Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How the Lap-Band actually works, fills and refills



Recommended Posts

Well I got another fill Monday , now chicken AND beef and fish can get stuck if I do not chew chew chew. I have a 14cc band and its at 8+cc filled. I feel real full after 4 oz Protein - very full - like after a holiday meal! So I think I am very close to the 'sweet spot' I am getting another fill in 3 weeks - I hiope that does the trick for me.

I wish you all well, and thanks for the fantastic interaction !

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok, its been almost 6 months since my last fill. I've only lost about 10-12lbs during that time. Should I go for another fill? I have about 5 cc in a 10 cc band. I'm not sure what to do. Any advice?

Its been six months since my last fill, and Im scheduled for one tomorrow. Ive lost 20 lbs since my last one, but for me I'd like to see 4 lbs a month. I feel like I am able to eat more than I could at first, so Im ready for a small adjustment. Use you on judgement on where you want to be......Im not sure where I am at on the fills, but am going to ask my doctor tomorrow. But only 5cc in a 10cc band...Id think you could use a minor adjustment. Good Luck..you've done great so far..when did you get your band?

Poppyred

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you Poppyred!! I think I should call for a fill.. because I do not feel full on that much food.. and I do not stay full. I drink before meals .. and honestly.. I don't think I chew as well as I should all the time... thus getting stuck. I know that bread and rice sticks... and I get very upset by that... I do not stay full .. I can have lunch. 3oz. tuna fish and about a cup of salad.. lemon juice or FF dressing...( this much does not really fill me ) at noon and by 2 I am ready to eat my desk!!

Maybe I need more fill...

Hello Ninababy,

I dont know too many people restricted..that can still eat bread. Ive not been able to eat bread or Buns since Ive gotten my band...unless it is toasted. I have substituted crackers, or those super thin multi-grain buns....I cant eat flour tortias so Ive traded for corn....If the rice isnt overdone, I can eat some..but even Pasta I have to be careful with....these things bother me and hurt..when I had them...so I dont want them anymore..maybe its a brain thing..LOL but my mind now tells me I dont want them. I truly dont miss them...and enjoy my new "breads". Soda pops are another item, Ive not been able to tolerate since restriction. I even have trouble with well done boiled eggs..too rubbery...and leaf lettuce if Im not careful. This is just me...not sure how everyone is...

I think you could use another fill...I am not so anxious to lose the rest of my weight quickly...because I feel great now...and actually giving myself till the end of the year to be at goal. You should do what keeps you motivated...but still feeling super! I know that I have make life changing habits in my diet..and that is the best thing..about the band! It feels so good to feel "full" for once in my life and feel I have control over food instead of it controlling me...We no longer wrap our activities around food...These are good positive changes...Wish you all the luck..keep up the good work ..and let the band work at its best for you and YOU alone.. Write me anytime...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you Poppyred!! I think I should call for a fill.. because I do not feel full on that much food.. and I do not stay full. I drink before meals .. and honestly.. I don't think I chew as well as I should all the time... thus getting stuck. I know that bread and rice sticks... and I get very upset by that... I do not stay full .. I can have lunch. 3oz. tuna fish and about a cup of salad.. lemon juice or FF dressing...( this much does not really fill me ) at noon and by 2 I am ready to eat my desk!!

Maybe I need more fill...

Hello Ninababy,

I dont know too many people restricted..that can still eat bread. Ive not been able to eat bread or Buns since Ive gotten my band...unless it is toasted. I have substituted crackers, or those super thin multi-grain buns....I cant eat flour tortias so Ive traded for corn....If the rice isnt overdone, I can eat some..but even Pasta I have to be careful with....these things bother me and hurt..when I had them...so I dont want them anymore..maybe its a brain thing..LOL but my mind now tells me I dont want them. I truly dont miss them...and enjoy my new "breads". Soda pops are another item, Ive not been able to tolerate since restriction. I even have trouble with well done boiled eggs..too rubbery...and leaf lettuce if Im not careful. This is just me...not sure how everyone is...

I think you could use another fill...I am not so anxious to lose the rest of my weight quickly...because I feel great now...and actually giving myself till the end of the year to be at goal. You should do what keeps you motivated...but still feeling super! I know that I have make life changing habits in my diet..and that is the best thing..about the band! It feels so good to feel "full" for once in my life and feel I have control over food instead of it controlling me...We no longer wrap our activities around food...These are good positive changes...Wish you all the luck..keep up the good work ..and let the band work at its best for you and YOU alone.. Write me anytime...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you Poppyred!! I think I should call for a fill.. because I do not feel full on that much food.. and I do not stay full. I drink before meals .. and honestly.. I don't think I chew as well as I should all the time... thus getting stuck. I know that bread and rice sticks... and I get very upset by that... I do not stay full .. I can have lunch. 3oz. tuna fish and about a cup of salad.. lemon juice or FF dressing...( this much does not really fill me ) at noon and by 2 I am ready to eat my desk!!

Maybe I need more fill...

Hello Ninababy,

I dont know too many people restricted..that can still eat bread. Ive not been able to eat bread or Buns since Ive gotten my band...unless it is toasted. I have substituted crackers, or those super thin multi-grain buns....I cant eat flour tortias so Ive traded for corn....If the rice isnt overdone, I can eat some..but even Pasta I have to be careful with....these things bother me and hurt..when I had them...so I dont want them anymore..maybe its a brain thing..LOL but my mind now tells me I dont want them. I truly dont miss them...and enjoy my new "breads". Soda pops are another item, Ive not been able to tolerate since restriction. I even have trouble with well done boiled eggs..too rubbery...and leaf lettuce if Im not careful. This is just me...not sure how everyone is...

I think you could use another fill...I am not so anxious to lose the rest of my weight quickly...because I feel great now...and actually giving myself till the end of the year to be at goal. You should do what keeps you motivated...but still feeling super! I know that I have make life changing habits in my diet..and that is the best thing..about the band! It feels so good to feel "full" for once in my life and feel I have control over food instead of it controlling me...We no longer wrap our activities around food...These are good positive changes...Wish you all the luck..keep up the good work ..and let the band work at its best for you and YOU alone.. Write me anytime...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well I am finally feeling some restriction. Beef, chicken and fish can get stuck. I feel real full after 4-5 oz. Protein. I do however feel like I need one more fill. I can still eat how much food I want to - so I am not there yet. I have lost 7 lbs since last Sunday (275 down to 268) and feel good about that. Next time I see the Dr. I will ask the fill amounts and dates to share back here. Eating mostly protein is difficut - especially trying to create some variey, and keep cholesterol down, and the 'system processing' everything along. We have started eating a lot of fish. Easy on the system , low in fat, quick to prepare, and mostly low in cholesterol. My nutritionist says to keep red meat to one meal a week. I do not eat greek yougert, or cottatge cheese or anything similar. So its ommelets for Breakfast - some type of canned fish for lunch (smoked sardines, tuna, pink salmon, octopus, smoked mussles, or similar) or some high protein option from the cafe'. dinner is fish , beef, or chicken. A easy eat-out option is chicken or beef teryaki from the Chineese food place.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello Ninababy,

I dont know too many people restricted..that can still eat bread. Ive not been able to eat bread or Buns since Ive gotten my band...unless it is toasted. I have substituted crackers, or those super thin multi-grain buns....I cant eat flour tortias so Ive traded for corn....If the rice isnt overdone, I can eat some..but even Pasta I have to be careful with....these things bother me and hurt..when I had them...so I dont want them anymore..maybe its a brain thing..LOL but my mind now tells me I dont want them. I truly dont miss them...and enjoy my new "breads". Soda pops are another item, Ive not been able to tolerate since restriction. I even have trouble with well done boiled eggs..too rubbery...and leaf lettuce if Im not careful. This is just me...not sure how everyone is...

I think you could use another fill...I am not so anxious to lose the rest of my weight quickly...because I feel great now...and actually giving myself till the end of the year to be at goal. You should do what keeps you motivated...but still feeling super! I know that I have make life changing habits in my diet..and that is the best thing..about the band! It feels so good to feel "full" for once in my life and feel I have control over food instead of it controlling me...We no longer wrap our activities around food...These are good positive changes...Wish you all the luck..keep up the good work ..and let the band work at its best for you and YOU alone.. Write me anytime...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I got a small fill Friday and I am feeling less hungry. Much less. I get full on much less. I have stayed fairly soft food this weekend but had turkey and salad today. I had a little trouble but it was fine. I am not hungry this evening and just keeping lemon Water close. So I am feeling more optimistic. Let's see how this week goes. Thanks for the support!! This has made a huge difference for me. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Ninababy - sounds like we are in a similar place - I am trying to find the 'sweet spot' and wish I could find a definition, or personal experience describing that. Sometimes if I do not chew food thoroughly it seems to get stuck and wants to come back up - not a nice feeling (panic and mild regurgitation) ! For the most part (98%) food processes fine. I can still take in way over 2-4 oz. of food, for example I eat a bowl of salad w/ chicken or fish or anchovies for the Protein, but the volume is still significant - so it's not 2-4 oz. in volume so I do not think my restriction is where it needs to be. As I mentioned I have a fill coming up and hope to 'be there'. If I can get my fill history I will post it here so others might derive some benefit from it....

regards Bandedbob

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Ninababy - sounds like we are in a similar place - I am trying to find the 'sweet spot' and wish I could find a definition, or personal experience describing that. Sometimes if I do not chew food thoroughly it seems to get stuck and wants to come back up - not a nice feeling (panic and mild regurgitation) ! For the most part (98%) food processes fine. I can still take in way over 2-4 oz. of food, for example I eat a bowl of salad w/ chicken or fish or anchovies for the Protein, but the volume is still significant - so it's not 2-4 oz. in volume so I do not think my restriction is where it needs to be. As I mentioned I have a fill coming up and hope to 'be there'. If I can get my fill history I will post it here so others might derive some benefit from it....

regards Bandedbob

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yup we are very similar. I get stuck and it is upsetting. I feel that panic as well I can still eat more than 4oz as well. I feel a bit less hungry with this fill but not where I think it should be. But I know that it can all kick in better later on. Sometimes weeks.

A small fill may really help you. It got me more on track. But still a battle. I hope it works for you. !! Hang in there and keep me posted!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Isn't there a way to keep this post front and center? I don't want it to get buried. All the newbies need to have easy access to this post.

Thank you for asking that because I am a newbie *no band yet*, and I had questions about the fills. This thread answered all my questions, and then some.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well I spoke to my doctor and I have 8.5 cc's in a 14 cc band if that is useful to anyone. I can still eat more than 2-4 oz. but am feeling restriction on more types of food.

I cannot (and should not) eat bread for instance. Dry chicken (breast meat) can get stuck, and the first food item inthe morning, if I do not have coffee or some Water, can be difficult to swallow.

I find myself chewing a LOT more, and am loosing 1-2 lbs every 2-3 weeks, so the weight is s-l-o-w-l-y coming off. I have another fill scheduled in a week or so.

Interesting note - I got a co-pay bill from my last fill (it was neglidgable) - but the physician's charge was $300 !!

Three hundred bucks for 5 minutes of work !

If I had a script for syringes and access to sterile saline I would do it myself !!!!

But that's just me (being silly)......

Wishing you all the very best .....................

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×