Question:
Should I or shouldn't I get 4th fill and if so how much?

I had lap band on 6/17/08 and have lost about 45 lbs give or take and have had 3 fills already. I had the larger band put in (14 ccs) due to an extremely large hiatail hernia. My first fill was 3ccs, second 2ccs, and third 1.5ccs with an additional 3ccs put in at time of surgery( giving me an approximately total of 9.5 ccs). My question is this month has been a little rough with things getting stuck causing foaming and vomitting on occassion, so I'm not sure if I should attempt a small fourth fill or leave well enough alone? i have severe asthma and this causes me to be on alot of medications and really hinders my availability to exercise and therefore causes my losing to be slower than I hoped. I am hoping to base my desicision this week on the amount of weight I have lost since my last appointment 6 weeks ago,. I am sort of afraid to have anymore vomitting due the hernia that was repaired at the time of surgery and really would never wish to cause any damage again. Please help me with any suggestions or advice you might have. I am scared to push to hard to fast.    — pamela P. (posted on November 17, 2008)

November 17, 2008
My advice is that you evaluate whether you are eating too quickly, swallowing before chewing enough or eating too much. I have been there with the foaming, slimming, vomiting. It is not fun and it is what has caused my hiatal hernia to happen in the first place. If you are eating right then you do not need to have a fill. You have done very weel to lose 45 pounds in the past 5 months. When you chose the band, you chose a less invasive and slower method of weight loss. Do not push it or you will end up having real problems. Good luck Dawna
   — ptdawn

November 17, 2008
I had Lap Band on the 6th of June, 2008. I have not lost as much as you have. I have only lost 22 lbs so you are doing a great job. I thought the new bands have 10 cc in them. I had no idea that there was a 14 cc band. I was told that the new band already had 2 cc in them. I have had a total including the last one that was 1/2 cc for a total of 6 1/2cc I am now at the right spot and hopefully I will start to lose more weight. I also suggest to eat your food slowly. I have gotten food stuck and it is not fun. Good luck and fantastic weight loss. Susan
   — susangielda06

November 17, 2008
How about just relax and take one day at a time. Do what the doctors ask but if it seems unreasonable get another doctor. And do take your asthma meds; exercise at a level that's comfortable for you. Also try to calm yourself. Find ways to really relax your mind and you'll find that the body will follow. You'll be in my prayers. vinnigirl
   — vinnigirl

November 17, 2008
It sounds like you are pretty tight already if you are foaming and vomiting. You really need to be careful for the reasons you stated and to protect your stoma. As a matter of fact, if you aren't any better by the time of your next visit, you might want to get just a little tiny bit of an unfill. You can't base your adjustments solely on what the scales say... it is on several variables like weight loss, how much chunky protein you can get down, being able to get in your fluids, your level of satiety after eating, how much you are able to eat, and overall comfort level. Be very honest with the doc and let him know about the vomiting and foaming and between the two of you, you'll make the best decision on how to proceed. Remember, slow, steady weight loss is exactly what we should be doing so congratulations on joining the loser's bench. As far as the exercise goes, any little thing you can do will help as long as it doesn't flare up your asthma... and the more weight you lose, the better you asthma should get. Even when seated, you can use 5# hand weights, resistance bands, and even 2 minutes at a time on the treadmill. That's where I started at 402# at time of surgery. I just tried to add a little more everyday. You are very wise to have made the statement that you are scared to push too hard too fast as we all want the weight gone now, we've had our surgery so tighten me up and let's get this weight off now. It just doesn't work that way. A Saturday night of vomiting and not being able to swallow my own saliva taught me that I had to slow down and chill out. I am now much happier being less full, being able to eat 3 very healthy, satisfying meals per day and counting on my commitment to health and wellness. Hang in there, if you are uncomfortable before your appointment, call and get in earlier if you can... don't allow yourself to suffer. Best of luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

November 17, 2008
I really think you should wait on a 4th fill at this time do to the fact you are still getting the "YUCKS" when you eat. I had the Lapband in July 2008 had 2.2cc's at placement and another 2.2 cc's added with my 1st fill ...My opinion is that if you are having a hard time deciding or doubting it at all then you should wait atleast until the first of the year ..Try going back to liquids only for a few days to readjust to your eating. Also, with the excersing ...there are plenty of cardio workouts you can still do while sitting in a chair for the time being cant think of the website right now I have been at work all night but I will get back with you with the web addy . Like I said I really think you should wait , you dont need to damage anything that was fixed while they were in there the first time.
   — 911deputy

November 19, 2008
I had my band on 2/14/08. In May I was up to 7cc's. I actually cancelled an appt. in june because I knew I didn't want a fill. When I went to Dr. in Aug. I was miserable I felt like i couldn't eat anything. I was not keeping my food down and I was foaming. My doctor and I decided it would be best to take some out , down to 3.8 cc's. I've been back for 2 fills, I'm now at 5 cc's. I definitley have restriction but I am not uncomfortable, and we have to be able to eat, our bodies need nutrition. In the first 6 months I had lost 50 lbs. In the last 3 months only about 10. (gained 5 lost 15) The bottom line is everyone is different. My doctor says that the vomiting can also cause swelling, before you have your next appt. why don't you try 1-2 days each of liquid, puree and soft food if you have swelling it may help. Also chew, chew, chew and eat slow. I still have to remind myself.
   — birddrea