How long does your fill last?

I was banded on 09-10-08 and have had two fills so far. I am scheduled for a 3rd fill on 01-26. My question is this, how long does a fill last, lasting restriction I mean?? My first fill was done 10-20-08 and it was done under fluro. My doc said she put in 7 ccs ( I have an AP large band). I felt definite restriction and it was lovely. This restriction only lasted 4 to 5 days and then it was nothing!!!  I thought well wait and see how the 2nd fill goes... My 2nd fill was done 12-15-08 and the nurse doing the fill said she pulled out 4.5 ccs and then added an additional 1.5 ccs giving me 6 total ccs.... I was very confused about this because I was told my first fill was 7 ccs??? Where did the fluid go? Also the second fill did not feel as tight as the first fill... I have only lost 12 pounds since my surgery date of 09-10-08 and am starting to feel very frustrated. My 2nd fill offered me some "mild" restriction for only 4 to 5 days and then BAM, nothing.... Is this normal? I feel like I am still on a really really hard diet. I am soooo hungry, but try my best to limit my cals and I do exercise everyday.. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated. I am due to see my doc again on 01-26-09 for my 3rd fill. Should I be concerned about the "missing fluid" or is this normal. I also thought that maybe the doc just recorded the ccs wrong, (there were three chatty nurses in the room and even I could not keep the ccs straight).. My concern is because I know the "tight" feeling was different with the 2nd fill. Anything anyone???

Stacey, I have been there! My answer is "it varies". It wasn't until my 3rd fill that I could feel restriction. It lasted a few days and then it was gone. My 4th one made a difference and was good for 3 weeks. I felt it becoming less effective. I had a very slight fill of .5cc and it made all the difference in the  world. My fills were 3CC at surgery + 2CC + 1CC + .5CC +.5CC = 7CC in a 14CC band.  My surgeon explained to me that the 3-4 day restriction feeling was more from something getting stuck and then the swelling afterward (That did in fact happen.) Once you lose wt. the fill becomes less effective since less fat means a looser band. I think you are getting close. Believe me when you get to the point, you know it!  I was so impatient early on. I know am learning how to live with my band. I am getting good at knowing when to stop and when to say no to certain foods. -- Tom

Thanks so much for responding. It really does help to have a sounding board!  I hope and pray fill No.3 helps me, as I seem to be stuck right now and it is very frustrating! My doc makes you wait 6 weeks before "considering" another fill... Is this the norm? It seems a bit of a long wait.. or should I just learn to be patient with this whole experience? Thanks so much for your 2 cents..

Stacey

My third fill was the magic one, but I didn't think it was the sweet spot or green zone until I had overfilled....and had to have it taken out 24 hrs later.  In November, I tried to get .25CC and it was still too much, had it taken out, haven't gotten a fill since.  At times I was hungrier, but the restriction seemed to "come back" which is more likely due to stress or drainage, but still it has lasted for weeks......so I am not getting a fill as scheduled next week, but I am going to see Dr. Teel on other questions.

Until you have restriction, you are on a diet, that's just how the band is......but once the band is working with you, it is great.  I didn't have to wait so long, and I know that helped my weight loss, but I also eat protein first and followed all quantity guidelines until I had restriction.  

6 weeks is WAY too long.  I was able to go every two weeks starting 8 wks after surgery onward, since only 3 months aftercare are included in the surgery cost......then every month after that until you are doing well enough to come every 2-3 months.  They don't want bandsters to slip away, so going more often is good.  I already cancelled my Dec appt so I am going this month.

check out the lap band forum under surgical forums, there are tons of us bandsters.......not so many that post here on the Ohio board.

You have to be patient. My surgeon schedules monthly office visits for the first year. It includes time with a nurse, dietitian and the surgeon. He discusses how I have been doing and how my weight loss is going. At the last one he told me that I will most likely drive when I need a fill from now on. He looks at the pounds lost and if it is around 4-6 a month he says that is perfect.  I think monthly is perfect. 2 weeks seems too often. A month gives you time to co consider how it is really working. Remember that this is not a race. Think about 5 years from now. Would it mater that you got more fills quicker or would it be better to ease into the new lifestyle? That is what finally made me more patient with the fills.  -- Tom