website like this until I became frustrated with my slow losing and finally called the office and asked about support groups (never really been into face to face support groups), I've only been a member for 2 days and have been hooked. I keep this link sitting on my tool bar and fell like a junky now. I think everyone on here may know more then the doctor's : ) ~ Again, thanks so much.

You're very welcome Terri. The fills can be confusing enough let alone not knowing why kind and how big of a band you have so I'd start there. I for one have had questions regarding my fills until my husband was in the room with me while I got one. He said..you can see how much Fluid is in the syringe but, when the doc pulls it out the saline is still squirting so it's not an exact science. Only YOU can tell if you truly have too much in your band and have to have some removed or need more. Just eat slow, chew well and pay close attention to which foods upset you and which don't. When you're tight, you have the tendancy (meaning us bandsters not necessarily you) to eat softer foods so they go down and stay down with no trouble. The problem is most soft foods are higher in calories. It's not easy my friend.....the band helps but, its a tool only. WE do most of the work Good luck and I'm glad I was able to help a bit. Feel free to ask anything else you'd like.

Hugs

That really helped me as well. Glad you asked the question!

It definately can be confusing that's why I was glad my husband was there to see the fill. I can't see anything because I'm laying flat on my back when it's done

This web site has great information, http://www.obesitylapbandsurgery.com/tecmain.html.

Did your doctor give you the serial number, or the box your band came in? That would also give you information that could be helpful.

I found I have done just as much research post op, now I am willing to see some of the 'process' stuff.

Take Care.:eek:

I was banded on June 21, 2007. I have not had a fill yet and can't even imagine having one. I still drink liquid protein two times a day and only eat soup. If I try to take a bite of sandwhich, taco, muffin, etc. I will end up feeling sick, vomiting or just foaming up when I belch. I have lost over 50 lbs. and I miss "overeating", but I am happy with the weight loss. Wondering if anyone else has experienced this much restriction for this many months (four)? Also I have been told I will need a swallow test prior to my fill. My insurance isn't paying for any of this, so I will need to pay cash. Any idea where to go to do this or what the cost will be. Mahalo!

Alohajo, I know for me I can have the swallow test done at the hospital I had my surgery at. As a matter of fact they had me do one of those the day after surgery. You didn't have that done before leaving the hospital? Seems that 4 months after surgery you should be eating far more than protein shakes and soup because you're not going to get all your nutrition in that way. Do you happen to know if your surgeon put saline in the band prior to you leaving the OR? I know they have to test the band prior to putting it in by putting saline in it to make sure there are no leaks. Maybe he/she didn't take it all backout? Is your physician aware that you're unable to eat? Have you had checkups after your surgery? Are you meeting with a nutritionist and having your food intake checked for a balanced diet? Just curious because at this point you really should be on something more solid.