I’m at 7.75 now (got another 0.75 after that) and have been since ummm Nov, Dec last year, I think. Its PERFECT for me, I very very rarely PB (like twice since I’ve had this level), but still only eat about a cup at each meal. We’ll see what happens when I lose another 10 pounds or so though (that seems to be the magic number for me to need a teeny top up now, but is going to take a while I think at the rate I’m going)!

She Smiles: I don’t get it – you had 8.5ml and the doc pulled out 6.2 because you were too loose??? Ahhh – 100 lbs. Still jealous!

giveyouthemoon is right on the money. Your restriction will change over time. The more I lose, the more saline I need. When I regained, I needed some drawn off because I get too tight.

When you’re really sick, hork really badly, or if you get pregnant, your band doc will probably do a complete unfill for a tiime.

Giveyouthemoon: I’m so glad you “found me”! Wow – 3 years and 120 lbs….ahhhh – you are my band-hero! I wish I could snap my heals together and be in your shoes! Yes! I do have a fill plan – I go in every week and now I’m on the 0.5cc’s until I get to restriction. It’s good to know that the 10cc-ers take a while longer to get to restriction – that makes me feel better. Crazy jekyll and hyde stomach!

Just cuz you hit the sweet spot doesn’t mean it stays there. As your body shape changes so will your feeling of restriction. Be prepared to continue to fiddle with it.

Also, even with sweet spot restriction, there are days where my band feels too tight, too loose, finicky, off kilter or just fine.

I’ve come to learn that the stomach is a wild and wonderful thing. But it’s not a static thing. It changes.

Again, best luck!

I’ve had mine for almost three years and have lost 120lbs. I have the last stubborn 20lbs to lose and just need to stay focused.

I don’t have the 10cc band, I have the 4cc version. That being said, it can take a LONG time to get “into the zone”.

Please don’t EVER hesitate to get a fill/unfill. I hope you have a fill plan with your surgeon. That means I pay some money up front and get all the fills/unfills I need. My surgeon said “I don’t want you to EVER not get what you need due to money issues”.

I’ve heard the 10cc folks tend to take a while to get to “the sweet spot”, so don’t despair, ok! And remember, it “gets good” when you hit the zone.

Keep up the great blogging. I may be a three year vet but I still have lots to learn!

Love your blog, you seem to be alot like me…even down to the Trader Joe’s affinity.

Anyway, I am 6 months banded and at 8.5cc in a 10cc band. I was like you in the beginning asking for lots of perspective on when I would reach the sweet spot. This obsession replaced my obsession with food for a while, but unfortunately, I am still not there.

During my last fill on Tuesday I asked the Dr about the likelihood that I could get to 10cc and still be in the yellow zone. She suggested a couple of things:
1) Everyone is different, be patient (UGH!)
2) There is alot of room between 8.5 and 10…that is she will now give me .2 everytime and that could make all the difference (I can’t get my head around this one)
3) Next fill will be done by the surgeon under fluro to ease my fears of slippage (I imagine daily that my band is just sitting there, freely floating up around my esphogus) I still have never had a PB or throw up incident and I get worked up into thinking that I do not even have a band (can you say placebo?)

I will let you know how things go for me – thanks again for your blog…LOVE it.

Tina

I did not know you were a photographer – that is fantastic! I’m a huge photography fan and would love to see your work. Or maybe, you can do the photography for my “book” that is bound to come out someday.

I’m so excited for your big day. And don’t forget the Milk of Magnesia!

BigSean: I want my sweet spot nowwwww! (I sound like that bratty girl from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)! Mmmm…chocolate! And honk…I love that word! I’m going to start using it from now on.

Jpet: Thank you for commending my squeek! Wow – we must all really have different stomach sizes if you are feeling some restriction at 3.1cc’s and I’m at more than double and feel very little. I want your stomach!!! Thanks again for the comment…and I can’t wait for my burping to start!

As for the “sweet spot” that we all hope and pray for — I have now had two fills for a total of 3.1 cc’s in my 10 cc band. I think I’m at good restriction right now, but will likely need another fill in a couple of weeks as I lose more weight. Obviously, I have a lot less in my band than you and that’s likely because I have significantly more weight to lose than you. Your stomach is probably already pretty small (comparatively speaking) and so 3.1 cc’s on me is a lot “tighter.”

That being said, I know I need to stop eating when I start to get a feeling that I need to burp. Not belch, but a tiny burp. I don’t get a backed-up kind of feeling, but I do feel a pressure in my stomach and a general fullness. I’ve never eaten to the point where I have to PB, so I don’t know what that’s like.

I know it’s frustrating. Good luck and keep us posted. I love that you post so often and in so much detail.

The filler-upper was right on the money: you will definitely hork at some point. It’s not pleasant (or the end of the world), but it will happen.

@Robbie, best of luck with the banding. Keep a photo log of your progress.

Today I went to the Dr. Office for my pre-opt and passed with flying colors.. then went to the hospital and paid them my life’s savings! hahaha but I am ready for next Wed.

Just think, this time next week I will have the worst part behind me. (no pun intended…)

I will be busy the next few days with a HUGE photo shoot…( Did I tell you I was a photographer?) So,… might not hear from me till Monday night. I hope by then your band is just right.

I went to Wal Mart tonight and bought me a blender and slim-fast. I also got broth and tuna and applesauce. I need mushie recipes.

I am very excited.

Here’s to you kiddo…keep your positive attitude- most of the battle is in our heads ya know.

Robbie