Lapband Tightness or lack off ?

[spudgirl 0]

So, I noticed that when I first had my surgery and my first fill I was extremely tight. However, as time went on I began to be able to eat more and more. I had my first fill on Feb. 4th and I could hardly keep liquid down, let alone food. Now I can eat a lot more again. I can almost eat as much as I want. So, I am going to go have another fill. My question is what happens when you can't get anymore fills and you can eat as much as you want? And another question is why as time goes by am I able to get more and more food down? I know that I need to learn how to eat less on my own, but now I'm worried that if I can't figure out how to eat less by the time my band gets filled all the way, I'll never be able to lose weight.

[slimmap 1]

So, I noticed that when I first had my surgery and my first fill I was extremely tight. However, as time went on I began to be able to eat more and more. I had my first fill on Feb. 4th and I could hardly keep liquid down, let alone food. Now I can eat a lot more again. I can almost eat as much as I want. So, I am going to go have another fill. My question is what happens when you can't get anymore fills and you can eat as much as you want? And another question is why as time goes by am I able to get more and more food down? I know that I need to learn how to eat less on my own, but now I'm worried that if I can't figure out how to eat less by the time my band gets filled all the way, I'll never be able to lose weight.

Hi Spudgirl. I know what you're talking about. I have to be really careful or I end up with the very same problem as you. Now know this. I am NOT telling you what to do. I am just telling you what the doctor has told me and what I have figured out, you know, experience. I have to be very careful and measure the prescribed amount of food for each meal or snack. I do NOT just eat until I am full. We cannot do that anymore. If you are eating more than the amount measured, then you are probably stretching out your pouch. I have done that a time or two and it is really scary how much food I can pack in if I am not vigilant. And that is what we have to be if we want to succeed. I am almost one year out from surgery and I still have to remind myself of this on some days. On days when I am stressed out and I just want to eat and eat and eat, I chew gum. Lots of gum. I chew and smack and am probably obnoxious. But it works! My jaws are moving and that is what I really want more than overeating. Am I always successful? No. But kind people from this web site have told me this information and now I pass it on to you. Here are two things that you can try that will help shrink your pouch back to a smaller size so you can eat just till you are not hungry anymore. You can do the 5 day pouch diet. Try researching it at this website and on google. It is awesome. Or wait until your next fill and be VERY CAREFUL to follow guidelines. It will all work out okay for you. But you do need to stick to the measurement guidelines the dr gave you. I am only supposed to eat 2-3 ounces at a time. Some people eat one to one and a half cups.That is a lot. But check it out and talk to your dr. I hope I have helped a little and not gone on too much. Good Luck!

Pam

[Makulafamy 55]

So, I am going to go have another fill. My question is what happens when you can't get anymore fills and you can eat as much as you want? And another question is why as time goes by am I able to get more and more food down? I know that I need to learn how to eat less on my own, but now I'm worried that if I can't figure out how to eat less by the time my band gets filled all the way, I'll never be able to lose weight. :bored:

My doc has performed over 600 lapband surgeries and told me that he has NEVER filled a patients band to the max...there was no need.

Yes. You need another fill. It took me 4 fills until I felt proper restriction. If your band works like it is supposed to, with proper restriction you will not be able to eat as much as you want (unless you are cheating the band and eating/drinking things that slide right down).

You are able to eat more over time bc you are losing weight and thus losing the fat that surrounds your band. As the fat around your band decreases, you have less pressure on you band, allowing it to loosen up a little. Also, there is a small amount of evaporation of the liquid in your band over time.

Dont spend your time and energy worrying about the What If's. Focus on the now. Make good choices and talk to your doc. When is your next fill scheduled? Can you call and get in sooner? After my first fill I didnt feel anything so I called and went back in 2 weeks later. I didnt feel anything after my second fill so I called and went in 1 week later. Same story...I called and went in again until I finally felt restriction!

You can do this.