I was banded on 8/16 and have my first fill scheduled on Oct. 2nd. I have lost 17lbs since surgery (27 total). I am able to eat anything I want, but much smaller portions than pre-band, and am losing about 2 lbs/week right now. I know that things could drastically change in the next 3 weeks, but right now I'm not sure that I really "want" a fill. I seem to be doing fairly well without it. I've been doing a lot of thinking, and have come to the conclusion that I think I'd rather go as long as I possibly can, than get a fill and have problems with PB's and eating certain foods that are my favorites. I think I scared myself by reading all the horror stories about PB's, being too tight, slipping...etc.

So....here's my question....Am I the only one who feels this way? Is there anyone out here who didn't get a fill at 6-8 weeks? Anyone who waited, and if so...how long? It seems like everyone is counting down the days till they can get filled, and the closer I get, the more nervous I get.

Most people find they need to have their band filled in order to feel restriction and lose weight. However, there are a small percentage, such as yourself that have a good amount of restriction without having to have a fill. I say if you feel restriction and continue losing 1-2 pounds a week, then go with it. If you reach a point where the weight loss stops or you a really struggling to lose, then go get a fill.

I am almost 12 weeks out and still no fill. I do go back today and I am truly hoping for a fill. I can eat way to much food and my weight loss has slowed.

I had my first fill at about 8 weeks out and really needed it by then, as my initial restriction left rather suddenly and I started gaining. The same thing is happening now and I go for my second fill next week. I would like to be tighter and more aggressive with fills, but now I am coming around to my doctor's way of thinking and like the idea of sneaking up on that sweet spot. Slow weight loss seems to be less of a shock to your body and I really don't want my hair falling out, etc.

Is it hard to schedule fills for you? If not, I suggest you wait until you "need" one and then go for it. Sounds like you are doing well so far, so why fix what isn't broken! And don't worry about the fill procedure--It really doesn't hurt and is kind of an interesting experience.

My first fill was at 18 weeks, 1.5cc in VG 10cc band. Probably should have done a fill a few weeks sooner as my weight loss has really slowed although I've lost inches. Now I need another fill next week. I'm trying to decide if I go for 1cc or 1.5cc. The last fill did just a little restriction. I just don't want to over-fill.

Jack, you are doing really well with 1 fills. Well done. (And I always enjoy your posts.)

Kirston: Here is a thread on fill reluctance

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=22164&highlight=throwing+in+the+towel

I had my first fill 4,5months after my surgery. Last month I was feeling that I could eat more. Now I got one cc in my 10cc band, and it feels good.My doc said he wants everything to be healed perfectly. Im satisfied with my first fill:-)

I am an Ortiz patient also and I did not get a fill at 6-8 weeks either..if you are still losing every week there is no need to get a fill an Ortiz & Martinez will agree.

I was banded on July 8 and got my first fill on Sept 18. I went back in August and my doctor asked was I eating meals and not snacking and was I exercising. If I could not answer those questions with a firm yes he says do you think you need a fill right now. If my weight loss is good he doesn't do it. I have been banded for 14 months now and just got my 3rd fill. My weight loss, I think is good but it could have been faster with a fill. But why do I need to speed it up if this band is going to be in me for yearsssssss. Slow and steady so I can learn how to eat the smaller meals, better choices and exercise on a regular basis.

I had my first fill 6 months after surgery. 3cc's in a VG band. I have good restriction and need to eat very slowly or I get the "Sitting on my Chest Breast Bone Pain" My weight loss is slow but its comming off so Im pretty happy!

Kirsten - I think most dr.s say to wait - as long as you are following the rules and losing - I feel the same as you. (banded on th 16th as well - as you know) I can eat - much less than pre-band - though sometimes I think "OMG I'm eating so much more" but its just "more" than that first 2 weeks -not like I used to eat!!

My weight loss has slowed, but I also haven't had time to excercise more than 2 times a week for the last week and a half. I'm going to make the decision after I measure at the end of the month - inches tell a bigger story than the scale.

Thanks everyone for you input. I think I jinxed myself. LOL This is the first week that the scale hasn't moved an ounce. :cry I had finally made my decision to not get a fill, but now I'm not sure again. I think I'll wait it out a bit more to see what happens, maybe this stall is just temporary. I've been tracking my calories daily and am only getting in 500-700/day. If I get filled, I'll be down to almost nothing. Still doesn't make sense to me that with less than 700 calories a day, I'm not losing. I've read enough here to know not to worry...LOL....but it's sooooo damn frustrating. :faint:

Thanks again!

Teresta, you are doing great and have a fantastic attitude.

DAA: How were you before the fill? What kind of restriction did you have the 1st 6 months? I've got 1.5cc is VG with mild restriction and scheduled for a fill 9.21 I am terrified of an overfill. Any thougths would be appreciated!