Today I got my first fill, even though I felt like I was doing fine without it. I've lost 24 lbs in the month since my surgery, I haven't had any problems, and I'm able to eat nutritious food and stop at the right time because I feel full. I'm getting between 800-1200 calories a day.

My surgeon complimented me on my loss, then said wait, you've never had a fill? Lay down, we're doing it. And now I have 1.5 cc's in my band and have to do Clear liquids for 3 days.:wink2: He wants me to go back in another month for another fill-- and I'm like, "what if I don't need it yet?"

I know that most people on here are frustrated with NOT getting fills or restrictions-- anyone like me who feels like the fill enthusiasm is a little unwanted? I'm just really scared that I'm going to get stuck or have some other unwanted side effect from a fill when I was doing fine without it.

Don't be afraid of getting stuck. It usually only happens (well in my case) when you are being careless. Otherwise if your totally feel like your doing great without a fill then just tell them that you don't want one. I've done it a few time the past couple of months. There is no requirement for you to have a fill. It's just something that's there for you if you realize you intake is still WAY too much.

I've never had to say 'no' because I'm the one who determines whether I'm getting one in the first place. I did set up a fill for 3 weeks ago and then decided to cancel it. Almost cancelled the latest one but decided to go ahead with it and am glad I did.

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With my first band, when I went for a check up a month after being banded my doc wanted me to have a fill. Since I had already lost 20 lbs and had a bad stuck episode with a Vitamin a few days before, I said no. After arguing my point and listening to my docs points he let me be but told me to come back 2 weeks later for a fill.

I made an appointment but then canceled it because I still wasn't ready for a fill. When I finally went in 3 weeks after the first time he tried to give me a fill, a week later then when he wanted me to come back I got a fill. However my doc wanted to give me a large fill and I didn't like that idea either. Again after arguing my point and listening to his point we agreed on a smaller fill.

Another time I went in for a fill but found it too much so I asked for it to be removed. I had it removed because my doc was going away on business and I had family coming to visit who don't know I am banded. My doc was fine with my request and just gave me another fill after my family left.

The first few fills have little effect on us usually if it is a small amount. If your not ready for a fill then talk to your doc about it. Once I got my second band I never said no to a fill but I always made sure to get a small fill each time to slowly work my way up getting used to eating like a bandster again.

You are supposed to get a fill if you are eating bigger portions, are hungry between meals and not losing weight. If that is not happening to you, then tell your doctor. I wish I could have as little fill as possible and still be successful however, thats not the case with me.

I cancelled fill #3 because I was at my sweet spot (really on the tight side of the green zone) with fill #2.

My doctor has me come in every month for a check-up, and we just do a fill if it's necessary. Like previously mentioned, I decide to fill or not to fill, the doc decides on how much.

I appreciate everyone's feedback.

I think because it was my first fill, and I had already put it off once (he usually does first fill 2 weeks post-op), I was questioning my own motivations for avoiding it and also wanting to be compliant with treatment (doctor knows best, right?). But you all are right-- if what I've got is working and I'm losing, no one can force me into a fill.

Thanks!