Large fill and what does it mean?

Chris S. - L.I. · August 31, 2004

Well today I had a video esophogram and afterwards had another fill. I had been at 2.75 and that's what they found in there and then added more which took me up to 3.0. In discussing this with the doc, he said they would want to watch me more closely now because 3.0 is kinda unusual and if I still feel like I'm not restricted that one of the reasons would be band erosion. Well, needless to say I was pretty upset when he told me that. I'm hoping that I'm just one of the banded that needs a higher level of fill. Anyone (Donali, Robin) have any thoughts on this? Thanks

leatha_g · August 31, 2004

Do you have a Vanguard band?

I'm really sorry to hear of this possibility. Please let us know.

Chris S. - L.I. · August 31, 2004

Leatha,

I have an Inamed band. I called the office and spoke to the nurse practicioner there who I like alot and she said not to worry since I have no other symptoms. There are a few people who need fills around 3 cc's and they are fine. They've only had one erosion so far in the nearly 600 patients they have. She said if I really wamted to I could go to the Gastroenterologist and get a scope but I think I will hold off on that. They don't do this as a regular yearly check up. Thanks for answering my post.

P.S. I think I remember seeing someone post here who has almost 4 cc's in her band.

La_madam · August 31, 2004

I have heard of women and men who have had 3cc's

I have had 2 fills and am at 2.cc's.

there are people who also had large fills with no restriction who had a leak in their tubing it could be something like that and not erosion if you are not getting proper restriction. Not trying to scare you but trying to let you know it may not be something as serious as erosion. Like the nurse said you may just be one of theose people who can tolerate 3cc's. There are people out there with 3cc's or more. Try not to worry and let us know if you are now getting restriction. Keep us posted and good luck to you

Chris S. - L.I. · August 31, 2004

Michelle,

I know that it's not a leak in the tubing because I watched the doc as he withdrew 2.75-80 cc's before he pput in more. So the saline is definitely there. Thanks for mentioning that though.

leatha_g · August 31, 2004

Chris,

Inamed makes and sells a band called Vanguard. This band holds more saline than the regular 9cm band. The Vanguard is 11cm. 3cc's would not be much at all in this particular band. Normally, this band is used with people who are on the higher end of the BMI scale.

If your doc is able to pull out 2.75cc from a 9cm band, which only holds 4ccs of Fluid. This would make me nervous. However, it has been heard of.

If you have this amount in this size band. I would opt for the EGD just to make sure. No restriction is the only real symptom of erosion.

I really hope this is not the case for you. Please let us know.