Tomorrow is my 6 week follow up. I have the option of getting a fill. After talking with them today I am debating the fill.

I feel I have good restriction. I don't eat like a I used to that is for sure. I probably eat less then half of what I used to in meals. I have also given up sugar, white rice and bread along with deep fried foods.

I think the hardest part of this whole process for me isn't the restriction, it is the psychological want of junk or comfort food. I always wanted the band to help me more in that aspect as opposed to feeling restricted. I never wanted to get it so tight where I felt I couldn't eat what I wanted to. I just needed to want to eat better food.

I feel the band has helped me because with a limited amount I can take in, I want to make sure I take in the best stuff for me. It has helped me understand what I am putting into my system and therefore it causes me to think twice when ordering food and eating.

It has also forced me to count calories and when you start doing that, it really helps you understand what you shouldn't and should be eating.

I am also hitting the gym regularly and pushing myself physically as well.

I like where I am at thus far. I have good restriction. I have no issues with being stuck. I have no issues with certain foods. No vomiting or nausea. So should I get a fill at this point?

First, congratulations on making so many healthy changes in your life!

You make some very valid points and you seem really comfortable where you are thus far. I guess the real question is how much weight have you lost since surgery?

Is your band empty or did they put some in when you had your surgery?

I was banded on May 25th and this Thursday I go in for my first fill. I can feel a litte restriction and I seem satisfied between meals, but I want the fill because I am not losing weight like I know I should.

I would say that if you are losing weight each week then maybe you don't need a fill just yet. Why don't you keep your fill appointment and discuss it with your doctor?

Good luck!

Thank you.

I have lost about 18 lbs in about 5 and half weeks and I have 2cc's in a 14cc band. Not bad really. I would like to be further along but I am also lucky to work at a hospital and able to talk to nutritionists when ever I need to. They say I am losing at a healthy rate. I am not in any huge rush really and the one thing I did get my lap band for has been working amazingly well. I really got the lap band to help me with my diabetes. My numbers already are significantly lower and I hope to be off of some of my meds soon.

the weight loss fluctuates, but I think that can be normal. I know I am doing the right things to get me where I ultimately want to go, fill or no fill. I can also tell I have lost inches because of the way my clothing fits.

I do plan on going to all my follow ups. I am committed in making this work for me. But I don't want to get further restriction, if all it is doing is complicating rather than helping.

Quite honestly, I see no point in getting a fill (ever!) if you don't feel that you need it. You're right, you risk being too tight and starting to get stuck on foods, and if you're feeling like your current fill is doing its job and you're happy, you REALLY don't need to mess around with that!

You're doing wonderfully, congratulations! You're around 3 pounds a week, which is a great rate.

Thank you Rachel. You always have such wonderful insight

Hi Thee-o!

I am so glad you posted this question because I've been wondering about that, too. I was banded on May 11, and I have lost 36 pounds so far, dating from the start of my liquid diet the week before surgery. Granted, that was mostly during the pre- and immediately post-procedure phases, but I have continued to steadily lose; 2, 2, and 1 pound(s) during weeks 4, 5, and 6. I have not had a problem eating any foods, and have never been stuck or had nausea or regurgitation, I just can't eat NEARLY as much as I used to be able to. I know my surgeon doesn't believe in doing pre-fills, so I have been surprised at the restriction I feel. I have an appointment for next Tues for my first fill, and I was wondering if I should have it. Like you, I'm not interested in not being able to eat. I want to be able to eat enough to eat healthy, to be able to eat fruits and veggies and whole grains ---- to be able to get all (or at least most) of my Vitamins and minerals and nutrients from a healthy diet, not from having to take artificial supplements for the rest of my life. (That's why I went with the band, not the bypass, right?)

So, yeah, right now I'm with Rachel on this. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Best of luck, and let us know how you decide to go.

Beebie

A fill should not depend on how much wright you've lost. A fill is not going to make you lose weight. It may in the beginning die to going back to liquids for a couple days. But you are the only one that is going to make you lose weight and you are in control in what you put in your mouth. I'm hungry (need to get a little more fill) , bug I'm still losing weight just fine because I portion out my meals and eat that and then 1/2 hour later I drink to control the hunger (which is why I need another small fill). The fills are really just to control your hunger. I didn't get my first one till I was 5 months post op. Am I losing super quick lime some others, no, but I'm happy at my weight loss and I'm learning to eat better and count calories. So if you dong feel starving, don't get a fill