10cm, 4cc band....anybody else? questions about fills

[DRP 2]

Hi! Is there anyone else out there who has a 10 cm, 4cc capacity band out there?

I received this LapBand in Mexico on Thanksgiving day. 13 pounds lost so far and very happy with it, but ready for a fill as soon as my 6 weeks are up. Hungry and eating too much!!! I am debating on whether I should just return to Mexico where I was banded and have my first fill under the fluoro with my doc, or whether to do a two hour drive to a fill center that does NOT use fluoro. The fill center would be much more convenient, but would like the advice of others out there. This size of band does not really seem to be very common.

Thanks DRP

[TKW 501]

I have a 10cc band. I just had my 3rd fill from 4.7 to 5.2cc total. I can not believe the difference that .5 cc made. It's like having to get used to chewing and bite size all over again! Good Luck to ya!

[Cleo's Mom 257]

Hi! Is there anyone else out there who has a 10 cm, 4cc capacity band out there?

I received this LapBand in Mexico on Thanksgiving day. 13 pounds lost so far and very happy with it, but ready for a fill as soon as my 6 weeks are up. Hungry and eating too much!!! I am debating on whether I should just return to Mexico where I was banded and have my first fill under the fluoro with my doc, or whether to do a two hour drive to a fill center that does NOT use fluoro. The fill center would be much more convenient, but would like the advice of others out there. This size of band does not really seem to be very common.

Thanks DRP

I have a 10cm, 4cc band and I believe my former surgeon was using up old inventory of a practice he and his partner took over because it is a size not used much anymore (or even then - Sept. 2008). Because of its size it takes very fine tuning for fills. Very small amounts can make a huge difference. My inexperienced former surgeon hit me with 2cc's then 1cc and I developed a lot of problems that he blamed me for (until he saw my upper GI). That is why he is my FORMER surgeon. I found a new one who knows what he is doing.

So, whoever does your fills needs to be very knowledgable about this size band.

BTW, this band is NOT to be confused with a 10cc (capacity) band - this band is 10cm in circumference and holds 4cc.

[TKW 501]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO.... yup, I was confused! Thanks! My band holds 10cc's

[DRP 2]

So Cleo's mom, have you basically been happy with your 10cm and 4cc band? How many fills did you need to hit your sweet spot that everyone talks about? I have a call in to my surgeon in Mexico to discuss this with him, but would love to hear more about your journey with this size of band. I am told that the benefits are that you do not need as many fills as the larger cc bands. Would love any advice or input if you are willing.

Thanks, DRP

[Cleo's Mom 257]

So Cleo's mom, have you basically been happy with your 10cm and 4cc band? How many fills did you need to hit your sweet spot that everyone talks about? I have a call in to my surgeon in Mexico to discuss this with him, but would love to hear more about your journey with this size of band. I am told that the benefits are that you do not need as many fills as the larger cc bands. Would love any advice or input if you are willing.

Thanks, DRP

No, I haven't been happy with this band. It has been completely unfilled for over a year and I am maintaining my weight loss of 75 lbs (only 15 of which came from the band). My idiot former surgeon overfilled me and when I complained he had me get an upper GI which showed nothing was going through. He called me in immediately for a 1cc unfill, leaving me with 2cc's. I felt better. But I left him for another doctor.

However, last December I had a major stuck episode that required that I go to the ER and be admitted overnight. I am sure being shot couldn't have been more painful. I couldn't even talk. They removed my fill and that's where I have been.

The band has never worked for me like it has for others. I am not sure whether it is the size of the band, the fact that I had an idiot doctor to begin with or what. But I know that when I had fills, the physical inability to be able to eat more never translated into a feeling of satiety or loss of hunger. I was always hungry. And I got the band to control my hunger. I have always had a big appetite and it always took a lot of food to reach satiety.

Anyway, my new doctor, who has never filled me, said they don't use the 4cc band much anymore and they are more difficult to fill with micro fills, almost. He does his fills under flouro.

I hope you are able to find a good fill doctor who is experienced with this.

If you want to search LBT here and find Jachut - she is a veteran bandster who has a 4cc band and has been extremely successful with it and loves it. She is from Australia and she posts a picture of herself in a bikini - which speaks to her success.

[DRP 2]

No, I haven't been happy with this band. It has been completely unfilled for over a year and I am maintaining my weight loss of 75 lbs (only 15 of which came from the band). My idiot former surgeon overfilled me and when I complained he had me get an upper GI which showed nothing was going through. He called me in immediately for a 1cc unfill, leaving me with 2cc's. I felt better. But I left him for another doctor.

However, last December I had a major stuck episode that required that I go to the ER and be admitted overnight. I am sure being shot couldn't have been more painful. I couldn't even talk. They removed my fill and that's where I have been.

The band has never worked for me like it has for others. I am not sure whether it is the size of the band, the fact that I had an idiot doctor to begin with or what. But I know that when I had fills, the physical inability to be able to eat more never translated into a feeling of satiety or loss of hunger. I was always hungry. And I got the band to control my hunger. I have always had a big appetite and it always took a lot of food to reach satiety.

Anyway, my new doctor, who has never filled me, said they don't use the 4cc band much anymore and they are more difficult to fill with micro fills, almost. He does his fills under flouro.

I hope you are able to find a good fill doctor who is experienced with this.

If you want to search LBT here and find Jachut - she is a veteran bandster who has a 4cc band and has been extremely successful with it and loves it. She is from Australia and she posts a picture of herself in a bikini - which speaks to her success.

[DRP 2]

Thanks so much for your story. I am sorry you have been frustrated with your band. I will take your advice and look up the person you suggested. I hope I have a better experience with my band.

Thanks, DRP

[Kathy in AZ 0]

You may want to get a second opinion from a lap band surgeon who has experience in this type of band. I would suggest that you have your fills in small amounts. It really doesn't matter how much is in there it only matters how much restriction you feel when you get the fill.

[AlienBandit 10]

the lapband 4cc I believe is the first generation lapband. It isn't really used in the states anymore but sometimes used in Mexico and Asia etc.

I believe the use Jackut (sp?) has this band size. Here is some more info Band info

[Dreamingof139 3]

I was also banded in Mexico and I have a 4 cc band. My surgeon uses both, but because I did not have a lot of weight to lose, he went with the smaller one. I was filled to one in surgery and to 2 cc's six weeks post op. I have hit my sweet spot and do not think that I will need another fill. I would go back to Mexico if I needed another fill because they are free and the doctor here in the states that did my fill has fired me from his practice. Apparently one is not allowed to ask to have their insurance billed for their visits...

I live in a very rural area and after a bunch of research, actually found a PA to do fills about two hours from my house. I believe that I found the info here on this site.

Good Luck!

[DRP 2]

Thanks everyone. I did end up finding a place in the town where I live to do my fills. I called four places and they would not even talk to me because I went elsewhere for my surgery, but the fifth place I called scheduled me that day, said at least a fourth of their practice was with people who had their bands placed in Mexico. I was able to schedule that day and have already had my first fill of 1.5cc. ( I already had .5) And the great news was that the fill was under fluoro, and the cost did not break the bank. They said my band looked as good as any they had seen done here in the states. They also gave me a really fantastic consultation and told me about their local support group. I am very pleased for sure. I am happy to give this practice my money for the service they provided to me, and am glad to have nothing to do with the other snotty and money hungry practices that would not talk to me.

For other Iowa bandsters that may be having a difficult time finding a place to do a fill, please feel free to contact me via email.

Thanks, DRP

[Dreamingof139 3]

Thanks everyone. I did end up finding a place in the town where I live to do my fills. I called four places and they would not even talk to me because I went elsewhere for my surgery, but the fifth place I called scheduled me that day, said at least a fourth of their practice was with people who had their bands placed in Mexico. I was able to schedule that day and have already had my first fill of 1.5cc. ( I already had .5) And the great news was that the fill was under fluoro, and the cost did not break the bank. They said my band looked as good as any they had seen done here in the states. They also gave me a really fantastic consultation and told me about their local support group. I am very pleased for sure. I am happy to give this practice my money for the service they provided to me, and am glad to have nothing to do with the other snotty and money hungry practices that would not talk to me.

For other Iowa bandsters that may be having a difficult time finding a place to do a fill, please feel free to contact me via email.

Thanks, DRP

I am so glad to hear that you found a practice that would help you out. I called around as well and got the snotty reaction too. Even had my first fill with a doc who wanted to treat me, but the rest of his team did not, so out I went. Good to hear that it worked out well for you - fills under fluoro are what my surgeon preferred I have....