I haven't seen my surgeon since October 2008. I was banded almost 2 years ago, on April 15, 2008. I was 292 when I was banded and am now hovering around 240, give or take a pound or 2. I think I've lost about 25 lbs since my last fill, and probably about half of that has been since December. I am embarrassed to see him as I thought I would have lost more than I have by now.

I feel like I have fairly good restriction. I still occasionally feel "stuck", but can still eat just about anything, but stay away from too much carbs and stuff like buns, fries, etc., as these are harder on my band and I don't need them anyways! At the same time, I feel like I can eat more than I should - definitely not as much as I used to, but can still eat probably 2 cups of food in a sitting and often times am hungry a couple hours later, not 3-4 like I heard you should be.

One thing I have noticed within the last few months is that I have heartburn. I had heartburn before my surgery, but it went away right after and didn't return until just recently. I mostly notice it with spicy foods or with an empty stomach, especially first thing in the morning. I have been taking Prilosec in the morning, which has helped tremendously, but I worry I have stretched my pouch. I also occasionally get pain under my left ribs after I eat, nothing too painful, just more like discomfort. I will bring these up to my surgeon, but am wondering if because of this a fill would be a problem? Can he tell by doing an upper GI if I need a fill or if I have a stretched pouch? My nurse who I talked to doesn't think I do, but how can you really tell? Does it sound like I need a fill?

I know nothing about the heartburn issues.. so that aside, I'd say if you can eat too much at a meal and get hungry between meals, then you need a fill.