Lap Band Failure - AP Band

[dmw 0]

I was banded 5/28/08 and have only lost 30 pounds! My surgeon used the AP version of the lapband. I am not supposed to have many fills. Well, I have not had any fills. I've been to the surgeon twice my surgery. I lost 20 of the 30 pounds the first month After surgery. I am now feeling hungry between meals. I do have restriction because I have gotten food stuck and had to vomit or spit it up.

I guess the obvious is that I need a fill? Has anyone had success with the AP band?

[Losing_It_In_Texas 0]

I feel like I have had decent success with the AP band. My surgery was 9-22-08 and I have lost 31 pounds since then. I have had 3 fills though and the last one gave me pretty good restriction. I just want to warn you like my dr warned me.....just because you are getting stuck doesn't necessarily mean you have restriction. It could be that you are eating too fast or swallowing before your food is completely chewed up. How much are you eating at each meal...1/2 cup, 1 cup, more? restriction to me has meant that I can only eat approx. 1/2 to 3/4 cup of food at each meal and am satisfied for 4-5 hours. I would think that you would be due for a fill since you haven't had one yet. Why haven't you had one if you don't mind my asking?

[HeatherO 7]

Almost no one experiences much restriction without any fills. It is not all that much different than being unbanded.

Unless you get some fills in place, your band is sitting idle. The sooner you get in a for a fill the better. Without a fill your band isn't failing you, it just isnt really in use.

If you can't get fills through your surgeon for whatever reason, start calling around or use a fill center to get in and start filling your band.

[dmw 0]

Each time I went for a doctor appt, I have a few pounds so they said I did not need a fill. I was told that with the AP lapband, there is some saline in the band when they put the band in place. I lost 18 to 20 from 5/28 to 7/01. Then 5 more pounds before a visit, then later about 5 pounds more. That next visit, since I lost 5 pounds since the last visit, the doctor didn't think I needed a fill

[RestlessMonkey 7]

I have an AP band and no restriction. There are minor differences in it and other lapbands...mostly that it is now sized...AP small (holds 10ccs) and AP large (holds14cc) You need to meet with your surgeon and go over your band and what it should do and why you might be vomiting. I have had 3 fills and have no restriction (and no PB, no slime, no nothing) yet...and yes my band had "primer" in it; they all do.

Edited January 13, 2009 by RestlessMonkey

[TQUAD64 9]

Sounds like you need a new fill doctor. Someone who works more closely with you.

My LapBand AP is 10cc. My doctor left 3cc in the band at surgery. She gave me 1.5cc on December 10, and I go back on January 14 for another fill and check up.

I am to new to rate success. However, I am pleased with my weight loss so far. 30 pounds down and three pant sizes gone.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

The "AP" stands for "advanced platform"...the APS holds 10 cc, the APL holds 14. Interesting article about them:

http://bariatrictimes.com/2007/06/02/the-lap-band-ap%E2%84%A2-system-the-platform-advances/

Edited January 13, 2009 by RestlessMonkey

[HF2008 0]

Heather O said it the best, and someone mentioned a fill center, and working with someone who works more closely with you. All of that is the BEST advice..

Let me tell you...

I have the Realize band and I had surgery on June 2nd. I didn't start getting restriction until I was at my max of 9cc. I felt like I was failing but as soon as I got restriction...I am going down hill. We are along the same track becuase I have only lost about 35 lbs but everyone is different. You can't compare your journey to anyone else's because we are all different beings although we share a common ground. So, go get a fill, GIRL! Find a doctor that will work with you because you need restriction, or your band is just there for internal decoration.

GO GET A FILL! You will fill so much better when you get restriction.