Success with a LARGE band?

[Effielin 0]

I had my surgery on August 8. I had some restriction after surgery until my first fill... where I lost the restriction... and I have not gotten any back. I have now had 3 fills and I can eat anything and everything. I managed to stay on track until this last week where I have totally gotten off track and I am eating cause I AM HUNGRY...

When I tell my doctor (who does not have much of a bedside manner) that I have no restriction he says "unfortunately you needed a large band"... Does this mean I am not going to have success with the band? He is very reluctant to tell me details.. when I asked how many cc's my band held he said "a lot"... I know I have about 7 cc or so in the band. I am so disappointed... as if my family. My daughter was scheduled to have the band but has now switched to wanting the sleeve because she sees me as a total failure with the band....

Linda

[Westonrose 0]

I too have a large band. I believe it is a 14cc. In the beginning it was hard to stay on track because I did not feel much restriction, but I was determined to lose the weight. Make sure you keep going in and getting your fills. If you don’t have restriction go back and tell them you need more. I finally got restriction. You can do this! Keep reminding yourself why you did this. You will see the benefits. I was a little over the 7 cc mark before I started seeing good restriction. It has paid off and I am now (for the first time) seeing the results.

I had surgery in March of 2009. I started out 284 pound I have currently lost 99 pounds ( just waiting for that extra pound so I can say the magic number). Keep in mind that it was July before I got good restriction.

I know it can be frustrating but if you work with the band it will work for you. Again, demand more fills and you will get to your sweet spot.

Good luck, I have faith that you can do this.

Michelle

Edited October 21, 2009 by Westonrose
misspelling

[aubrie 6]

I have a large band with approximately 6 cc's in it. I've lost about 72 pounds and have had tremendous success with it. I think I would be even more successful if I exercised a little more than I do.... that's not the band's fault. Has he checked your tubing and port for leaks????

[Effielin 0]

Thank you for replying. Yes, he checked for leaks on the second fill and I was fine. You all are probably right, that I just need more fills... I guess I need to stop feeling sorry for myself cause this is not being as easy as I thought it would be... and just get back with the program. Hearing that you all have lost so much weight re-inspires me.... I WILL do this...

Linda

[moonbeam 1]

I totally understand how you feel. It took from April to Aug before I reached a fill level that was beneficial. I've started to lose on a steady basis now. Please hang in there and don't give up. Keep getting fills and be assertive with your doc. They are just people and sometimes we have to remind them that was are not just patients and bands, that we are human and need some reassurance.