To everyone that kind of responded to my reply on "To Fill or Not to Fill" post.

Yes, I lost 115 lbs., and with no fill. It wasn't a game to me to see how far I could go without a fill, I just so happened not to need one.

1. I lost my appetite after I got the surgery.

2. I went on this site to see how people were doing and the capabilities once people received their fills scared me because people would PB, Slime and whatever else people did once they received their fills. I haven't had any problems since my band and I can eat everything that I chose to eat. The thought of throwing up scared me because of the band possibly moving. There is alot of negativity on this site.

3. I am an excellent dieter and I was in that mode and still am.

I, as I am sure other people, have a problem keeping the weight off. Since I didn't need the fills while losing weight I may need it down the road if I begin to gain weight. God forbid........ I have now chosen to use the band as my maintenance program. I am so thankful to my doctor who said to me right before going into surgery, "Just remember, it is 20% the band and 80% you." I know with my weight loss it threw him for a loop. I lost more than 100% of my body mass in 8 months.

I am now going through something else though and it is an eating disorder of the opposite kind. I have began to seek help because I am terrified to eat the things that will help me maintain my weight. On this journey I never expected to become the person that I am now. Did you ever think one of us would be terrified to eat and I am terrified to gain a pound. I was suppose to lose 106 lbs. and I have lost 115lbs.

We all have our issues and our own reasons for everything in this world. Just be proud of EVERYTHING you have accomplished thus far. I know 4-8 lbs. a month is the healthy route to lose but if we don't chose the healthy foods to fuel us then what is the purpose also. To lose is good but to make the right food choices along with weight lose is even better.

Josephine

Hi Josephine: I started a thread yesterday with general information on what and how to eat with the band, and also about knowing when to have a fill or unfil. The thread is titled "How to tell when you are perfectly adjusted".

Hope this will help.

Carol

Carol,

That isn't the site that I was talking about.

Josephine

Josephine,

Congratuations on your weight loss. I think it is fabulous you were able to use the band the way you have. I needed restriction myself so I've had 3 fills. I'm losing at a steady pace now. I like what your doctor said about being 80% us. That is SO true. Question: Did you exercise a lot to lose your weight? Julie

I am newly banded, but I am averaging over 3# per week loss and I have felt some restriction from day one. I have lost my hunger and cravings and there are certain foods that don't go down well already. I do not feel that I am dieting -- but I am certainly not eating in the same way that I ate before October 9th. Every once in a while my 'head' makes me think I want to eat something crappy and everytime I do, I pay for it. I actually slimed last night when I made a bad food choice (both in volume and in type of food).

That said, I am able to eat healthy things -- just less of them -- and I am not hungry at all between meals.

I am scheduled for my first fill on 12/1. At that time, I plan to tell my doctor about how it is working for me and to see if he even thinks I need a fill. At most, I would be looking at a very tiny fill -- but I surely do not want to end up not being able to get anything down after it.

My doctor has said that he has had a few patients who have done great without a fill -- that they felt restriction from day one -- but that they were the exception, rather than the rule.

I know how Josephine was flamed when she said that she had her band and never had a fill, so please do not do that. Like her, I have always been able to lose the weight -- just not to keep it off. That is why I got the band.

In reading different posts from different people on this forum, it is very apparent that each of us have different experiences with the band. Just because she has not needed a restriction is no reason to go on the attack. Would it be any different if someone said they needed 3 fills vs. 2 fills vs. 5 fills? That is what it seems like.

I know I am new at this, but if my band is working for me the way it is right now, I tend to think 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. To me, that is the beauty of the band -- that it is an adjustable tool.

Your thoughts? (Be kind, please!)

Josephine, Congratulations on your accomplishments!! Well done. I hope the very fact that I am going through a major surgery and spending all this money will be a huge motivation to change my life. Sounds like that is what has happened for you? Again, well done!!!

Josephine,

I'm very sorry to hear you were flamed in another thread. I remember when I initially read about your weight loss without being filled, I was is in awe. I felt hopeful that maybe I could be just as successful without a fill too. I, like you, believe the band is MY weight loss tool; my anchor. And, when and if I should ever need to be filled, the band is already in place waiting, ready, and willing to assist me on my weight loss journey.

Will I or won't I fill? I'm recently banded and don't have enough personal experience with the band to know yet. However, my first fill opportunity is on December 6th. So, I'm hoping to have a better idea by then of whether I will need a fill.

Best wishes to you on continuing your journey without a fill.

I too have some restriction without a fill. I slimed on tuna last week. It was an aweful experience. I know it is rare, but there are people that have restriction right off the bat.

I am happy for you to have lost the weight on your own. I can get it off, but can't keep it off. This little friend of mine is going to help me keep it off. Even if it is only responsible for 20%. That is all the help I will need.

Good luck to you all. We can do it!!!!!!!!!!!