Question:
Lap Band Adjustments

I hear that finding the right adjustment is difficult; that which will let enough, but not too much, intake before feeling full. I've heard the term "sweet spot" in describing just the right fill amount. I like to hear some experiences.    — dps (posted on January 8, 2008)

January 8, 2008
I was banded in may of 07, I had one fill in July, one in September and the last one in November and I think I am at my sweet spot.......Or at this point I am not willing to have any more restriction. I think I am loosing weight at a good rate.........so we will see what the future hold............good luck............
   — jhart

January 8, 2008
don't worry. i had my band done in march of 07, i lost about 3lbs a week for the first 3 months , then came to a stop for 6 weeks, then i had my 2nd fill which didn't help at all for the next 6 weeks. so i had it adjusted again and WOW. what a difference - i am back to the 3 lbs a week and my Dr. says that since they hit the (sweet stop) this time it could be a long time till i need another adjustment. one note thou, my second fill was done in the office instead of xray so no matter what they say they really need to SEE what they are doing.
   — rrwirz

January 8, 2008
You will know when you get to your sweet spot. Everyone is different when it comes to adjustments. I was banded in Aug. 06 and had my first fill 6 weeks later, I had several adjustments over the next few months. Now I have reached my goal and I have not had one since Oct 4. I have not lost any weight, but do not need too. I also like being able to eat without so much restriction. So I know I am at my sweet spot. As for the post before mine about getting adjustments done under fluro...I have only had it done in front of the xray once and that was because I hit my year mark. My doctor does it a under fluro at a year if you have never done it before under it. I have never had a problem with them hitting my port in their office and never have pain from them doing it either. Hope this helps.
   — Babbles

January 9, 2008
Alot depends on you Dr. You have to remember that fills are a huge money maker for the doctors. #1 know what size band you have. If you have a 10cc or a 4cc band, your fill amounts should be different. Alot of Dr's only give small amounts because they WANT you to have to come back every 4-6 weeks. that is another $200+ in their pockets. As for having a fill with a fluoroscopy, that is not to be able to find the port, it is to be able to tell how much restriction you have with the fill. You should have a fluor before the fill so the dr can tell where you start and another after the fill so he can tell how much restriction the fill has given you. Even if the fluoroscopy costs extra, YOU can tell how much difference there is on the fluoroscopy. My surgeon let me see as he was doing the fluoroscopy and explained as he did it and When he did the 2nd one after my fiirst fill, I could tell a significant difference in how much restriction I had. I was banded on 2-2-07 had my first fill on 3-15-07 and from 3-15-07 lost a total of 130lbs by Sep 1. I had to have my band removed on sep 6 becasue I was having gall bladder attacks and the dr that did the gall bladder surgery did a scope and when he came back out, he pulled my stomach back through the band, and then had the nerve to tell me that he thought that my band had slipped and that I needed to go back to my surgeon to get it fixed. Well we werent able to pull it back into place and so it had to come off. Now 5 months later I have gained 70 lbs back and don't know if I will ever be able to afford to have the surgery again. It took me over 10 yrs to be able to do it the first time. But as for you, just take control of the situation, don't get caught in their web and have to have 6-8 fills before they hit your sweet spot. 1cc is not going to cut it for anyone. Research your band, find out which size you got and go from there. This tool really can work and believe me, when you hit your sweet spot....it is wonderful....best of luck
   — mccabesmom