I was banded on Dec 21 and today I went to my Dr to get my first fill. The Happy part of this for me is that since my surgery date I have lost 42lbs. The Disappointed part was my Dr did not want to give me a fill. He said that I have a small band to begin with and if I'm losing without anything he did not want to change things. He wants me to come bank in 6 more weeks.

So my question here is should I have insisted that he put something in my band?

Howard

I think it depends, how big is your band?

You are losing great, but are you hungry between meals? Are you satisfied on a cup or less of food?

I agree with Missy - it's not about the amount in your band, but about your hunger levels between meals (that is when are eating the appropriate meals.)

Don't get hung up on the fills. It is about losing weight which you are doing GREAT at. I suspect your weight loss will slow down and the fills can come later. Like Missy said, are you hungry between meals........

I think it depends, how big is your band?

You are losing great, but are you hungry between meals? Are you satisfied on a cup or less of food?

So far I have not been hungry between meals, and many times I have to remind myself that I need to eat.

I lost a large amount of weight at first as well, and didn't get or need a full until about month three. I've only had three fills and I think I'm in my green zone. You don't want a fill if you don't need one because it can cause you complications. Congratulations on your weight loss!!!

Criteria for a fill:

1/2 to 1 cup of dense protein + veggies and physical hunger in less than 4 hours

Fills are not the end all with bands...being overly dependent on your band stopping you from eating can lead to problems. Your weight loss, doctor's confidence in you continuing to lose without a fill is a good thing. Don't be disappointed! Give yourself a pat on the back!

So far I have not been hungry between meals, and many times I have to remind myself that I need to eat.

Then I would agree with your doctor, it doesn't sound like you need a fill. The band is already doing exactly what it's supposed to do.

You're doing great!

I am disappointed because i have had 2 fills and i can eat as much as i want as often as I want and i have never had the band to stop me from eating and that is why i got it!!! I am so disappointed need some help from those who are losing!!

I am disappointed because i have had 2 fills and i can eat as much as i want as often as I want and i have never had the band to stop me from eating and that is why i got it!!! I am so disappointed need some help from those who are losing!!

I think the problem is you're expecting the band to do things it's not meant to do. It's not supposed to stop you from eating, it's your job to stop eating when you feel satisfied. In fact, this is why it's important to keep your meals to a cup or less of food so you don't accidentally over-eat.

Have a look at this link, I think it'll help you considerably: http://drsimpson.net...estriction.html

Jesrsyguy, you are doing fantastic job. My surgeon would also refuse to give a fill with that weight loss. my s-i-l had his done in November, I am not sure that he has had a fill yet, either!

I think it is pretty normal for some not to get a fill. I was frustrated also I was banded in Nov 2011 did not get my first fill till March 2012. I just wanted to get one to see the difference Its been over a year and 3 months and have only had 3 fills and one unfill due to my abusing my band and falling off the wagon.

So far I have not been hungry between meals, and many times I have to remind myself that I need to eat.

Sounds like you are doing great! If you are not experiencing hunger I think it was the right thing not to get a fill. However, for the future, don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. Some doctors don't want to give fills when a patient has lost weight, that doesn't make sense to me. I believe the decision to fill or not should be based on what the patient is eating, and hunger levels. You might want to keep notes for a few days before your appt. on your eating and hunger levels. Congrats on your weight loss, it's terrific!