Realize Band: I'm At 11Ccs With No Restriction

[taarific 5]

I had my surgery August 1, 2008. I did amazing and lost 110 pounds and got to a size 6!

Since last September until now, I've gained FORTY pounds. I am hungry between meals, etc as well. Originally my band was filled to about 7CCs of saline, but I've been monotoring my fills. I have been going every couple of weeks since January to get fills and in March, my doctor sent me in to have an Upper GI done and everything came back normal, so why don't I feel any retsriction?

Now have 11CCs in my band but feel NO RESTRICTION and can eat EVERYThing. I rely on my band to help me...

I am wondering if anyone else has been through this? My doc is looking over my Upper GI films again (this is the third time) to see if there's something wrong. The next step would be for the doc to go back in and check it out surgically, which I don't mind, but it has to go through my insurance and actually be approved, and who knows how long that will take???

I just want to be in my size 6s again...also, I gave all my "fat" clothes away and nothing fits!!!

If anyone could get back to me on this, I'd surely appreicate it!

[2muchfun 8,927]

What are you eating? You're not eating around your band are you?

I've never used this but here's a website that may help you? http://www.5daypouchtest.com/#.T6mnS4jDHzw.facebook

Have you done a barium swallow test yet?

tmf

[ledavis13 33]

I have read a couple posts on here about the band unhooking and so it is filled but the ends aren't touching therefore there is no restriction.

Something to ask your doc...

[taarific 5]

Thanks for your responses!

@tmf: I did the barrium (the upper GI) swallow and the films "look" normal. I don't think I'm eating around the band...I used to feel restriction and never pushed through that full feeling...is that what you mean? Before, I couldn't even get bread down now I can eat ANYthing...

@lauren: My doc is aware, but seems perplexed. I'm grateful that you've seen others with this issue. I am just hopeful I'll be back to normal soon...The weight is creeping on and honestly, I'm freaking out.

[SashaWLS 412]

Before my surgery I asked my surgeon "Is this really going to work?"

He said "Well, tomorrow I'm operating on someone who lost weight and needs a smaller band now"

Maybe you need a smaller band?

[Sunshyne068 97]

He's sure the band doesnt have a leak? or that your port tube doesnt have a leak?

And yes Ive heard that once you lose a lot of weight, the fat around your stomach is gone so your band will feel looser

[NWgirl 574]

I've also heard that some have to have all Fluid pulled from the band for a month or two and then start the fill process again, almost like the body gets too comfortable with the tightness and needs to be reminded.

[taarific 5]

Thanks for the responses peeps!

@sashawls - yeah the Lap Band comes in FIVE different sizes, mine is the Realize band and it's just one size. ;(

@Sunshyne068 - I'm meeting with my doc again today, I will ask him what the chances are of a leak...who knows???

@Stephyanders - I'm willing ot bet that may work. I will bring it up to my doc and see what he says! Thanks for the idea!

It really means a lot to me when you all respond, thanks so much!!!

Tara