Frustrated...

[amgp_texas 0]

I was banded in Mexico on October 7, 2008.

I have had my band filled up to 9 ccs (10 cc band).

I am VERY frustrated as I have not lost any weight, had very little restriction (only when I eat breads) and am wondering why I had this surgery and spent the money at all in the first place. The band is almost all the way filled and nothing happening! (and I mean, I haven't even lost 5 lbs)

Anyone else have this experience?

Any advice, sharing, stories would be helpful.

[Cleo's Mom 257]

How much do you have to lose? How much did you lose before surgery? You might need an upper GI to see what is going on. Maybe your band has a leak. Do you go back to Mexico for your fills? You need to discuss this with your doctor.

[amgp_texas 0]

About 60-70 lbs.

I go to a Fill Center doctor for the fills. He doesn't seem concerned but I am so frustrated. This isn't (I don't think) normal.

Anyone recommend a good doc in Austin that sees post op patients that they themselves did not operate on?

[HeatherO 7]

Does your fill center doctor withdraw the Fluid first to see if you really have the expected amount of Fluid in there? This would help you see if you have a leak. It sounds like you just don't have enough restriction, but many of us do not have much restriction until our bands are close to being full.

It also makes a difference depending on what kind of food you are eating. If you are eating a slider foods like chips, ice cream, etc . . . the band will not help you. If you are eating healthy foods with Proteins first and primarily veggies and fruits secondarily and still don't have restriction to remain full, you might just need another fill.

If you can make it back to Mexico, or even to the fill center, you should get a fill done under flouro to make sure everything looks good.

[TQUAD64 9]

Heather makes great points. You need to confirm the Fluid is still in there. That you actually have 9cc in your band. The easiest way to confirm this is to take the old fill out and measure it. Your fill doctors can do this. (My doctor does this every time)