Hey I need advice. I am 4 weeks post op. I am now up to eating around a cup of food at each sitting. I can eat pretty much whatever. No stuck episodes or sliming or pain. I definitely watch what I eat, stay away from carbs,no red meat, soda etc. Mainly Herbalife shakes, fruit smoothies, soups, beans and now salad since I am off mushies. I am losing around 2-3 pounds weekly. I eat three meals a day and work out 4 times a week doing 30-45 minutes of cardio. Should I get my first fill? I am scared of complications because I notice I hear people start having problems with their band once it starts getting filled. Please reply I need advice.

People do not start getting problems once their band starts to be filled. The band starts doing it's job once it starts being filled.

You should be going to see your Dr and your band should be starting to get filled (or not) based on his advice.

If you are losing weight, eating small portions of food and not struggling with hunger in between meals you may not need a fill at this point. But you should not be scared of fills, without them the band does not work the way it is intended(except for a very few rare exceptional cases) The problems occur if the band is filled too much or if the bandster does not stick to the eating rules(chew well, small bites etc)

I would discuss your concerns with the doc. I didn't get a fill my first time because at the time I didn't need it. Good luck!

i'll be getting my third fill thursday...i have had no complications since my injections...i get fills because i am hungry between meals, can eat way too much food, and have had some stalled weight loss...when i talked with the NP about fills she told me that these were signs that i needed a fill...don't be afraid to use your band as intended and talk with your health care professionals about your needs...if you don't need one super, but if and when you do, be informed about the process and maximize the use of your tool:)

I agree with your others, talk to your doctor and together decide if you need a fill.

Typically speaking, people don't start having complications after they start getting filled, but rather the band forces them to take tiny bites and chew thoroughly and if they don't they vomit or slime. It's fill that give your band restriction and help control our portions and appetite.

For the record, I've had three fills (possibly a fourth tomorrow, not sure) and there isn't anything I can't eat. I've never vomited, either. Being banded with good restriction doesn't mean you're doomed to a life of no breads, throwing up, and being stuck. That's a huge misconception.

Hey I need advice. I am 4 weeks post op. I am now up to eating around a cup of food at each sitting. I can eat pretty much whatever. No stuck episodes or sliming or pain. I definitely watch what I eat, stay away from carbs,no red meat, soda etc. Mainly Herbalife shakes, fruit smoothies, soups, beans and now salad since I am off mushies. I am losing around 2-3 pounds weekly. I eat three meals a day and work out 4 times a week doing 30-45 minutes of cardio. Should I get my first fill? I am scared of complications because I notice I hear people start having problems with their band once it starts getting filled. Please reply I need advice.

well... if it were me i would be questioning whether a fill was necessary?? if you arent hungry and managing the way you are ... losing weight, then i wouldnt worry about a fill. AFter all, you are doing what you want to do... and that is, lose that weight.

well... if it were me i would be questioning whether a fill was necessary?? if you arent hungry and managing the way you are ... losing weight, then i wouldnt worry about a fill. AFter all, you are doing what you want to do... and that is, lose that weight.

I agree. It does not sound like you need one yet. I was the same way at my 5 week. I had the fill anyways. Well I went back a week later because I needed an unfill. I was pretty right on before the fill. Should have listened to my gut!

Good luck!

You sound like you are doing great, and don't feel rushed to get your 1st fil.. You and your surgeon will know whenit is time. As long as you are consistently loosing and are not hungry between meals, you sound like you are okay. Goodluck, Karen

Are you truely on solids? You mentioned smoothies and Soup. I would'nt call those solids. Fills do not intrinsically cause problems. The issue is when people keep their bands so tight they can't eat solids.

Did your doctor leave some fill in the band during surgery. Some do that so it's a while before someone needs an additional fill.