Hello! I be new!
I got a 10cc VG Band on 5/21/2007 (Meaning I am nearly 4 weeks post op).
I had a BUNCH of questions about this hardware and I got them answered at a support group meeting last night. Nurse and other surgical staff were there with our files and charts.
I asked specifically why I got the 10cc VG band. First, I got the ole "everyone's anatomy is different, everyone gets the hardware right for them" answer. Then I pressed for my specifics. I am big all over (duh) but I carry most of my excess weight on my hips and thighs - with (relatively) little belly fat.
The fact is, I got the larger band because I also had a very nasty hiatal hernia repaired during the band implantation procedure and there was a LOT of swelling. So much that I don't get my first fill till almost 9 weeks after surgery. The larger band gave me more room to swell and heal. Apparently, I have NO restriction at all right now. And MAN am I hungry and I have been since a week after surgery.
Also, I found out that the 10cc band will actually hold almost 21cc of fill fluid. Turns out that the 4cc band CAN hold almost 8 cc and the 6 cc band CAN hold almost 12 cc. WHO KNEW? And, yes, I clarified and verifed those facts with the nurse about 4 times. It seems the typical sweet spot for 10cc bands is around 6 ccs.
Except for being hungry all the time and feeling I can eat anything in any amount, I have had ZERO problems so far. *knock wood* I have written a journal entry for each of the three weeks since my surgery.
Banded 5/21/2007 By Dr. Mark Fusco, Brevard County Florida
287/275/175-ish
10cc VG Band (currently unfilled)
40 year old female, 5'8" tall.
