Band fill question

Hey guys, it's been a while. I posted this on the Lap Band forum as well, figured I'd throw it out here as well.  Any banders had the same? I have had two fills and feel as if I have almost no restriction. Last month I lost only 6 pounds after having lost 43 in the six weeks prior. The fills seemed to have worked for a day or two but now I feel as if I can eat anything and everything. I am not due for another fill for another two weeks.  Has anyone else experienced this early on or is this going to be a fight the rest of the way through for me?  I really hope the next fill helps me get some good restriction. Thank you, Chris

I have been banded for about 9 weeks, although I have not personally had a fill yet. I have basically been coasting on the psychological aspect of having this band in me, and have been following the bandster rules and continue to loose weight without a fill yet. As soon as I stall though I will get one. But what I can tell you from what others have said, it can take up to 3 weeks to really feel the full effects of a fill. Initially, when the band gets tighter after a fill, that can cause some stomach irritation which then causes swelling, so initially you feel tighter than you will after the swelling goes down. That's why it's important to go back to the mini post-op diet of clear liquids for a few days, followed by full liquids, then mushies, etc. I see a lot of people try eating normally after a fill and inevitably have major problems. However, something else has been reported numerous times and recognized by doctors as well. After the initial swelling goes down, and a period of normality, the band gets a little tighter a while after the fill, sometimes up to 3 weeks after. They don't know exactly why yet, but it does take time for the fill to fully kick in. That's also the reason why most doctors want to wait at least 3 weeks or more between fills. Also, they say it takes at least 3 fills, and more likely 5-6 before you find that perfect sweet spot. So I'd say, stay patient, try to eat right while you're waiting for the fills to get locked in, and have faith. You'll get there in due course. And celebrate your 43 pounds lost! I've lost almost 50 pounds  myself, so I know that you can already feel the difference.

Yep, it took me I think 5 fills to get good restriction. Of couarse it veries from person to person. If you have the larger band, it usually takes several fills. SOunds like your on track and doing well. Hang in there.

Your not alone. I had my first fill about 5 weeks ago and now I barely have a restriction. Im going for my 2nd fill this Friday. 1st fill was 7cc. Im hoping this fill does the trick. And I really need to get back to the basics again.

As suggested I am trying to stick to the rules and chose my foods carefully. I am certainly eating less than before the band but I am relying on my will power most of the way. I know I can hold on this way for a while but not forever, it's how I got here in the first place! I think I am 5-6 cc's in a 10cc band and wont have a fill for a couple of weeks at the soonest. The holidays don't help either!!! Thank you for your advice, suggestions, experiences and support. Best wishes, Chris