Band Sizes

[bogiesmom]

"No accurate number of adjustments required can be given. However, an average may be estimated to be between three and five fills (where saline/isotonic solution is inserted into the band via the subcutaneous port) for a person to reach the optimal restriction for weight loss. The amount of saline/isotonic solution needed in the band varies from patient to patient. There are a small number of people who find they do not need a fill at all and have sufficient restriction immediately following surgery. Others may need significant adjustments to the maximum the band is able to hold. Bands come in several diameters and sizes and can hold a total of between 4 cc (ml) to 12 cc (ml) of fill fluid depending on the design. Band size is usually determined by personal preference of the surgeon who places the band together with what s/he is either able to use (e.g., specific bands approved in country of surgery) or what s/he believes to be the most appropriate. In Europe, for example, it is possible for the surgeon to use many designs. The size of the band used is determined by the surgeon during surgery based on the size and thickness of the patient's stomach."

It begs the question: Since we all have the same size band, does that mean we all have the same size and thickness of the stomache? Or is it a one size fits all sort of deal where some of us with smaller stomachs and less thickness have less restriction & require more fills (and are basically screwed) then those with the same band & thicker, larger stomaches?

Just had to ask the question since Dr. Ortiz's post did not make much sense to me. Why would a doctor use one size of band (he did say that there was no need for different sizes anymore) when "everyone is different"?

How do I know that I got the right band for ME?

This also brings up another issue that no one seems to have asked ... How does the OCC check for leaks in bands & should'nt they be checking if a person has had 3, going on 4 fills with no restriction and she has been following the rules and eating solids & can eat more then 1/3-1/2 of what she was eating before sugery, blah, blah, blah...? It sort of begs the question ... Doesnt it seem that there is some sort of possible complication if your argument is that the band is NOT too big?

Come on, I can't be the only one out there who has questions like this after reading Dr. Ortiz's letter that seems to bring up more questions then answers. I am not trying to be a trouble mmker or create problems. I am just a person that is experiencing a lot of issues with my band and I have a lot of specific unanswered questions that are valid and should be answered.

[B2010]

"No accurate number of adjustments required can be given. However, an average may be estimated to be between three and five fills (where saline/isotonic solution is inserted into the band via the subcutaneous port) for a person to reach the optimal restriction for weight loss. The amount of saline/isotonic solution needed in the band varies from patient to patient. There are a small number of people who find they do not need a fill at all and have sufficient restriction immediately following surgery. Others may need significant adjustments to the maximum the band is able to hold. Bands come in several diameters and sizes and can hold a total of between 4 cc (ml) to 12 cc (ml) of fill fluid depending on the design. Band size is usually determined by personal preference of the surgeon who places the band together with what s/he is either able to use (e.g., specific bands approved in country of surgery) or what s/he believes to be the most appropriate. In Europe, for example, it is possible for the surgeon to use many designs. The size of the band used is determined by the surgeon during surgery based on the size and thickness of the patient's stomach."

It begs the question: Since we all have the same size band, does that mean we all have the same size and thickness of the stomache? Or is it a one size fits all sort of deal where some of us with smaller stomachs and less thickness have less restriction & require more fills (and are basically screwed) then those with the same band & thicker, larger stomaches?

Just had to ask the question since Dr. Ortiz's post did not make much sense to me. Why would a doctor use one size of band (he did say that there was no need for different sizes anymore) when "everyone is different"?

How do I know that I got the right band for ME?

This also brings up another issue that no one seems to have asked ... How does the OCC check for leaks in bands & should'nt they be checking if a person has had 3, going on 4 fills with no restriction and she has been following the rules and eating solids & can eat more then 1/3-1/2 of what she was eating before sugery, blah, blah, blah...? It sort of begs the question ... Doesnt it seem that there is some sort of possible complication if your argument is that the band is NOT too big?

Come on, I can't be the only one out there who has questions like this after reading Dr. Ortiz's letter that seems to bring up more questions then answers. I am not trying to be a trouble mmker or create problems. I am just a person that is experiencing a lot of issues with my band and I have a lot of specific unanswered questions that are valid and should be answered.

But you're still within the average range for fills - according to your post - You may find this next fill is it. I can definitely understand your frustration but you should just give it more time to see how you feel at your next fill.

I honestly don't think I've ever dealt with a doctor before that is as transparent as Dr. Ortiz seems to be. The fact that he took time to write regarding our concerns on this forum is huge in my book. Sometimes the grass isn't really greener on the otherside. What if you had gotten the smaller band and couldn't keep food down. yes, you'd be skinny and had lost more weight - but at what price?

-Bianca

[EcMjawad1]

I continue to read this thread with interest...my daughter was banded in January, and I am going in March...to this end let me add some comments. I have worked in the healthcare field for 30 years and have a advanced degree in healthcare, and am an administrator for a healthcare facility..so I had a lot of avenues to explore the lapband - in depth- in the US. The two times my daughter and I went to seminars in the US, were a total waste of time. The first one, after driving in stormy weather for hours, the Doctor never showed up and a large group of us were left outside with no idea what was going on and his staff did not answer the 24 hour phone number we had....a month later I get a call offering another venue and no applogies..red flag..forget it. Second time we went and got a lot of high pressure "selling" and even a price of $4500....again, red flag. Before I would put myself or my daughter under any procedure I would have to know what we were getting into..so I did a lot of research and reading, including Dr. O's book. Then feeling pretty confidant I let my daughter go first--she's younger and wanted it sooner and invested her own money for herself (BTW another reason I researched). I went with her. Hands down it was the best surgical experience I was ever a part of....the place was spotless, (and I look for that), the staff was great, and the Dr's. open and friendly and answered any questions I put to them before my daughter went under the "knife." I felt that if I did not like the answer's- I could say no at any time. We go in March for me and a fill for her..I felt that confident, and even though I could get a cheaper price in the US, no way...My daughter has the band you are referring to and even without a fill has had restriction...she was not over 300 pounds and has lost weight even without a fill. I have been reading your posts in another forum where I saw that you were offered a chance to have your questions answerd...so while you pose some really good one's like , how to tell if your band leaks---heck call and ask him so we can all see the answer...I feel your frustration, I would have it too, but as someone else mentions the band alone is not the only answer..I feel the Dr. Ortiz and his staff are pretty up front - much more than many of the Dr's. I have worked with, that Dr. Ortiz really cares about his patients, and knows his stuff...so while venting, at least give him the chance to answer your questions for all of us...But, I have to wonder how many US Dr's. would take the time to even bother...

[MyNewLife]

For ME when I was banded I was confused with this issue as well, I do have the smaller band. Several friends of mine was banded here in the states and they have the larger band, not because of their stomach size but because that is what they used. They have had really great success with their bands and their weight loss. I think everyone is so different and weight loss has really nothing to do with the size of band we have. As far as my friend she has been up to 8ccs+ before in her band and yet has had to have several unfills from being too tight. She does not follow a diet. I have another friend that has the same 4cc as I do and is pretty much at compacity in her band. I have spoke with my fill Doc who states it just takes larger fills for the bigger band, but thinks it is better because there is more room in the band to "play" with. As far as the number of fills it takes for restriction, im sorry I dont think anyone can say how many, it depends on the person. I "thought" I would be one of the ones who had to have a really tight band but since having an unfill and now a complete unfill, nothing in my band, im not so sure of this.

I have always struggled with what to eat, when to eat it, should i eat snacks, should i eat every three hours, am i getting enough water, should i be drinking or eating protien, am I exercising enough, etcc etcc etcc etcc. The one thing I keep coming back to OVER AND OVER again is that I am my own person and what works for someone may not work for me. So I can not compare my band size, me fill size, my porition size, the type of food i eat, the protien,etcc with anyone else but me..... I hope I have not rambled and Im not sure I answered the question, more just my thoughts I wanted to share.......

Carrie

[Dolittle]

I wanted to inform everyone that I'm still trying to get answers from Allergan/Inamed. One of the questions to Allergan referred to different band sizes. I started back on Jan 2nd and have been put on the run around from the people at Allergan. Over the last two and half months I've been going back and forth through emails and phone calls. This week I'm going to call the head of Allergans marketing and talk to her one more time,,, I just don't think they really care.

I do have an answer to Bogies question about how they tell if your band is leaking. The easiest way they can tell, is when you have a fill, if the place you go to is any good, the fill doctor or tech will pull all the fuild out of your band to see how much is in there, then compare it to previous records. If there's a big variation, then there's a possiblity something is might be wrong. The next step would be to watch the refill via the fluoroscope and see if the fuild is leaking. All good bandsters should keep track of how much they have in their band. Try to use the same fill clinic and the same doctor, because they will keep records of this too. But sometimes you might end up at another fill clinic, that's when it pays to know your numbers. I personally have never heard of the band leaking, I've heard of badly done fills at shotty clinics where they have missed the port and hit the tube or damaged the port. Also,, some of these so called fill clinics can accidently not pull all the fuild out and then proceed to tell you somethings wrong. Talk about giving someone some anxiety. This is why it's to your best interest to check out fill clinics before you go to them. My best advise is to go back to the OCC for your fills. My opinion is that they still do the best job at filling your band. I live in the Midwest, if I plan it right and watch airline sales, it's almost the same cost to go back to TJ versus going to one of those so called fill clinics. I know its a little inconvenient to go back to TJ,, but I sleep better at night.

[BrownEyedGirl]

How do I know that I got the right band for ME?

And for me the obvious question is, "How do I know what the right band is for me?" We have people here succeeding with the same band. I would hate to see this turn into a built in excuse for failure. You may not have gotten what you thought was best for you but you did get what an expert thinks is best for his patients. And you still have a band that you see is working for others.

So far I don't see a lot of people jumping up and saying they have the same problem. I'm sure those people exist but most people here are loving their band and those not succeeding are owning up to the fact they aren't working it properly. Still eating junk and drinking calories, whether it's booze or frappucinos and not exercising. I'm not saying that's your case but what people are admitting to here. I'm sure it's frustrating for you since you are having this problem and most people on this forum aren't. And since many people are so happy with their band and the care they recieved from Dr. Ortiz I'm sure it's hard for them to sit silently by while someone questions what boils down to his integrety about something he's been open about. I know it's frustrating for you not to get support in this but no one is speaking out about having the same problem. You should try to schedule a one on one with Dr. Ortiz about this. I don't think you'll get the band you want put in for free though. But maybe he'll sit in on a fill and talk to you to put you more at ease.

I think it's good to raise questions but if no one else is having the same problem maybe you need to take it to the source because your problem must be very individual. I don't know if you'll get the support you need from so many succeeding here on this forum which wouldn't help you anyway. The support you need is from Dr. Ortiz. He needs to look at your case and see what the problem is.

I'm sorry if I upset you but this whole thing is upsetting and one person's problem amid so many successes is standing out taking over the forum and discouraging so many. And I really want to see you succeed.

Geez. I feel like crappy now. I'm going to bow out of this topic from now on.

[sawdawg]

VERY WELL SAID BROWN EYE I HAVE THE LARGE BAND AND IT HAS WORK WONDERS FOR ME I THINK YOU HAVE TO WORK THE BAND THE BAND IS NOT GOING TO WORK YOU. IF YOU FOLLOW THE DOCTORS PLAN IT WORKS. NO DIET JUST GOOD CHOICE OF FOOD AND SMALLER AMOUNT I DON'T COUNT NOTHING AND SO FAR IT WORKS I JUST LIVE LIFE NOT FOOD ( I DON'T BELIEVE THE SIZE OF BAND MATTERS AS LONG AS YOU ARE FOLOWING THE RULES:) AND NOT OVER THINKING THIS!!!!!!!

THIS IS HOW IT WORKS FOR ME

JANET

[janellody]

It sounds like Bogiesmom has made up her mind about her band (whether that is accurate or not). If she is going to let this be her excuse not to lose weight, then nobody can change her mind but herself. If she isn't at restriction yet, then she needs more fills. Dr. Ortiz explained why he chooses the bands he chooses, there is really nothing anyone else can do. She is stubborn and the only one she is hurting is herself. I hope she doesn't let this stand in her way of losing weight, it would be a shame to let this opportunity pass you by.

[bogiesmom]

Thank you Carrie and Dolittle for putting my mind at ease I really appriciate your comments and when I go back infor my fill I will be sure to have Dr. So check for a leak.

Janellody you crack me up girl, you are so funny By the way, an ounce of pretention is worth a pound of manure. “If it don’t apply let it fly.” But being that we are both fighting some of the same demons (I mean come on, were both here right?) I thought it would be best to remind you that those who live in glasses houses should not throw stones. Hey, I am all for keeping it real and being honest. Lord knows I have put myself out there more then once. However, there is a difference between constructive criticism and judgment (there in lays the pretension). Although I am honest and real I do not believe in posting commentary on the forum that judges another person outside the boundaries of constructive criticism (criticism in the way of advice). If you want to place judgment on someone it is best to do so in the form of a private message otherwise in the public setting the judgment can come off as an attempt to embarrass the person (calling me stubborn is a judgement of character that falls outside of the boundries of constructive crisicism). Also, before placing a judgment on a person’s character you need to be aware of your own short comings when doing so otherwise you risk being called out on them, for example, at the exact time you were posting your message in this post today Bogie and I were at the dog park exercising. Have a blessed day

[janellody]

Ok, sorry, I guess I wasn't trying to insult anyone. Yes, we all have demons, I am working on mine now also! I don't get to exercise until my 21 days are up, so when that happens believe me, I will be out there hitting the pavement like you.

You posted this topic after many people already weighed in on it, even Dr. Ortiz! That is where the "stubborn" comment came from. Like I said before, when you post something on a public forum, I always assume you expect a response, so I gave one. Again, not trying to be offensive, maybe I will watch what I type before I hit send. My apologies.

[AngieB]

I am a late poster B., but wanted to post anyway. Girl you know I feel your pain. I know this time for me what the hardest; Mrs. 4 fills to hit restriction that stayed....that was me. It's not easy to wrap your head around, and understand what you don't have, but want so badly. Take a step back and let this process play out. You are coming close, so don't try to manage this. Let it happen. I understand this is easier said than done, when you are on my side of the fence....really I get that. But honestly, it will happen. I remember clear as day Shelby telling me in a post the same type of thing. (thanks Shelby!)

You are going to rock the band, you are a "professional WW gal, and I believe you will conform to the band wonderfully. Light years ahead of me sista girl! But we all can see I have foodie issues! Ha! Nothing really to laugh about, but laughing for sanitys sake.

B - I really think you are getting your feet on the ground so to speak about it. I know it can be very hard not to think about, but do your best to let it go. Restriction will happen!!! IMHO I do not think you have a leak, and I will tell you why....because you go to the OCC. LOL Leaks are not a common occurance. I know many bansters and have only met one who has actually had a leak. The floro the OCC uses is very clear and they can see your port and tubing well. If you have a leak, I would be shocked and amazed. Heck you will pry be able to knock me over with a feather if you do. The one gal who had a leak had it after a fill gone terrible. The fill PA did a blind fill and poked her several times before accessing her port.

Anyway, hang in there. You are doing great! Don't let the band run circles in your mind. ((HUGS))

[bogiesmom]

I am a late poster B., but wanted to post anyway. Girl you know I feel your pain. I know this time for me what the hardest; Mrs. 4 fills to hit restriction that stayed....that was me. It's not easy to wrap your head around, and understand what you don't have, but want so badly. Take a step back and let this process play out. You are coming close, so don't try to manage this. Let it happen. I understand this is easier said than done, when you are on my side of the fence....really I get that. But honestly, it will happen. I remember clear as day Shelby telling me in a post the same type of thing. (thanks Shelby!)

You are going to rock the band, you are a "professional WW gal, and I believe you will conform to the band wonderfully. Light years ahead of me sista girl! But we all can see I have foodie issues! Ha! Nothing really to laugh about, but laughing for sanitys sake.

B - I really think you are getting your feet on the ground so to speak about it. I know it can be very hard not to think about, but do your best to let it go. Restriction will happen!!! IMHO I do not think you have a leak, and I will tell you why....because you go to the OCC. LOL Leaks are not a common occurance. I know many bansters and have only met one who has actually had a leak. The floro the OCC uses is very clear and they can see your port and tubing well. If you have a leak, I would be shocked and amazed. Heck you will pry be able to knock me over with a feather if you do. The one gal who had a leak had it after a fill gone terrible. The fill PA did a blind fill and poked her several times before accessing her port.

Anyway, hang in there. You are doing great! Don't let the band run circles in your mind. ((HUGS))

Angie, I am not going to cry, I am not going to cry... I love you and you are a big part of why I am here. Praise Jesus & thank the Lord that we have you. You are right...I am letting it go and moving forward.