I had surgery on July 2 and I am kind of confused about band sizes. How do the doctors decide what size band to use? My doctor gave me a little card that says I have a 4cc band. I am assuming that means I can only be filled to 4cc, correct? Does that mean I am more restricted right now (without a fill), then someone who was banded with a 10cc band? I am very rarely hungry, and when I do eat, I get full really fast.:frown: I don't know if I feel restriction, or am I just afraid to eat too much. Since I have a small band, I'm afraid something might get stuck. :confused2: Please help me to understand this band size. Thank you!

I had surgery on July 2 and I am kind of confused about band sizes. How do the doctors decide what size band to use? My doctor gave me a little card that says I have a 4cc band. I am assuming that means I can only be filled to 4cc, correct? Does that mean I am more restricted right now (without a fill), then someone who was banded with a 10cc band? I am very rarely hungry, and when I do eat, I get full really fast.:frown: I don't know if I feel restriction, or am I just afraid to eat too much. Since I have a small band, I'm afraid something might get stuck. :confused2: Please help me to understand this band size. Thank you!

My surgeon gave me a larger band. He said the band size depends on the measurement of the area it is to be placed, the thickness of the tissue and how much fat is around the stomach. He said everyone is different and it doesn't mean one is more fat than another if they have a larger band. My surgeon also said he was thinking about using larger bands in all his patients because then there is more room to play with in the way of fills. He said there is only so much you can add to the smaller bands and some people aren't getting enough restriction when filled to the max.

Good luck with your band.

Sincerely,

Stephanie

i was told it wasn't about the size of the band, but the size of the stoma.

Here ya go i hope this helps its a great link for the lap band. I have the AP large 14CC

LAP-BAND Central - The LAP-BAND AP System

Here ya go i hope this helps its a great link for the lap band. I have the AP large 14CC

LAP-BAND Central - The LAP-BAND AP System

Thanks. This info helps me understand it better. I also have the AP large with low profile port placement.

Are you having good restriction so far?

Thank for this info! I need to call my Dr tomorrow and question what size band he used. I have no restriction right now and it stinks!

My doctor told me he used a 14cc band because I had to much fat around my stomach for the 10cc band to fit.

I also have a 14 cc band because of my size. I'm kind of glad he put in the larger one because you're right, you have more to play with. On the other hand, it will take longer for me to get to my sweet spot.

i haven't had a fill yet, but i can't eat as much as i used to. Fri is my last day of liquids (3 weeks) Then im gonna try some semi solids in me and see if i stay full. I go for checkup on the 29th and if i don't think i have enough restricition i will ask for a Fill.

Here ya go i hope this helps its a great link for the lap band. I have the AP large 14CC

LAP-BAND Central - The LAP-BAND AP System

Great Post!

Only thing I'd like to add is NO MATTER which size band you have they can ALL be tightened up until you couldn't swallow your own spit.

I've physically held each of these bands and "played" with adding and removing Fluid to them outside of the body and I repeat they ALL can be filled to the point there is no opening whatsoever.

The only real problem associated whith fill adjustments between the 4cc & the 10 or 14cc bands are there are some people who's stomach wall and surrounding fatty layer are too thick for the smaller 4cc band. Which is why it should always be the doctors decision as to which band is placed. I have one friend who had the smaller band placed before the larger ones were even available. The first few months were difficult for her as she was a bit too tight until she lost enough weight to shrink some of the fatty layer around her stomach.

Thanks everyone for your replies. This really helps me out. I just want to say it's so nice to post a question and get prompt responses. I love this website! I don't know anyone who actually has a lapband, and since I didn't tell anyone I was getting it done, it's really great to have the support here. Thanks again!

Thanks everyone for your replies. This really helps me out. I just want to say it's so nice to post a question and get prompt responses. I love this website! I don't know anyone who actually has a lapband, and since I didn't tell anyone I was getting it done, it's really great to have the support here. Thanks again!

I agree with you. This site has been a blessing to me. I have told people about my surgery, but still don't feel like I am getting the support I need. It is nice to share experiences with others that truly understand.

thanks everyone,

Stephanie