Question:
I just had my second fill on 11/4 I thought I would get atleast 1cc but I only got

.5 I thought I was supposed to get atleast 1cc each fill and I was a little sad at that because I want to reach the point where I can only eat 3 ounces. I feel like I have a little restriction now but it's more of discipline because if I wanted to eat more I definitely could. I guess my comment is I am looking forward to full restriction where I cannot hold but so much food so I don't have the room for error. And I guess I was trying to rush things by hoping to get a larger dose for my fill than I did. Is there anyone out there that can identify.    — toangela (posted on November 6, 2008)


November 6, 2008
I can certainly identify sister. I've been at this for a little over 2 years so I completely get it. It really does and more importantly should take a while for you to get some restriction. Your stoma will be a happy stoma that way. Trust me, especially with a new pouch and stoma it is the best way. Getting restriction a little at a time can be frustrating when you want weight loss now and really get into the swing of things. However, you haven't experienced being too tight yet, if and when you ever do, you'll be thankful for some restriction. I had a little unfill Monday and will have a little more today as I still can't eat. Heartburn, reflux and vomiting are the side effect and it's no fun. You said a lot when you said the word discipline, this needs to be our mantra. No matter what level of restriction you have, you will to have discipline forever to have long term success. The more you rely on your head and not your Band, the better off you'll be. Congrats and hang in there, the elusive sweet spot takes time. Eat well and exercise and you'll do great. Remember, we are in this forever and it will happen. Dawn Vickers
   — DawnVic

November 6, 2008
WOW I love this place. My wls was 11/05/08. I am a revision over band. Mexico surgery. Dropped 15 pounds BAM and then nothing for weeks. My patient advocate who is amazing, Beth, told me the same thing about the "sweet spot". I got my first fill about two weeks ago. I was surprised to find out my doctor was the same person who had performed my 1st surgery 15 years ago. He took a lot of time checking the fill. I had to drink two small glasses of water before I was allowed to leave. He also gave me a book he helped right. Tons of information about how to eat, what, when. Now I'm losing weight at a healthy rate. A feel encouraged. Restriction is a huge concern, but not like it was a few weeks ago. I got my information from Fill Center USA. Knowing how and when to eat is as important as knowing what. Good Luck everyone!!! Shannon-Christi
   — christi59

November 6, 2008
Yes, I can identify with your frustration. You doctor is doing the fills in the cautious manner and a little more patience is needed while you get to the "sweet spot". It will come but you will still have to practice control because you can always eat too much with the band (even though you will vomit afterwards and slime and hate yourself for doing something so dumb). It is hard to be patient while waiting for that fill that works but if they overfill, you will be very sorry. Good luck. Dawna in Sacramento
   — ptdawn

November 6, 2008
please be patient with your fills. I had surgery almost a year ago and was so eager to have restriction and now today I had to have my band loosened from 8.6 to 6.6 due to the tightness causing swelling and my inabilty to consume anything but liquids. I wanted my band tight so i could lose weight and since I had it loosened I have lost 7 pounds. having it to tight caused my body to hold on the weight. Just be patient and have the small fills to get to your sweet spot.. from my experience .. just make healthy choices and eat smaller meals and you'll do great.
   — willish

November 6, 2008
That is excactly why i chose to have lap RNY. But since it's already too late for you to go back, just try to make the best of it now. Excersise more and drink tons of water. That should help with the weight loss and to make you feel full. Good luck.
   — maria09elena

November 6, 2008
Angela, I really feel for you. Unfortunately, I can not identify as I am having the RNY in January. I do understand the desire to get down as quickly as possible. Many of us have been large for so long that we are inpatient and want it "now". Please remember that the doctor knows better than you do and has been doing this surgery for a long time. I'm sure that he is doing what is best for you, even if you don't feel that he is. The slow weight loss with the band is the main reason that I chose to have the RNY instead. Each surgery has it's own ups and downs (pros and cons). You obviously thought that this surgery was the right one for you so be patient, it will happen for you. I wish you all the best on your weight loss journey. No matter how long it takes, you are doing this for your health and every single pound is helpful. Good luck!
   — anitak

November 6, 2008
OMG Angela, You are my sister! I just posted a msg on the forum Wednesday regarding the same thing. I had surger 7/25/08 and have had 2 fills. I am frustrated too because I don't feel like I am getting enough restiction. I mean I know people who brag about eating 3 wingetts and are full. Not that I want to get to that point but I do find myself relying on my brain alot. I also feel like I could eat more if I wanted to. However, I try not eat more. Its hard but we have work (for the rest of our lives). I have appt on 11/19 so I will talk to my doctor about it and let you know the result. Good luck, Lakia
   — lakia1908

November 7, 2008
I can SO identify, but I talked with my Dr. and he explained that the lining of the stomach where the band is goes through changes (thins out to allow more saline) as the band is filled OVER TIME!! If they slammed in a lot of saline you would have a lot of restriction and VOMITTING, REFLUX and maybe couldn't eat at all!! You're doc is doing it right...be patient my dear. The weight really starts coming off after the 3rd to 4th fill and doing it this way gives your body time to adjust to not eating so much over time. It WILL happen!!!
   — sassypaige614

November 10, 2008
When I started getting fills I was also frustrated. I wanted to lose faster. I got my the band 2/08 and I am down 60 Lbs.. In June(3rd fill) my doctor decided we could get more aggresive, I was up to 7 cc's. I was miserable. I couldn't eat much and alot of my food was coming back up. After a few months, August, I went back and had him take some out, down to 3.8. Since then I have had a few small fills I'm now at5 cc's. I am pretty comfortable. The beauty of the band is that it's adjustable,you have some control, if you start out with small fills you can always go up a little if your weight loss slows down. Good luck and remember you should be trying to make good choices when it comes to food and exercise. Before you know it you will be down 30, 40 , or even 50 lbs and several clothing sizes.
   — birddrea




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