Katy517

I went to a different hospital for my 2nd fill than I did for surgery and the 1st one. Not by choice really, just because the doctor who does fills at the other hospital is on vacation and I didn't want to wait two weeks for my 2nd fill. The first thing that I found interesting was that the doctor was much more informative than the other one or my surgeon. This doctor just started out by telling me how he approaches fills for 14 cc bands and that his experience tells him that folks typically get restriction at between 8 and 9.5 cc. I then asked him about filling to band capacity and he said that the capacity for a 14 cc band is really only about 12 cc. That's the first I'd heard that it can't actually hold 14 cc. Then we got started on my fill and he caused a lot more discomfort than the first doctor. I'm still sore in fact. He proceeded to drain my band of the 6.5 cc of saline from fill #1. I asked about it and he told me that he does that because some folks have problems with their bands leaking or whatever and this is a great way for him to be sure that a band hasn't lost Fluid. He mentioned that it's also helpful for patients like me who were filled elsewhere previously. It seems pretty simple as a practice, but I thought it sound and it makes a lot of sense to me. Once I was filled to 8 cc I did the barium swallow and drank way too much of it and had a horrible case of the burps, but feel better now. Lots of small sips of Water have helped. So, that's my story. Nothing earth shattering, but a couple of pieces of information that I hadn't previously been aware of. He gave the usual directive about 48 hours on what he termed as 'light liquids'.

That's really interesting. I will ask about it at my next visit.

I'm 2+ months post-op and have a port that still sticks (way) out along with pain and discomfort - especially when exercising and/or bending over. Mine has gotten a little better and easier to deal with over time, but it's still very much a constant irritant.

Here are the links to a couple of threads regarding the 14cc band and what it takes to get restriction http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f13/how-many-ccs-restriction-14cc-52373/ & http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f13/poll-poll-how-much-fill-14cc-band-111551/.

Welcome from lurkdom. I have a 14cc band and it's currently filled to 6.5cc with no restriction so far. There's at least one thread/poll here about fill amount to gain restriction in a 14cc band.

I'm wondering the same thing Lynn and posted about it in the insurance forum http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f8/insurance-changes-after-banding-lots-uncertainty-116541/ several days ago. No responses so far to my thread. U.S. vs. Australia location might make a big difference though as we have no 'public system'.

I weighed 259 on my 4/15/10 surgery date. On 5/15/10 (which was prior to my 1st fill) I weighed in at 241 pounds - so a loss of 18 pounds in the first month.

This. Even the lo-cal options are loaded with sodium too Official SUBWAY Restaurants' Nutrition Information. I try to steer clear of processed foods as much as possible.

I've had one fill so far and am due for my 2nd one tomorrow. So far I have zero restriction from the band. In fact, I'm physically aware of the band only because of an unresolved issue with my port sticking out and rubbing against my rib cage causing constant pain and discomfort. My appetite is strong and I can eat pretty much anything if I choose to, but am not doing so. I've lost a fair amount of weight, but it's a result of diet, exercise and will power at this point rather than the band.

I have a major problem with my port placement, which is near the bottom of my rib cage. Any bending at the waist causes extreme pain. My port also sticks way out and looks like a tumor. I'm told that the only resolution is another surgery.

Bump. Really hoping that somebody here has experience with switching insurance coverage after banding. Help please...

You beat me to it. I was only allowed low-sodium cream soups post-op and was told to lose the salt shaker too.

If I'm reading the thread/title correctly it doesn't sound like the OP is ready for a fill yet and is still in the healing stage at just three weeks post-op. As others have written this is the period for recovery from surgery and not really for weight loss. There is some restriction immediately post-op from the surgery. Band restriction though isn't likely until you've had a few fills at least. In the meantime you should control what you can, your protein intake, make good food choices and get plenty of approved exercise. Hang in there and good luck.

Definitely wise to wait until you're pain-free from the surgery and healed completely. Be sure to check with your doctor to confirm that submerging in water is allowed at this stage. My surgeon doesn't allow bathing or swimming until six weeks post-op.

Caffeine-free herbal teas were really nice at bed time. Low-sodium cream soups were also a staple of mine during the post-op liquid diet phase. Very satisfying. I also enjoyed mixing natural whey protein with either Crystal Light or diluted clear liquid juices (no-sugar added white grape or apple mixed with 1/2 water). Don't forget your chewable multi-vitamins too.

I was instructed to do no exercise other than walking and also restricted from lifting anything over 10 pounds until six weeks post-op. That was then extended at least an additional two weeks until a follow-up exam due to some port issues. I'm still just walking.

I have a 14cc Allergan Lap Band and had no choice in the matter as to brand name or size. It's what my surgeon uses for all patients.

I'm 5'6' and was 259 pounds on the day of my banding on 4/15/10. My high though during the pre-op six month diet was 276. I weigh 236 now and my goal is 133.

In the meantime though, walk, walk and walk some more. I had no mushy stage, but from what I've heard many do gain during it. I think the key though is that this is your healing stage and not really intended for major weight loss. That will come once you begin getting adjustments and subsequent restriction. Good luck.

Pretty sure it was my 3rd day post-op. I didn't take any Milk of Magnesia to assist either.

Thread title says it all. I think that I'm more gassy now than I was right after surgery. My fill was just about 72 hours ago and the extreme gas hasn't stopped. I've been doing a lot of walking and also eating right. Nothing that should be gas producing. Is this normal to have a fairly constant gurgling/rumbling stomach including pretty loud sounds after a fill? I received 6.5 cc in a 14 cc band and feel like I have fairly good restriction as I am getting that full feeling pretty quickly on not a lot of food. Thanks.

Thanks for confirming that I'm not alone Sandee! Gas after a fill sure isn't something that I've seen mention of here. I guess it makes sense though given the procedure.

I went to the doctor today because my port area pain is getting worse not better and the swelling eight days post-op is more pronounced than ever. It was diagnosed as a complication from surgery and the doctor surmises that I probably coughed and ruptured a blood vessel causing excessive internal bleeding and the hematoma that's causing me such pain and discomfort. I've not seen anything similar reported here. Anybody know if this is an uncommon complication? The doctor really seemed surprised at just how swollen and bruised I still am at this stage.

This really is a good thread. For those of you reporting breast size reductions, how long into being banded did that take? How many pounds lost and/or length of time? I never had large breasts until I gained weight kind of late in life so am really wondering if I'll ever return to being what used to be normal.

That's another great drink and can be diet-friendly when made from scratch instead of with the high-calorie mixes that most bars and restaurants use. Much tastier too in my opinion.