Question:
Why won't my band stay tight?

I had surgery on Jan 8th and have had five fills now. When I get a fill the band feels just right. But after a few days I am able to eat more again. Is this normal? What am I doing wrong? What should a usual daily eating & meals be right now? Examples??    — BDISON (posted on March 19, 2009)

March 19, 2009
Bill - Is it possible there is a hole in the band or that is band has slipped?? I would be asking the doctor not the nurse who gives the fills about what is going on-in fact I would insist on talking to him. Ask how much saline they are putting in each time they fill also. Do you mean 5 fills since Jan 09?
   — Eneleh

March 19, 2009
You need to figure out an eating plan. Most people suggest 5 small meals a day. Lots of protien and little carbs. This will promote weight loss and not leave you hungry even if the band is not working the way you would expect.
   — trible

March 19, 2009
The Dr. is doing the fills & yes I have had 5 fills since Jan. 8th 2009. How much is usual amt of solution for a fill? Do you know? Does everyone else seem to feel about the same effect from your band each day?
   — BDISON

March 19, 2009
I have had a similar problem with my lap band. I am now up to 9cc's in a 10cc band. I still am not at the ideal level. I do pretty good with breakfast. I have my protein powder (24grams) with my coffee in the morning. Lunch is a larger meal of mostly protein. That is over a cup of food. It is in the evening that I can eat almost anything. If I didn't go to the gym and the pool daily, I would not have lost any weight at all. My brother-in-law lost over 100lbs with the lap band. I on the other hand have only lost 30 lbs and it is over 9 months. I will need another fill in May and I will be getting another 1/2cc. That is the amount my Dr. usually puts in the fill. It was more than that the first few months. I hope that helps you. Susan
   — susangielda06

March 19, 2009
I'm with Susan on this...I've only lost 50 lbs since May of last year...and only 10 of those in the last 5 months. The first few weeks of a fill I will feel fuller and eat less, but the last few weeks before the next fill...it all seem to go crazy. I couldn't even tell you how many fills I've had...I've actually lost count now. I have a 14cc band and have around 10ccs in it so far. For me, I don't get hungry in the mornings but try to drink a protein shake anyways, and then I might be hungry around 2pm or so and then in the evening I'm hungry and nothing seems to satisfy me. I'm sure that like someone said to eat 5 meals a day might help, possibly eating when I'm not really hungry then when the evening time comes I won't be sooo hungry. Maybe that's what I need to do too. But don't worry, I'm feeling the same way.
   — Carrie S.

March 19, 2009
Hi Billi, First I want to say CONGRATS to you for taking the step and having the surgery. How awesome is that? I had surgery last Feb and have lost 70 lbs. I have 5.5cc's in my 10 cc band and have optimum restriction. The secret is the band rules. Eat slowly, eat protein, do not drink with meals, exercise, take all supplements and simply...believe. I used to feel the same way. I woudl get the fill and within days I would not feel restiction but I was not following the rules either and I was stuffing myself! If you take the time to eat slowly and listen, the band will stop you when you are full. Three meals a day, no snacks and PLENTY of water has allowed me to reach a 70 lb loss in one year and I plan 50 more in my 2nd year. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!
   — Gods_destiny