How the Lap-Band actually works, fills and refills

dixiedoo · 09-21-2008, 07:51 PM

Hi all Sorry for the long post - I had my first fill on Sept 15th exactly 4 weeks after I was banded. I was nervous too about the first time fill but my doc was very careful finding the port first and having me stretch my arms up and then stick my tummy out in order to be really sure. He got in no problem - really was just a little pick. I was so busy gabbing that it went very quickly. I drank a few sips of water over the next few minutes and was good to go. I did feel a bit of restriction or kind of a strange feeling - made me a bit nauseated.

I was on fluids for the next 24 hrs - this was at 4pm so next evening I had a bit to eat and all was well. I paid $75.00 and I'm sure I was in with him for a good 40 min. He is doing the fills but runs a bariatric clinic and feels that us lapbanders also need support on how to eat with it and use it as a tool. He explained about research regarding abdominal fat, genetics and things.

I really liked him. Sooo how much do you guys pay for fills? If I were closer to where I got banded they would be free but time and gas would cost me as much to get there.

cherko12 · 09-22-2008, 09:20 AM

Thanks for your post...but I have a question for you, Wendell. I have had 2 fills. Lost 24 lbs before & after surgery...during the liquid time. I have never had PB's, stuck food, or experienced any type of restriction yet. I am 3 months out. I have a 10cc band and was told 1st fill was 4 cc and 2nd 2-3 cc. I am discouraged and find myself eating more than I should. My challenge has been to not gain back any of the weight I first lost...which I have been successful at doing. I'm just ready to start losing again. My question is...is food just going through the stoma when I eat? I haven't felt the feeling of being full above the stoma. What is that feeling like? How will I know when it is working?

**AthinnerDenise** · 09-23-2008, 12:59 AM

yes food is going through the band if it's not tight enough. for some reason, the doctors want us to reach restriction slowly. When you are tight enough, you will know it. You will feel full with just a few bites and won't be hungry between meals. Just call for another fill and tell them you are starving all the time.

twinmommy13 · 09-23-2008, 04:52 PM

Thank you sooooooo much for your post!!!!! I have been very stressed worrying about why I stopped losing after the initial loss and how the whole band thing works. I am still looking to find out how often I need to get a fill. I was banded on 8/15 and had my fill on 9/13 (2.6). I am still quite hungry and don't have enough restriction. I had my surgery in mexico and although the surgery went well, I don't feel like they give me enough information. Your information was exactly what I needed to read today! I know that you have made quite a few bandsters feel better!!! :D

bandfan1 · 09-26-2008, 11:24 PM

I have just discovered this thread!!

What GREAT information!!! Thanks Wendell for starting it and thanks also to Dr. Watkins for adding your professional input.

I was banded on May 1st and am realizing that, as Wendell said, it is a stop and go experience (like stairs). I think that not getting too caught up in the numbers is a good idea and working on the behavior modification is huge!!

I can honestly say that the band has been helpful during those times when I feel like "stress" eating. I simply can't do that anymore or else I will end up pb'ing. Also, in the past I have always been successful with the first 25 - 30 lbs and then ALWAYS hit a wall!! My plateaus always "won" and I would revert back to my old bad behavior and forget about why I started the journey. I have never before been able to get past that point. This is where the band is going to help a LOT!!!!

It is definitely a tool that needs to be used along with behavior modification, but I can honestly say that this tool will finally be the what helps me to reach my goals.

All the best to everyone!!!

**AthinnerDenise** · 09-27-2008, 01:48 AM

This is a great thread. It seems that Wendall has stopped posting. I hope all is well with him.

Just remember restriction will not last until you are close to goal and most of the fat pad is melted away from losing weight. Every time we lose the fat around the stomach, the band gets looser until there is no more fat around the stomach left. I have not had a fill in almost a year. I doubt I will ever need another one.

bandfan1 · 09-27-2008, 07:54 AM

AthinnerDenise: Thanks for that information. I have a loooonng way until I will be at the point where the fat pad in my stomach is gone. My stomach is where I carry most of my weight. However, there has been good results in that area and the inches are melting away!!!

All the best!!

**AthinnerDenise** · 09-28-2008, 01:51 AM

You're welcome. It's hard for some people to understand why some people just need a few fills and some have to keep getting them over and over. Some people get a fill and expect restriction to last, and it just doesn't work that way.

kRiStI wItH a I · 09-29-2008, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wendell Edwards

Thank you for the compliment.

Yes, before I obtained effective restriction with fill number 4, which was given 24 weeks after surgery, I thought that my Lap Band did not work and that the entire thing was a cruel joke at my expense.

I don't know anything about the Swedish Band, but I do know that a Band that would not provide restriction when filled to capacity is exceptionally rare.

Best wishes on your journey.

Hi Wendell,

I know this post was from a year ago tomorrow, but I am feeling the exact same way. I was banded on 6/18/08 and have only had one fill, I moved out of state before my 6 weeks so I couldn't get one done in NY, and when I got to IN, I had a really hard time finding a Dr. to do my fills, so long story short, I will have my 2nd fill tomorrow and right now could eat anything! No restriction what so ever. :o(

I'm just glad I wasn't the only one who thought the band wasn't working. Hope your journey is going well.

amsderb · 10-04-2008, 03:53 AM

HI you all!
I just had my fourth fill..I am at 8cc's in a 9'cc band...
I am back on the liquid phase for a few days...I know I started to feel some restriction for a few days and then it was...gone..

So, I am sure this will bring me closer..I hope! I just need to follow the "rule" eat in 20 minutes etc....

TTFN, Shelley

Nice Picture Band FAN 1!

**AthinnerDenise** · 10-05-2008, 11:27 PM

I Hope you're at your sweet spot for awhile now, Shelly!

amsderb · 10-06-2008, 12:24 AM

Thanks Denise!
I hope so too, I am ready to get this weightloss journey kicking in again! I keep reminding myself of what you told me and that you did well once you hit the sweet spot...I hope that I am there! It takes time considering my surgery was May 28th! By the way, my hair has started to "shed" faster lately...4 months out is no joke on that one...LOL

I hope all is well with you...fall is such a beautiful time of year!!!
Shelley

shardin · 10-06-2008, 02:12 PM

I feel the same as you! I have never PB'd either; I can eat almost anything and I have a 9cc band with 7cc's in it. I've had 3 adjustments and not losing weight!

MBB · 10-06-2008, 06:29 PM

I am entering my second week post-op. Still on clear liquids. Start full liquids this friday. I have read some horror stories regarding fills. Has anyone had a positive experience???

pjd3253 · 10-06-2008, 06:36 PM

Why would it have a 4 week delayed reaction if the fill tightens it right away - I am confused.