I was Banded on March 23rd 20011..I have lost 42 pounds as of this am..I turned down my first fill 4 weeks ago..I go in tomorrow for a fill apt..My problem is, Do I really need one??? I have lost 6 pounds in 4 weeks..thats over 1 lb a week..which is normal for most..I just dont want to be put in a postition where the Doc tells me I have to get one..How do I know im ready for a fill???

Are you getting hungry before 2-3 hours after you've eaten? If you're continuously losing and not experiencing extreme hunger, I'd say no to a fill. Why fix it if it isn't broken? I too questioned needing fills and I never got one; don't need it.

I am 5 months out and I just got my first fill last week, and only 0.75 cc. Prior to that I wasn't getting hungry between meals and was eating the correct portions. The past month I was getting hungrier and felt like I was struggling, wanting to eat more (not going back for seconds but still kind of felt hungry). So while I was still at about 1 lb per week I decided it was time. So far it has helped and I feel I am back go where I was before I started getting hungry, so I'm happy.

As for your doc telling you that you need one. In all my post op visits my doc has never once asked me if I wanted one, nor offered one. I think he feels I will say something if I wanted one. I said last week I was starting to get hungry, so he gave me a fill.

So think about it that way are you getting hungry? Are you struggling? I am not ever going to get to the point where the band tells me what I can and can't eat, nor do I not want to be able to eat Breakfast.

I do stay satisfied for 3-4 hours.. And I'm still losing.. So I think I'll let doc know I'm not ready for one., but I get the feeling from our last visit that he wants me to get one.. Grrr.. I was self pay, and my first fill was part of the fees, so I think he wants me to hurry up and get it done.. But I do really like him thou, if that makes sense.. Lol..

I was Banded on March 23rd 20011..I have lost 42 pounds as of this am..I turned down my first fill 4 weeks ago..I go in tomorrow for a fill apt..My problem is, Do I really need one??? I have lost 6 pounds in 4 weeks..thats over 1 lb a week..which is normal for most..I just dont want to be put in a postition where the Doc tells me I have to get one..How do I know im ready for a fill???

Most likely, your doctor will decide for you that you don't need a fill, yet. There are several people on the forums who have lost and never had a fill. They, and you, are the lucky ones to achieve restriction adn full feelings without any further help. Be glad. Good luck, Karen

I was Banded on March 23rd 20011..I have lost 42 pounds as of this am..I turned down my first fill 4 weeks ago..I go in tomorrow for a fill apt..My problem is, Do I really need one??? I have lost 6 pounds in 4 weeks..thats over 1 lb a week..which is normal for most..I just dont want to be put in a postition where the Doc tells me I have to get one..How do I know im ready for a fill???

You have been given good advice already. Unless you are getting hungry or finding yourself eating bigger portions to get satisfied, I would wait on the fill.

I was banded July '08 and I have only had 2 fills total, each one for only 1cc. I still get satisfied with less food, usually eat 1200-1500 calories per day and have lost 100 lbs. Really, I would like to lose another 35, but not if it means I have to eat fewer kinds of foods or less calories than this. I honestly just need to get off my butt and exercise now!

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do!