Well Im getting a fill on Tuesday and it's the first one in over a year. And even though I've had my band for 5 1/2 yrs Im nervous about this fill. See, my band slipped about 2 yrs ago and I had it fixed last April but it seems different this time. The last few times I've gotten a fill since my surgery to have my band fixed, I cant seem to get a good fill. I always get too much and have to go back to have some taken out usually within a day or two because I can't even get liquids down and then the Dr. ends up taking too much out and I have to wait a while before I can afford to get another fill. So my question is how do you all judge your fill level? If your Dr. makes you drink water while he's giving you a fill does it feel like it's just sitting there or is it supposed to go down all the way before you leave his office? Its just so hard for me to know when to tell my Dr. when it's enough. I just want a good fill that won't make me throw up at even the sight of liquids. If anyone has any advice please help!!!!

My Dr. watches on an xray while I am getting a fill. The have you drink and watch at how fast or slow it goes down. Then he adjusts the fill to that.

I am able to drink a cup of water without any problem, just like I did prior to having the band.  I have never had it that tight that I have fel****er "sitting there".

As far as good restriction, can you eat 3 oz of chicken, beef or pork and a 1/4 cup of veggies and feel satisfied for 4 hours?  That is what I consider good restriction.  I have never felt "full".

I like the way my doc does it. He doesn't do it under fluoro (doesn't like that unless essential because of the radiation) but after a fill, he gives me a drink of water. then he gives me a smooth, thick yoghourt. If i can eat half the pot (large one) and feel comfortably full, we know i am just right. Less, i am too tight, more I am too loose. So then he then adjusts it there and then.

This has worked perfectly for me with every fill. I have always left his office with excellent restriction. Just once I was not sure and erred on the side of caution and it was not quite enough.

On a financial note, if the fill is not right and you go back a few days later, surely he shouldn't make you pay again? The one time i had to go back, I went a week later and he counted it as the same fill and justt charged me the once.

Kate