Aaargh

wclark1215 · October 5, 2007

I had the Vangard band installed aug 8th and my first fill of 2 cc sept. 29th. I can't feel any restriction at all and my doc wants to wait 2 months between fills. I have read on this board that most patients with the Vangard have at least 8 or more cc. At this rate it will be 8 months or more before I have the restriction i need to lose the weight.

I just got off the phone and politely told my doctors office staff that this does not make sense. I did not have this surgery for fun it was to improve my health sooner rather than later.

They are supposed to call me back later and let me know if they will at least accelerate my fills to every month.

Any thoughts? Your input is very valuable to me.

Will

Angels fly because they take themselves lightly.:help:

Daisalana · October 5, 2007

2 months does seem like a long time, but I'm not familiar with the rules for Vangard bands.

My doctor makes me wait 1 month for the 'regular' band. From what I've read, some people get to go every 2 weeks, but I felt the same as you.

I never felt the fills doing anything, and I kept having to wait a month. 5 months later (& 4 fills later), they realized they weren't filling me up due to the port being flipped, and I was back to square 1!

Patience is definitely part of the lap-band.

Sula · October 5, 2007

I have the vangard 10cc band. I was banded in January. When I got the band, the Dr put in 2 ccs at the time of surgery. After surgery, your stomach is swollen and that is why they usually don't put any saline in because basically you have restriction. I think there is a waiting time of about 6 weeks before a fill is considered. My impression is that the 10 cc band is used based on the stomach size or weight to be lost or something like that.

I have had four fills. The first was 6 weeks or so after for 1 cc...the second was about another 6 weeks or so for 1cc's and the third was 2cc's and the last was 1. The intervals have been further in between. I think I am set where I am for a while as I do have restriction. With this fill, I have occasional PB's. I suspect when I lose more weight (I'm down 48 pounds) I will just need to add more saline as my stomach shrinks.

At first I was dismayed at having this larger band..I was seeing dollar signs and a boat load of fills. However, I have come to think that my band is perfect for me because of the leeway I have in fills. When I need more help I can add some saline.

I don't think that two months is bad, but maybe you can do one at 6 weeks or discuss it. You can still do well if the Dr. only fills every two months. You will have time to exercise your new eating habits.

juliegeraci · October 5, 2007

Will, I don't blame you for being anxious. It took me a out 8-10 months to get good restriction. Thankfully I was still able to lose 1 lb per week. I woud bug them until they cave in. My doctor only makes you wait 1-2 weeks in between fills. Good luck.