Anyone have trouble keeping restriction?

kittycat · February 7, 2006

Does anyone have any insight into loss of restriction? I've had 4 fills total. The first didn't restrict whatsoever. The second and third were great for a week and then I could eat regularly again. I thought the 4th fill was the answer to my dreams, but now after 3 weeks, I feel that if I'm not careful, I could eat a lot again! Dr. Bertha (Morristown) says there's no leak. Can there be a small leak or evaporation? Anyone have a similar problem or know what the heck is going on????

one gone dog · February 7, 2006

it depends on the size of your band.

it took my wife 4 or 5 fills before it lasted more then a couple of weeks. she has a large band 9.75.

i have a smaller one 5cc and have had 3 fills and may need one more. but even i didnt notice much after the first two fills after a week or so. but this last fill i had to take notice of.

theres a certain amount of swelling that happens when you get a fill so you will seem really tight untill that swelling goes down.

kittycat · February 7, 2006

Thanks Big Dog. Is a fill supoosed to only last a couple of weeks? I have a Vanguard (larger) band. It just seems ridiculous to go for fills every month. I wonder if I lost restriction, what happened to the saline in the band?

one gone dog · February 7, 2006

for awhile it can be a monthly thing. most docs wont put in very much on any one fill. it takes time to build up to your "sweet spot". to much on one fill combined with the swelling and you wouldnt even swallow your own spit.

my wife had that happen on one and had to have some taken back out.

so if you have a larger band take your time because you will get there. at some point the doctor will likely pull out all that has been put in to check the fullness of your band. some believe that should happen on every fill and others dont.

but take your time, its a life long thing here.

and yes it can be very very fustrating on the way there, and can seem costly every month.