I have my first fill scheduled for this week, and last week I had a sidebar conversation with my surgeon at a meeting. He told me I was losing weight fine, and he didn't recommend a fill, but if I wanted to spend the money, go ahead with it. I typically see his NP, and she had scheduled my fill 3 weeks ago. Yes, I'm losing on average 3-4 lbs a week, and am almost 6 wks post op, but I can eat more than 1/2 cup. I think my weight loss is contributed to the complete change of diet and the addition of more exercise. And I don't feel the restriction of the band, which he said I shouldn't.

I've read on here that if you can eat more than 3 meals a day, over 1/2 cup each time that you need a fill, which is exactly what his NP said. I'm still going in for the fill, just wanted to see if anyone else had similar experience.

Thanks.

He's right, you shouldn't feel restriction, at least not the way most band patients think of restriction. The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything and this is why it's so important to stick to band sized portions- regardless of how much you can eat.

The band is supposed to allow you to go much longer between small meals without hunger.

Have a look at the link in my signature, I really think it will help.

Best wishes.

Yes please check out Missy's link!! If you do not need a fill please dont get one. I have a friend who has lost 75 lbs so far since mid December with no fills. I also met someone at a group who lost around 150 with no fill. Not everyone needs fills. Wish I didnt would make my journey so much easier because I usually end up tight and have to get unfilled.

I am missing her link, can you share?

Here it is: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Here it is: http://drsimpson.net...estriction.html

thank you, I was napping and just saw the link request lol

I agree. I have been through a similar issue with my Doc. I have a 10CC band and started with no fill. I just have a 10 week check in and I am loosing weight at about the same rate you are. From what I understand, if we are working out harder you are going to eat more and eat slightly larger portions due to the amount of calories burned. You should not be fully replacing all the calories that you burn. However, as the previous bandsters have stated, This journey is not about restriction.

You have already made some amazing changes in your diet and with the addition of exercise, you are getting awesome results. Just know that either way that you choose, this is your journey. However, I don't think that you are at that phase yet. I would save the fill for when your weight loss really slows or your body starts to not respond to your workouts.

Either way, Cheers to your journey and your accomplishments so far.

Forget the cup measurement and look at what is happening. You are losing weight(a large amount of weight) every week. Why would you want to mess with that? Save the fills for later when you need them, just keep doing what you are doing as it is obviously working.

I wanted to share that I went ahead with my first fill. Both me and the NP were surprised that I already had 5 cc's in my band from surgery. I have a 10 cc allergan lapband it was not painful, did feel the stick and was able to have a conversation with my NP while she was removing the air pockets. She added 1.5 more cc's, making a total of 6.5 in my band. Liquids for 24 hrs later, then 2 days of soft food, and by Friday back to my routine. I still feel little restriction, just in the mornings, it is hard for me to get anything down prior to 9, and I started taking my vitamin at night, which definitely helped with the nausea in the mornings. Thanks to all who responded.

Some people do and some don't ,however I always say you know your body and what your doing better than anyone else , all I do know is my Doc. wouldn't do it for about 6 weeks after cause I was healing but now after 5 fills I am REALLY feeling the Restriction, that's just me though , all our bodies r different , so like I said we know r bodies better than anyone.

Wow...I'm almost 3 years out and only @ 5.8 in a 10 band. Remember..it's not how fast you fill. The band shouldn't restrict the amount you eat. It is truly only meant to allow you to feel satisfied for longer.

I have a 10 cc bad and can only tolerate 5.25 cc, I currently have 5.cc and may have the surgeon put that extra .25 in this time when I go, but not sure. I am almost 4 years banded and have lost my 100 lbs, but am slowly gaining some back. I have trouble with not snacking on sliders. :ph34r: Karen

Don't we all!