Question:
Has anyone had a fill and it ended up being too tight?

I had my second fill on Thursday and by Friday night it hurt when I took a breath. Also the heartburn was awful. Had to go to go to ER Saturday morning to have some taken out. I feel like I am going backwards.    — Patford (posted on October 18, 2009)

October 18, 2009
Don't worry about this. It can happen. I'm 5 years post-op with the Lap-Band, and I'm at my goal weight. Just this last year I had to go to the ER twice to have fluid taken out. The first time, my regular doctor thought I was having a heart attack due to some of the symptoms. My surgeon figured it out once I called him. Afterward, I just waited until my body told me it was time for a fill again (I started to be hungry more than 4 times a day, I ate more at each meal, I ate faster without swallowing problems, could take larger bites, etc). A few months, and a couple of fills later, I had swallowing and pain problems 2 or 3 days following a fill again. I had fluid removed and a month later had just a little bit added back. I then saw my doctor again 2 weeks later to have a little bit more fluid added. We just went in very small increments until I felt I was back where I needed to be. I then returned to my normal monthly visits. Don't be afraid to contact your physician again if you have exaggerated symptoms of difficulty swallowing, unusual acid reflux, or pain a day or two after a fill. You'll get used to how much fluid is right for you with experience. You'll be more tight after each fill and it will be a little more difficult to swallow the first week or so after some of your fills, but you'll get used to it, and within a couple of months you'll need another fill. Remember that the band is just a tool to help you maintain healthy eating habits and eat less. Don't be in such a hurry. This is a life-long change in your eating habits. You'll have plateaus and probably even gain weight a couple of times between visits to your surgeon over the years. Just stay on track and go back to the basics when you are struggling. Keep a food and exercise log if you're having problems so you and your doctor can determine what is causing the plateau or weight gain. I encourage you to see your surgeon every one to two months (I still do). Also, if you're not in a WLS support group, find one. You'll get good information, support, encouragement, and answers to your questions from others who have gone through the same thing. You'll also find that you are a help to others who are newer to this than you. I wish you all of the best. God Bless.
   — KimM

October 18, 2009
I bet their is not many out there who has not had to have some removed before. I know I have on my than one occasion. Its normal.....and sometimes its hard to tell if it is to tight until you go home and try to eat a meal. I actually just had some removed on Friday. I had had a quarter of a cc put in mine the Thursday before and after about 4 days started having acid reflux really bad and knew I was going to have to have it removed, so I did and now I am back to normal. I guess I will just hold off and see what happens before trying again. Best Wishes.
   — Babbles

October 18, 2009
My nameis Ruth rowe I have the Realize -Band I too had trouble with My Band being to tight My Surgeons Nurse to a 1/2 cc of saline out of My port and I was okay I worry because i am a Diabetic but I have lost 23 lbs. I was 68 when I was Banded but I am not sorry I had it done I don't even know I have it the only time I know is sometimes i eat to fast too .I guess We all need to live and learn from our mistakes .
   — Ruth Rowe