:bored I lost 103 lbs the first year. But it is slowly (about 10 lbs a yr) creeping up on me!! :omg: I have gained 60lbs back and am in desperation to find help. The last time I went to Dr. Scot for a fill (2001), he said he couldn't fill anymore or it would be closed!! This would have been my 4th. I've read on here where people have had 6 or 7 fills!! Do I remove it? HELP PLEASE. Barb :help:

Hi Banded Barb,

Were you banded in the US eight years ago? I'd love to hear your story--were you part of a trial?

If you haven't been back to your doctor in six years, you might want to try again. It may not be possible to give you any more fill, but you won't know until and unless you try. Things may have changed internally and you may have other options to explore. Good luck!!

Thanks for responding...yes in the US 8 years ago. I believe I was the 1st in Missouri to have it done. I wasnt part of a trial. My brother had RNY and he found out about the Lap Band then and suggested it for me. I had to pay cash cause my insurance wouldn't cover it. I was happy with it at first but over time it seems that I am able to get around it by eating slower. Sometimes still I eat too fast or don't chew well and I throw it right back up. The last time I visited with my dr about a fill, he said I couldn't be tightened anymore....so here I sit!! I probably should see the dr again....but I'm kinda embarrased since I put on so much weight!!

Have you considered being unfilledfor 30 days orso then being refilled? I ask becuase I had to have an ufill for a procedure at that time I was at 2.5 in a 4cc band. After 30 days of no fill I went to be refilled and was only able to go to 2 cc's with out it being too ttight. I asked my doctor why was I so much tighter at 2 then I was at 2.5, he told me it is a strange thing and it happens to alot of patients things shift around during your unfill phase..many of his patients get refilled after an unfill and can not go back to their original fill level. Maybe you just need to unfill for a bit then fill again, just a suggesstion. Good Luck :)

An unfill, rest and refill is what I was going to suggest!!! Plus, I have heard of many who when they go for a fill, and the current fill is extracted, they find there is less than they thought. I understand there re many thoughts on why....but maybe if they checked that, you would actually have less in there than your Dr. believed, especially after that length of time.
I think the Dr. would just be thrilled to see you and that you are healthy, with an 8 year old band! He should work with you to find a solution.
Until then, hang out with us, we will try to provide some support for the interim!!!
Good Luck, and welcome to LBT!!!
Kat

Hey thanks guys!! :clap2: I didnt know that was possible but am gonna call my Dr. asap and see what he thinks!! BTW...Happy Birthday La_Madam!!

All of this Sh-- is scaring me Im supposed to get banded 6-12-07 I thought this thing was supposed to work for life, does anyone regret doing this!

Linda, I don't regret doing it!! What I regret was thinking it was an easy fix to a problem I've had my entire life.....emotional eating. The band works fine initially....but eventually you go back to eating the way you did prior to band amd it creeps up on it. Trust me....I've gained 60 lbs back!! Do it!!! Just be smart about it....good luck!!

The unfill, rest, refill idea occurred to me too as did the possibility that after 8 years it is highly likely some fill has evaporated and you dont have as much as you think.

For those thinking this should work for life - over the years, we do get older and 8 years is almost a decade after all. You do loose your lean body mass over time, and gradually your energy needs decline, normal unbanded people have to work harder and harder to stay the same weight and most people spread with age. Exercise is the best defence against this kind of weight gain, maintaining bone density and muscle mass is vital.

Thankfully with a band you have one more weapon in your arsenal against weight gain over time.

Linda....it is for life, but it isn't magic. You have to work the program and long before 8 years, if you try hard enough, you can find ways to eat around the band.

News flash....the bypass isn't "for life" either. After a honeymoon of about 2 years, the weight starts coming back.

Yes, but you DO get to keep the malabsorption/diarrhea/dumping syndrome for life. So.. well, it sorta is for life. :)

No, you absolutely do NOT. Only about 1/3 have significant "dumping" in the first place, and most of those lose that so-called benefit after a year or two. And the body adapts so that there is less malsorption over time. It is these things, plus the distended, non-adjustable pouch, that causes rebound weight gain in the majority of bypass patients.

Where in Missouri are you? If "DR. SCOTT" can't/won't help see another! My Missouri Dr. is MR. WONDERFUL! Christopher Edwards- Springfield MO. Good luck!

Gosh I'm in the process of submitting all my paperwork for approval. But from what I've been reading I'm alittle apprehensive. I feel I'm ready but when I hear slippage and vomiting and port revision its alittle scary! HELP I need reassurance from those that have been there and done that.

Just to easy your mind. I had my band in MArch of this year and have lost almost 45 pounds so far. I eat less and excercise more. Same thing I needed to do before the band. The difference is, I don't feel hungry now and it helps me stop eating. I have had no problems at all with my band and feel very happy. My surgeon is awesome Dr Opie in Olathe Kansas. I have the big band and only have 4.8cc's in it out of a possible 10cc's. I am not having any more fills for a while as long as I am losing and feeling good. Some people rely on the very restricted feeling to help them, you need to be able to work out and stop eating on your own. The band is just a tool to help. A very valuable tool but it is only as good as you are. Good luck- this can be a positive step toward a healthier life for you!