I had my 11cc band done in September. I have had three fills for a total of 5cc's. I havent lost any weight infact, I gained through the holidays. I can still eat bread and meat! After my last fill it was so tight that I couldnt keep my salva down but by the next day the restriction was gone (my band is in the right position and isnt leaking). Is this normal? I am so discouraged and feeling like I have made the wrong decision. Any advice?

It sounds normal to me. The first day of tightness may just be swelling. I'm at 6ccs in a 10cc band and I'm not having any trouble with food passing but I am less hungry on much less food. It sounds like another fill or two for you.

Yes, some of us have a bumpier ride finding a decent level of restriction than others. I am in the same boat. I am just recently learning what continued restriction feels like (meaning able to feel it for more than a sporadic day or two).

But, we do have to find a balance between "can" and "should" to avoid gaining while we find restriction. When I've got no restriction I face situations like I physically can eat this pizza but should I? It's a tough road to haul but just keep trying and hang in there!

Hey Longhorn,

Where'd ya get your graph? Its neat

Oh Paula... I feel your pain! This restriction rollercoaster sucks!

Hey Longhorn,

Where'd ya get your graph? Its neat

Oh Paula... I feel your pain! This restriction rollercoaster sucks!

I got it from liquid Diet Discussion Board. I don't know if you have to be a paid member to get it. I was active on that board when I did Medifast four years ago and I always liked the graph so I'm tracking my weight over there.

Thanks Longhorn!

Sounds like your doctor is pretty conservative with an 11 cc band. My husband has a 10 cc band and has two fills, the first 4 cc and 2 more the second for a total of 6 cc. He was banded a month after you.

His restriction is uneven; sometimes he can eat quite a bit, but today tried a hamburger and could get just two bites down and then threw the rest away.

Is your fill doctor near your home? If the fills are nearby, i would think about getting a more aggressive fill the next time. If you are really restricted immediately after the fill but then lose it right away, you may just get a lot of swelling at first that goes down quickly. Many doctors give adjustments within a week or two at no charge or greatly reduced rates, so that may be your answer. It really sounds as though you need another fill, that's all.

Keep going back in for fills until you can only eat 800-1k calories or 1/2 cup of food. Make sure your diet is high in protein.

Thanks all! I am feeling much better. I'm scheduled for another fill in two weeks. I will let you know how it goes. It is really nice having others to talk to that can really relate and understand. I REALLY appreciate it!

Keep going back in for fills until you can only eat 800-1k calories or 1/2 cup of food. Make sure your diet is high in protein.

I am puzzled............how do u eat 1,000 calories (day's total) w/ 1/2 cup meals?