10 replies to this topic

[Lins]

hello everyone,

This is the 1st time I've been on this site in many months. I basically thought, that I'd get back into coming on here to help others with their weight loss, when I've finally reached my fill limit. The thing is, is that I dont know how much fill is enough!

To date, I've had many fills and am up to 9mls of a 12ml band. I can still eat more than I should. Sometimes I will have a meal and be able to eat more of that same meal than other times. For example, the other day I had home made pizza and was only able to eat one slice. Whereas another time, I am able to eat up to 4 and not feel restriction.And it doesnt even matter what time of the day it is.

I'm confused because I dont know what its supposed to feel like when you have reached you perfect fill amount. It has been 11 months since my surgery and with all my fills being at least 5 weeks apart (as recommended by my doctor) I've only lost 11 kg and I'm so disappointed with myself. On top of this, I dont even feel full when Ive eaten a meal. Isnt the band supposed to make you feel full? Or is it that its not tight enough yet?

When I go to the doctor to get a fill, she is hesitant to give me too much so she just gives me one mil or less at a time..

My mum is also making comments about me not losing much weight, and how this surgery was a waste of money. I still have hope, but I dont know what to tell her, because I myself dont know why 9mls isnt tight enough.

[Shorty]

Having lost 11kgs is not to be sneezed at! That's great work!

Is it worth keeping a diary between now and your next visit to the doctor and detail everything you eat and how you feel before and after you eat? Might help work out if you need a little more fill or a change in something?? Just a thought??

S

[BackinBlack]

As Shorty has stated 11kgs is still a step in the right direction and is great work. Just think of all the kilograms you would have potentially gained had you not had the band. Everyone is different, so don't compare to others, if you can help it.

I find my level of restriction is based on how quickly I chew. If I am ravenously hungry and eat too fast, I tend to eat a whole lot less and PB a great deal more. If I concentrate and eat slowly, then I can ultimately eat a little bit more, but over a longer period of time.

The fact that you have so much fill and can eat so much is definately a bit unusual, have you considered perhaps getting the barium swallow xray to ensure there is no medical reason as to why you can eat that amount? Or possibly ask your doctor to remove the fill and re-insert it to ensure there isn't a leak perhaps? I would check these two potential issues first and then perhaps try another mil or so.

The last thing you want is to be in the red zone and have too much fill

[Lins]

Aww thanks Shorty!

Thanks guys for the messages. When I went in for my last fill, I told the doctor that I found it strange that I didnt have any restriction at 8.2ml. So she did take out my fluid to check that there wasnt any leak. I guess 11kg is in the right direction. I just wish I was getting better results like everyone else seems to me getting Oh well. I will speak to the doc next time I go and hopefully she'll give me more fill

ps: What does PB mean? sorry not used to these short cuts lol

[BackinBlack]

Productive Burp - a nice way to say throw up

[Gato]

Sometimes I wonder if I post this link too often, but anyway, it might be useful.
http://drsimpson.net...estriction.html

It includes things like - no, you should never eat until you feel full and no, the purpose of the band isn't to restrict how much you can eat.
Anyway, have a read - bits might be useful with a bit of luck.

[BackinBlack]

Nice link Gato, however for those that are emotional or mental eaters (can't think of a better term to describe it), its not so much the appetite that is deciding the person should eat/not eat. It is the mental insecurity/condition that is in turn making a habit out of eating a muffin (for example) even when the person isn't necessarily hungry. I know, I was one of those and it was only until I actually had restriction that this 'mental' eating stopped. For my pregnancy I had some of the fill removed and I have asked my surgeon not to put it back, as I feel in control enough to not have to worry about the mental aspect of my eating habits now. I think the increase in self esteem and the results are partly the reason for this, however if I had not had the restriction initially (i.e. physically could not eat bread/pasta), I would not have changed that habit.

Hope that makes sense.

[Lins]

Just had my 6th fill and I'm up to 10.5ml now. Let's hope it starts helping me out more! )

[Suzie77]

Gato, that was soooooooo helpful! I wish I had come across it 14 months ago when I first got banded. That really helped me to understand what I have been doing wrong and how to now work with the band. Thankyou so much for this xx

[allybandit]

Hi there

I have 9mls in my band as well. My Dr is hesitant in giving me another fill. I can eat pretty much everything as long as it is small mouthfuls and slowly. I am full just after eating, but about 1 hour later I am hungry again. Unfortuantely that is where my bad habits have come back in - eating chocolate. I don't know how to stop myself. The band has helped with a good weight loss but I have been the same for the last 6 months. I think getting your head in the right space it the hardest for me. Anyone have any ideas??