How much is a normal fill?

[dietpeach 0]

I know may doctors like to fill slowly because if you fill too much at once, sometimes the band slips. Also, the patient might not be able to get even Water down. I'm gearing up for my first fill in two weeks, and I was wondering, how much fill is normal at each fill?

[ivyrose325 0]

it varies so much from person to person. Dr's have their own preferences, some are more conservative then others,the size of your band makes a difference for example more will go into a larger cc band then a smaller cc band. Also if your band had a tiny starter fill before surgery (some newer bands require this) so it is really hard to say. i have always gotten the best restriction when filled under fluoroscopy, as the dr can see how liquids are passing through the band. My first fill was 1.25 ccs in a 4 cc band.

good luck to you

[MistyD65 1]

Yeah, there is really no such thing as "normal" when it comes to fills. There are so many different factors that come into play. Make sure, when you go for your fill, that you can express to your doctor how you have been doing with hunger and eating. Be able to answer these questions about yourself: How much do you eat at a time? How soon after eating do you feel hungry again? How long does it take you to eat a meal? What are you eating? All of those things will help your doctor determine an appropriate fill for you.

[dietpeach 0]

Okay, I wasn't so clear in my 1st post - sorry. I'm wondering what your doctor said was a good amount per fill (i.e., not more than 2 cc). If many people respond with their doctor's max, I can get a picture of what is clearly too much (more than what anyone lists) or I can see what advice is given most often.

Mainly, I would like to be armed with enough information that if my doctor offers to put in what most doctors say is too much, I can ask that he put in less and let me come back in a few weeks' time for more. I do believe in trusting your own doctor, but not blind trust - I believe patients need to do their homework and be proactive regarding their health. I consider this post part of my "homework." :thumbs_up:

Thanks.

Edited January 8, 2009 by dietpeach

[Guest Leslie2Lose]

dietpeach - there is really no answer for this question. EVERY person is different. I may have more fat around my stomach than you (and need less of a fill) or the reverse may be true. It doesn't really matter what your fill level is as long as you are at a good restriction - this varies depending on your body composition. Often it takes more than one adjustment to get you there. I'm sure your doctor will do what is best for you. You can't go off another's persons fill level and assume you will be the same. Listen and take his advice especially on fills - trust me being too tight is a horrible feeling and experience.

[JRFAN88 1]

I have the APS also which holds 10cc. I didn't know until I went in for my first fill that there was actually already 2 cc in from the surgery. The first fill in the office was 2 cc putting me at 4 cc. The 2nd fill in the office she gave me 1 cc putting me to 5 cc. That was the first time I felt any restriction.

[gentylwind 1]

My doctor said there is no normal or max amount. It is determined by what each individual can handle.

I was left with 3 cc at the time of surgery in a 10 cc band.

I got 2 cc at my first fill, giving me 5 cc.

I had my second fill earlier this week and got another 1 cc. I now have 6 cc in my 10 cc band and am beginning to feel real restriction now.

[dietpeach 0]

No, you guys, I meant how much can be put in at one time - not what is a fill level that gives restriction. I have read that putting in too much at once can cause slippage, and I want to go into my first fill knowing, for example, that most doctors agree that you shouldn't put more than 3 at a time, or more than 2 at a time, or whatever. I heard stories of people going in and getting 3 cc's at once, and then having problems and vomiting. I just want to have a picture of a good fill amount per fill, that's all. And I know that what's good for you might not be good for me, I just wanted a general picture of what other doctors do.

JRFAN88 and gentylwind, thank you. The information was helpful. I also have an APS band, prefilled. I go in 2 weeks from now for my first fill. I think if they offer more than 2 I'll ask them to put in only 2. I'd rather come back for more fills and go slowly and carefully.

By the way, gentylwind, I remember you fondly from a low carb site we both belonged to a few years ago. I guess we both found our way to getting a lap band, right about the same time. PM me if you want to know who I am. :thumbs_up:

Edited January 8, 2009 by dietpeach

[TQUAD64 9]

I am not sure what it normal, but my doc gave me 3cc at surgery and 1.5cc at December 10 appointment. My next fill is January 14, so I am hoping to get 2cc. I have a 10cc band and right now have no restriction.

[flowers 0]

I had 1.8 cc, 1.8 cc, then .5 cc.

Less than many for a 10 cc band. My fill doctor keeps going off into that there is a mistake, I don't really have a 10 cc band. I had to go get my surgeon to sign a letter.

[flowers 0]

No, you guys, I meant how much can be put in at one time

There is no set amount. My doctor uses fluoro and barium swallow. If the barium will not go down into your stomach, she removes part of the fill until it will trickle down.

If liquids wouldnt go down to your stomach, then you reached the limit and need to back it off.

3 cc's at a time is a large amount that I'v never been able to get my fill doctor to give me, she wouldn't restrict me beyond where liquids go easily into your stomach.