Hi fellow Canadian
Well, let me tell you I have had the band since mid June. Its a larger band, so it means you need more to get good restriction. I sent an email to the OCC and asked to have my surgery report and on it, it says what type and size of band you have.
I had my first fill in Aug, that was 4ccs in a 10cc band. So doing the math, thats about 40% full.
This is not the only thing to consider, how full the band is, because everyone has a different amount of fat around their organs. For me, I have most of my weight around the middle (definate apple shape) so that means more fat in that area. Thats what I think given all the Dr. Oz books and prevention magazines I have read.
I had the same kind of thing you are describing after the first fill. I didnt get much warning (no restriction) until it was too late, what I mean is that something would get stuck and then it would be really really uncomfortable for 30 mins with spitting and I did throw up about 4 times in 2 months. Thats scary and something you want to avoid. But, mostly this happened because I ate too fast and did not chew properly and had I had more restriction, I think I would not have done this.
Some of the info you get on the lap band talks about eating only about 1/2 a cup of food at a time. How ridiculous! I called and talked to the OCC about this and fill centres usa. They told me this is what a pouch can hold, if its a real pouch (properly restricted). So, now it makes sense to me.
I have also been reading up on alot of people here who have had great success, take Holly for example, WOW, 180 pounds lost!
It seems that the successful bansters have eventually gotton to about 70-75% full on their bands. Definately atleast 50%. Sounds like it should be done gradually but that costs more money. Since I have only lost 5 pounds in 2 months, and the nearest fill place is 3.5 hours drive, I decided to go with an agressive fill.
So, as of yesterday, I am now 72% full (I have 7.2ccs in my 10cc band) and I am really full. I can drink clear liquids no problem, but I have to sip smaller amounts, no more gulping. So, now my pouch is getting filled, even with liquid, and slowly emptying vs before it would just pass through unless it was blocked by some bread or something.
Today I have had some soup again, but in wanting to have some protein, I cut up some pieces of lean ham and I was able to only eat 1/2 cup and chewed each very well, before I got the danger signals. No spitting, yes, a couple of burps, but mostly the really tight feeling in the chest. So I think that means the pouch is full and it will take ??? 1 hour??? to empty which is why you cant have anything more during that time or you will vomit. This is good, in my view, because now I can't over eat at any one time.
Anyway, I hope my limited experience helps give you some insight.
I have yet to see if this allows me to lose atleast a pound a week if not more.
Check in on me if you like to see. Feel free to add me to your friends list.
Karin G