what lapband do u have? max fill capacity?

help me people.... im going to mexico in 2 weeks (i think) and think the band im getting may not be good because its max fill capacity is 4 cc's.  is that typical?  i weigh 190 and am 5'5"

I have a 10cc allergan band, sorry I dont know much about the 4cc bands I have a couple of friends who went to mexico they also got the 4cc bands a few years ago

I have a 4cc Lap-Band. That size isn't used in the USA any more because Allergan sells it to Mexican surgeons at a deep discount, but that doesn't mean it's a bad product. If you're 5'5" and 190 pounds, a 4 cc band is probably fine for you. I'm 5'2" and was 221 lbs, and I've done great with my little old 4 cc band.

The appeal of a big-capacity band (11 cc, 14 cc) is that it has a wide range of fill capacity, but depending on the patient's anatomy, that can be a good thing or a bad thing. The idea is that a big band is a "one size fits all" band, but with a bigger band, some patients may need a lot more fills to achieve optimal restriction. With a smaller band, smaller fills can do the job. I've had fills of .15 cc that made a huge difference in my restriction.

If you're really worried about the 4cc band, ask your surgeon about using a bigger one. But the price may go up as a result of that.

Jean

I went to Mexico and received a 10cc Allergan Band.  I was all about the larger-capacity band because I liked the idea of having more room to work with if I needed more restriction than what the 4cc band provided.  I was informed that some MX surgeons offer the smaller band because they pay less for them from the company (so you don't have a choice). My particular surgeon in MX offered both for the same price and discussed the differences in sizes with me, ultimately allowing me to choose which one I wanted before surgery.

While I do have a 10cc capacity band, I have only 3.1ccs in it currently and have been at perfect restriction (aka my "sweet spot") for 20 months now.  Who knows if I will ever need more, but I do like the option if the need arises at some point. I am young and have a long life ahead of me...things can change.

Good luck!

The 4cc bands are older generation -- and that is one way that the surgeon's in MX keep their prices down.

I think that they have been obsolete in the States for about 5 years.

There is nothing really wrong with them (several of the 'older' bandsters here have that version) as long as they are new and free of mechanical defects.

Have you clearly lined up LOCAL support for fills and emergencies?  Most Band patients require 2 - 10 follow up appointments in the first year to get the best use out of the tool.

Many US doctors will NOT take patients that they did not band.  If they do take you, they may charge higher fees and program fees.

Make sure you are very prepared for your "post-op" life before you go and have surgery, please.

The smallest my doctor does, is 10cc.

Im 2+ years post op... I have a Allergen Lap Band 14cc AP Large

Thanks everyone for your feedback.   I think more research on mympart is needed.  Myissue is that Im not heavy enuf to get it done in the us and the mexican hospitals Ive been in contact with do not have the larger capacity bands.  They've explained to me that the way the band works and it makes sense to me but im still perplexed as to why some of you are fine with either one.  like I said Im 5'5"...fairly medium boned-large boned... and weigh 187.  I think I'll put a thread up asking what size people had with a 32 bmi.