Can't get fill volume right- please help!

[myTypenguin 0]

My name is Megan. This is my first time posting on this site. I am 25 and had lap-band® surgery in December 2007. I initially lost about 30 pounds (gained all back after pregnancy), but have been having so much trouble since. The band is always either too tight or too loose (where I can eat almost anything). I cannot find a fill volume that will work for me to lose weight. I absolutely cannot stand not being able to swallow or food getting stuck! At $100 a visit for a fill/unfill, I cannot afford to keep going back every week to get it perfect. Honestly, I completely gave up on the lap-band® altogether after my last fill 8 months ago (too tight again), and have since been continuing to gain weight and lose self-esteem. I want to be able to lose weight so bad, but right now I feel like I wasted $13,000!!

Any one have similar experiences? Any advice? Comments?

Is there even such a thing as a perfect fill volume where you can eat (what you're supposed to of course), feel full, and not have food get stuck?

Thanks so much in advance!

[BWESLEY 6]

You will need to find a dr that will work with you on the fills you should not be going every week it takes at least 2 weeks for a adjustment to level out so that you can see if it is a good amount i wouldn't give up on it. It better to be a little lose and exersize than to be too tight and misurable hang in there you can do this you will fell like a new person in a few pounds.

my name is megan. This is my first time posting on this site. I am 25 and had lap-band®® surgery in december 2007. I initially lost about 30 pounds (gained all back after pregnancy), but have been having so much trouble since. The band is always either too tight or too loose (where i can eat almost anything). I cannot find a fill volume that will work for me to lose weight. I absolutely cannot stand not being able to swallow or food getting stuck! At $100 a visit for a fill/unfill, i cannot afford to keep going back every week to get it perfect. Honestly, i completely gave up on the lap-band®® altogether after my last fill 8 months ago (too tight again), and have since been continuing to gain weight and lose self-esteem. I want to be able to lose weight so bad, but right now i feel like i wasted $13,000!!

Any one have similar experiences? Any advice? Comments?

Is there even such a thing as a perfect fill volume where you can eat (what you're supposed to of course), feel full, and not have food get stuck?

Thanks so much in advance!

[crzytchr 3]

My name is Megan. This is my first time posting on this site. I am 25 and had lap-band®® surgery in December 2007. I initially lost about 30 pounds (gained all back after pregnancy), but have been having so much trouble since. The band is always either too tight or too loose (where I can eat almost anything). I cannot find a fill volume that will work for me to lose weight. I absolutely cannot stand not being able to swallow or food getting stuck! At $100 a visit for a fill/unfill, I cannot afford to keep going back every week to get it perfect. Honestly, I completely gave up on the lap-band®® altogether after my last fill 8 months ago (too tight again), and have since been continuing to gain weight and lose self-esteem. I want to be able to lose weight so bad, but right now I feel like I wasted $13,000!!

Any one have similar experiences? Any advice? Comments?

Is there even such a thing as a perfect fill volume where you can eat (what you're supposed to of course), feel full, and not have food get stuck?

Thanks so much in advance!

Yes, that perfect fill volume does occur, unfortunately, it is different for everyone, and is only the tiniest fraction of a cc from being too tight. It will take time to get it right. It sounds like your stomach is sensitive to fills. Even if it takes 4 or more visits to get this right, you are better off than having a band you can't use properly.

First, are you too tight, or too loose now?

If you are roo loose or unfilled, start with a fill that is around half of what your last too tight amount was. Then, go back every 2 weeks to a month to add 1cc, or even just .5cc (if you already has some restriction) until the restriction is correct.

If you are still too tight, then immediately go for a partial unfill. It will bring you immediate relief. Staying too tight for too long can cause problems and it keeps you from eating healthy foods. Then, when you get your fills again, take it slow and in small increments. .5ccs at a time. It really doesn't cost more in the long run if you aren't having to pay for unfills from being tight.

If you see you can't afford to go back for a fill when you feel you need one, just continue to eat the foods you should and exercise. Then, when you can afford to get another fill, your band will be ready to work for you.

[Rutiglius 0]

I can totally relate to you! I had no problems with surgery and my first few fills. I was banded in July, then in October I developed a gas bubble that totally blocked my upper stoma. They almost completely unfilled me. I have been getting very small fills and am having to take a little out. For example, I will receive a .4 fill and have to have .2 taken out about 10 days later.

Right now, I am having problems with acid reflux. So..we took out .2 cc. I am still having a little problem and will need to go back if it doesn't resolve. I am on liquids for 48 hours to see if that helps.

Good luck and keep us posted!