Big Question!

SueSue · November 25, 2007

Hello,

I would like experiences from others to see if they have had the following happen to any of you. I was banded 9/25. Total loss 24. Haven't had a weight loss for 3 and a half weeks. Had two fills so far. Neither helped. Was tighter after surgery for about 3-4 weeks. I suspect that was swelling. Any advice on how to get a tighter fill? I was self-pay and my doctor does not use fluro. All blind fills. Last fill I got light headed and felt I was going to throw up. I didn't expect this surgery to be a miracle but did expect some help from the band. Do not have any restriction now. I can take 2 large metiformin pills in one swallow if you know the size of that pill. I can tell the band is there. Do get food stuck for a minute or two if I take big bites. But so far it goes downin a minute or two. I think I have a big band. She gave me 4.9 cc's first fill, no restriction, 1 cc this last time and no restriction. He started using this band in August so it is a newer one than he used before. Any help is sure appreciated. I am starting to get a bit discouraged.

make33 · November 25, 2007

I see people on here talk about "10cc" bands and "4cc" bands--perhaps you have a 10cc band?

When I had my first fill on November 16, all he put in was 1/2 cc and I feel pretty restricted (but I've never tested my restriction!).

If it was me, I'd call the doctor and discuss your concerns, and perhaps schedule another fill.

SueSue · November 25, 2007

I discussed it with them this last Tuesday. I do not think I like blind fills as how do you ever get it right. They tried. I was in the office with them at least 30-45 minutes. I don't want to be so tight I cannot drink but I do want restriction!

juliegeraci · November 25, 2007

sue, its all about restriction. Personally speaking I can't take 2 big pills at once. How much can you eat? With some people they can still eat 1 cup of food and lose weight. For others like myself, I have to cut down to maybe 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food. That should be your indications. Its all about what you are comfortable eating and IF you are losing.

SueSue · November 25, 2007

Make 33, Thank you for your reply. How are you doing by the way?

SueSue · November 25, 2007

Julie, I can eat two tacos and a salad for instance. I just did that and stopped even though I was not full.

juliegeraci · November 25, 2007

Sue, it comes down to this. If you can eat like that and still lose 1-2 lbs per week you don't need a fill. If you are not losing you may be one of those people that needs to consume less. In my case with my restriction I average about 1 taco if I eat real slow. salad would be out of the question. The main concern you have to have when you get good restriction where you are maybe eating 1/2 cup of food instead is Protein. I always have a Protein Shake for Breakfast with 30 grams. That way when I have lunch and dinner I eat more protein too. You will be fine. But restriction is key. Good luck.

transformer · November 26, 2007

Hi SueSue!

I didn't get really good restriction in my 10cc band until my last fill brought my band volume up to 9 cc. Everyone is different--it could be you just aren't at your "sweet spot" yet!

In the meantime, do your best to eat healthy--get in your Protein first so you'll feel fuller for longer.

I hope things work out for you!

SueSue · November 26, 2007

Thanks to all of you for your replies. I am still trying to hang in there. I can eat too much as a few of you asked. I have not tried to continue to eat all I want BUT I have noticed I can eat more than the first 3 weeks after surgery. I am not losing weight now so I am eating too much to do that. I know I need more restriction. Just did not realize it would take several fills to get it. I want to eat more often than I need to and more than I need to but at least I have not gained. Today is a new day and I will try harder today....I hope. I got this band because I had such a hard time losing weight.

kacee · November 26, 2007

You don't have restriction yet. This is NORMAL. I had three fills before I felt ANYTHING and the 4th one did it for me. If it has been three weeks you can probably request another fill within a week or so. You are also probably in a plateau. Those are GOING to happen as your body adjusts. I hit a plateau about every 5 pounds or so. Then I get stuck for a week or two (or three), but is you persevere it will break. This is where logging your food intake is VERY helpful. You need to understand that this is going to be a series of starts and stops...it won't be constant all the way through. And that is OKAY. Just because you hit a plateau does NOT mean the loss is over. It's just a "way station" along the path. I have come to accept it for what it is, knowing that the laws of physics will ruole in the end. If you take in fewer calories than you expend, you WILL LOSE EVENTUALLY.

niki · November 26, 2007

SueSue,

Did you ask your doctor what kind of band you have?

I have a band that takes 10cc and it's been hell during these past 2,5yrs since I have it to get good restriction. I've had 7 fills and still I feel I don't have ideal restriction because I eat way too much, never threw up, never had a PB or got stuck. All goes down weell: chicken breast, all sorts of veggies, bread, you name it! My doc is very conservative with fills (always less than 1 cc). You need to feel some restriction in order to loose. And even if you're in a plateau, you'll get out of it, just hang in there, don't despair!

niki

new_me_2008 · November 26, 2007

Also, keep in mind the exercise portion of the band. I have been told by my doctor to do at least 30 minutes per day. I am doing that. It goes slow and steady but I am losing with just my first fill.

I am definately hungry but I just measure out my food and then quit eating when I am done.