Question about last fill, etc.

Irish Dancers · December 3, 2006

I was filled on 11/27/06 - this was my 2nd fill and I have a 10cc band. I now have a total of 2cc in me.

Here is my question - and I have a friend who has the same question...

With my first fill I had no restriction what so ever. With my 2nd fill I have lots of restriction - and it seems like everything I eat - no matter what it is - it tends to hurt or give me that stuck feeling. Is it that I have too much of a fill? Will the feeling pass if I let it be? Is it that I am still just really swelled in there and need to stay on liquids/mushy for a while?

Tonja

LapBandit · December 3, 2006

For me, the post-fill swelling only lasts about two days. You were filled about a week ago. I'd say it's possible you're too tight. If you can still eat enough to wait it out a few days you may want to see if it gets better but I'd probably go ahead and call the doc for a slight unfill. It happens to many people, the fill is just a little too tight and once a bit is removed they feel better. If it is that your band actually is too tight then you probably don't want to let it go too long. Good luck!

beachgirl · December 3, 2006

That's not a whole lot of fill for that size band. I stay swelled for at least 7 days. I would try just calling my surgeon and then doing the liquids/mushies also, make sure your chewing, chewing, chewing and then chew some more. I also eat with my granddaughters baby spoon and fork and cut into pieces I would cut for her. This will also cause you to get the stuck feeling if you don't do. Good luck.

Irish Dancers · December 3, 2006

Maybe I just need to practice my chewing even more. Maybe I'm doing too big of bites. When I'm eating it seems like I'm really chewing and eating small bites, but I'm really going to pay **really** close attention. I'm also going to do some liquids and mushies for a couple of days and see.

Shiloh · December 4, 2006

I have had both Inamed LapBands. The VG 10cc band is usually filled to 3-5cc's at the time of surgery. I presently have 9.5 cc's in my VG and only PB occasionally when I try to eat steak which just doesn't work or am stressed while eating.

Are you sure that you have a 10cc band and the 4cc?? Many people get confused with the length of their band and not the fill capacity.

If you can't eat and it hurts no matter what band you have I recommend that you get some saline removed before you get side effects like reflux or soft food syndrome which will lead to poor eating choices and a weight gain.

My surgeon will fill me beyond capacity but I am doing it the old fashioned way to get off the last 20 pounds and still be able to eat a variety of foods in different parts of the globe. BTW, I can wear size 8 jeans (J. Jill "Tried and True Fit") which are loose at the waist now. I may just stay where I am and just maintain this weight.

Each surgeon seems to do fills very differently and each of our bodies react differently to fill levels. That being said, if you are in pain and it hurts when you eat time, it is time to contact your surgeon to discuss the situation.

Being too tight leads to a prolapse (slipped band) which often has to be replaced.

I hope that my "wisdom" of being band for 3 years with the 4cc band for 14 months and the VG band for 25 months helps you.