possible band leak - how much is lost?

Hi

I recently had a fill and thought I had 8cc in my band. Their computer says 8cc. My surgeon could only get 7ccout. I said 'is it a leak?' and she said that the bariatric physician who did fill no2 and fill no3 may have made a mistake logging how much. I seem to recall seeing 2cc in the syringe each time and I had 4cc in the first fill which the surgeon did. so 4cc +2cc + 2cc = 8cc.

My question is: if you have a leak, how much is lost between fills of around 4 weeks apart. 1ccfrom 8cc seems like not much, so wondering if it is a true leak, is there a lot more lost?

Anyhow the surgeon added 1.5cc bringing me to 8.5cc, I have yet to see how much restriction I get. (the band is a 12cc capacity). I lost 5.5 lbs in the last 4 weeks when I thought I hadn't lost any at all, so that is great (exercising great will power).

I have to wait 6 weeks to get in to see her again as she is away at the 4 week mark (my usual wait) and weeks 3 and 5 are already double booked, and the receptionists weren't going to triple book me in. Also the bariatric physician only goes to their other location now, and his replacement apparently doesn't work after 4pm (I always go after work).

Cat.

Depends on the leak!! Mine lost every bit of saline in one day! A small leak might lose a tiny amount over a few weeks.

But it is quite common for docs not to be able to draw out the full amount that is supposed to be in there. Generally not something to worry about unless lots " goes missing".

If you actually look at how small an amount is put in, the doc only has to depress the plunger the very smallest bit less than it can be pressed and you won't get the full amount. It's almost a matter of drops of liquid.

Kate

Don't worry about 1cc.  It could be evaporation, (which does happen), or poor record keeping on their part, or as Kate said, it's really hard to draw out every drop of fill.  I've had a couple of unfills and they turn me, press on me and manipulate the band every which way and never come up with the exact amount they believe is in there. 

Congrats on your unexpected WL.  You're doing great!

Lisa O.

Some of your missing fill can be stuck in the tubing.

Thanks guys, I feel reassured. I will just wait patiently for the next appt and see how much my surgeon can get out then, and see if she is concerned.

Cat.