Hi Jojo - you asked this in the TLBC thread, but I thought I would separate it out as that thread is getting old and lenghty.

you said ...... "I was banded may 2007 and lost 40 pounds over the first year. I have now gained 12 pounds and have noticed that I can eat things I couldn't before ie bread, muffins etc. Has anyone else experienced this and if so could it be that my band has stretched? I am wondering if I need to have a fill which I havent done for over a year. "

I was banded around the same time (Apr/07) and have had at least 14 fills since then. As you lose weight, the fat pad around your stomach also shrinks and your band feels looser, even though you felt restriction at one time.

I'm pretty sure you just need a fill. Call the clinic and get in there! You will feel so much better.

I'm really glad that you brought this out to the main forum and posted your reply Alex !!!

To be completely honest I have always assumed that the 'TLBC' thread was more directed to issues related directly to the clinic and Dr's at that clinic. I didn't know that you all used it as a 'general discussion' board regarding all things about banding, therefore I have never even opened the thread since TLBC was not my clinic.

I know that some like to keep things more personal and to within a certain group, but I would like to ask that if you are posting in the TLBC board and it is just general band info/questions that could help and inform other bandsters of issues, please post (or X-post it) in the general forum so we can all benefit from it.

JoJo...I would agree with Alex, you probably need a fill. I was banded in '06 and have had about 12 fills, my last one being months ago. As of right now I can eat bread, muffins....I even had 1/2 a bagel this morning...so I have called and scheduled a fill for next week. Keep us all posted on how you're doing and if you do indeed decide on a fill.

All the best,

Patricia

I just returned from Dr. Woodhead (band surgeon) this morning and I asked him specifically about the pouch and fill. He told me that a fill is a personal choice with the patient, but the majority of weight will be lost in the first and second year. After that, the pouch if packed will continue to stretch allowing more and more food to be consumed. He said that diet and exercise after the 2nd year is probably the only way more weight will be lost, albeit the band will help the appetite.

By measuring the food and weighing it probably will help ensure the pouch is not overpacked and stretched. I also, have been keeping a loose fill in the hope the food will pass through a bit easier thus not stretching my pouch.

I am very slow in my weight loss, but I consistantly loose at least 2 lbs per month.

I would be interested in what other surgeons have to say.