I had the band surgery in October 2008. My surgeon is Dr. Fass. December 10th, I had my first fill for 1.5cc. Since then I have had fills in January for 1cc and two fills in February for 2cc. I have had no restriction at all. I could eat anything. My total is now 4.5cc and I feel some restriction when eating bread for the first time. I have only lost 23 pounds (7 since surgery) and have been totally frustrated. My doctor says that he has had patients who lost nothing in the first year. I was afraid that I would be one of those people. I overheard a fellow patient talking about your website while sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office. I've heard some reassuring things, however I sure would like to start losing weight soon. Any info would help!

Welcome to LBT.

I know it can be frustrating when you're not getting good lasting restriction, but your doctor is conservative with fills, and from some studies, that's a good thing as far as having less likelihood of band complications.

Can you ask for a fill under fluoro to see the rate of restriction BEFORE your fill? If your doctor sees that your barium swallow is going straight through, maybe he'd be willing to give you a little more saline the next time. Sooner or later, though, he will get you to good restriction, so try not to get too discouraged (easier said than done, I know).

Plus, a 28 lb loss since October is so much better than the alternative. I know I would have ended up gaining weight over the holidays had I not had my band.

Welcome Susister. You are not alone. My docs are VERY conservative with adjustments, too, and I only just got a little restriction. I have not lost down to my presurgery weight yet and understand your frustration. Keep reading and posting and hopefully we will get thru the hardtimes together and come out on the losing (winning) side!!

Mimi

Susister, I want to tell you a few things. For one, your not alone. We are all in this together. I had several fills and was feeling no restriction but losing weight so stressing only a little. Last Wednesday, I got a fill and thought FINALLY I can feel restriction. I did well on two days liquid and one day mushies, but on Sunday I woke up so restricted that I could not get anything in or keep anything down. The more I stressed the worse it got. It got to the point that I couldn't keep my HBP medication down and that made things even worse. Then last night I puked up the sips of Water I was taking and I completely freaked out and got scared. So this morning I made a doctor's appointment for an "unfill" (egads, I had been working so hard to get a good restriction) The doc says I probably got something stuck that took a while to work it's way out. He still took out .6 cc's and I may now be too loose (it's too soon to tell) but after the last few days, I would rather be a little loose and focus on my portion controls, then be way too tight. You don't want to be too tight and get dehyrdrated etc.

So cheer up girl and hang in there. We're both still learning and always remember............ Slow and steady wins the race.

Su, no worries!

I'm 13 months post op, and I have to tell you - it wasn't until my last fill that I believe I finally got to that sweet spot.

That's right! It took me over a year!! I'm thinking I'm at 6cc/10cc. I don't for absolute sure, because my doctor won't tell me. He says that's not what is important. What IS important is that your personal spot is reached in due time.

I've heard so many bad stories of people being TOO tight. Just take your time with it. The band surely wasn't intended to be a quick fix.

BTW: It took me 8 fills to get to where I am. I only lost 40 Lbs since surgery all year. This year will be different for me, I know it. Smile, it will happen.

...and

Thanks to all. I guess I need some patience.

LilMissDiva, OMG, you are the ultimate in patience. Keep up the good work. I know now that I must hang in there and work closely with my doctor. Everyone loses at a different rate. THANKS!!!:w00t:

Are you exercising at all? That can really help lose it faster. I can relate to not losing fast. I had surgery in May and I have lost 45 pounds. I am one of the people who have had really bad experiences being too tight. I have been too tight during my last 3 fills and have had to go have some taken out everytime. I think that has slowed my weight loss. But I am also one of those people who can't lose unless I exercise. So that may be part of your problem, I don't know.