who decides how much to fill

sarabluebell · July 19, 2006

I was wondering who decides how much you get filled. Is it the dr or do you get an imput. I have been banded since june 21 and have actually gained weight even though i've been been good with eating good stuff and avoiding the bad. I dont have any rescrition at all. I can eat like pre banding. I didn't need a band to gain weight I was doing that just fine. I sure hope i didnt pay 10,000 to gain weight. lol

PhotoNut · July 19, 2006

I like to be filled as much and as often as possible. Oh.. wait..

Sorry, wrong thread.. *blushes*

Stitchy · July 19, 2006

I have had only one fill. I have a 4cc band. My doctor said he likes to start out with 2cc. WOW!! However, I was going camping that weekend and a little worried about being out of touch, so we compromised on 1.5 cc. I was filled last Friday, went camping, everyting was OK. On Monday, I had TWO :eek: awful golf balls. I 'm treating myself gently today. So, I don't think I would have liked more. Maybe next month.

giveyouthemoon · July 19, 2006

In my case, the dr decides how much, but does so with my input. For you, since you are newly banded, yes, you might gain weight until you get that first fill. Most drs will go slowly on the fill since how it feels varies by person. I think they usually start with .5cc and go from there.

Just know, your experience is normal for someone with an unfilled band. Things will look MUCH different when you have restriction.

Hang in there....soon! It will be soon!

Jachut · July 19, 2006

Its my decision whether I want a fill (within reason of course) but I'd rely on my doctors guidance as to how much.

I'm not on a "schedule" or anything.

For me because I've still be losing, its been left up to me whether I want it, but we've been conservative on amount. There's no point whacking half a ml in there at a time if I dont need it.

sleepyjean · July 19, 2006

It's a joint decision, although I expect most doctors have a specific amount they usually start with.

My doctor uses the 4cc band and generally starts off with 2ccs for the first fill. But the flouroscopy tool allows him to see right away if that is too much or too little and adjust accordingly before I leave the office.

barbara465 · July 19, 2006

At my first fill I asked them what they usually put in - 1cc. I told her I didn't want them to be too aggressive. Well 1cc (already had .5 in it from surgery) under fluro the barium went sailing through. They put another .5 in bringing me to 2 cc. She said that wasn't too aggressive. I felt hungry for 3 days after and on the 3rd day I had a major PB and sliming event. I am now 1 week and I am getting golf balls and burbing with everything I drink. All liquids now. I am going for an unfill today. Fills can sneak up on you and tighten after some time. Give your input and don't let them be aggressive if you are not willing to take the consequences if you get too tight. I thought I was being cautious, but got it anyway.

juliegeraci · July 19, 2006

Joint decision. I just had my first fill on Monday. He injected me w 2ccs then sat me up to do a swallow test to see how tight I was. He then adjusted it down to 1cc by taking some out. I'm sure that is the way your surgeon will handle as well. Good luck.