Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

A caution about fills



Recommended Posts

This has been on my mind since coming to LBT. I just wanted to give a word of caution to those who are maybe new to being banded or over-zealous when it comes to weight loss and thinking maybe more and more fills are better.

The caution is about a habit that I developed and had to realize what I was doing wasn't the best idea. That is I want to caution you about getting your band too tight and in order to get things down lubing it up with extra calories like salad dressings or sauces. So more fills and a tighter band may not always be the best answer. I know it's cliche but it is a marathon and not a sprint. It's just something you may want to consider before getting frustrated or discouraged.

I have been banded many years and happy with my band.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree 100%. Tighter is not better. I can't tell you how many friends I've had that have thought they needed that 'extra' little bit to get them down and BAM...they are too tight, throwing up, dilating their pouch, etc. If anything I'd keep my band on the loose side than the tight side. Better safe than sorry. The band can do about 80% of the work for you but if you try to push it too hard you're going to have problems. Also, many KNOW they are too tight but think the weight loss is worth it. More than likely you are dehydrating yourself and not losing weight the healthy way. When we're too tight we tend to drink less and consume more slider foods like ice cream and sweets to compensate and this is obviously bad.

Good post.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I also could not agree with you more. Tight bands cause erosion and it is neither here nor there that it will make your weight loss journey easier.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for these words of wisdom. I'm getting my first fill tomorrow. I'm happy to get some restriction... Hopefully. I'm still learning about my new band, but appreciate nuggets of truth that people post on here.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

a double thanks to these words of wisdom. As I read this however I do need a fill...lol, no really I do. I had some taken out 6 weeks ago and not quite up to where I was and I stay hungry. I go in Thurs and am hoping for the half cc to bring me back up 5cc's to where I was comfy and losing. I will take your words to heart and remember them and remember that this is just a tool, we have to help ourselves.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Great words to remember for when i start getting my fills. I am looking forward to the 1st one but also worried so slower is always better.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

a double thanks to these words of wisdom. As I read this however I do need a fill...lol, no really I do. I had some taken out 6 weeks ago and not quite up to where I was and I stay hungry. I go in Thurs and am hoping for the half cc to bring me back up 5cc's to where I was comfy and losing. I will take your words to heart and remember them and remember that this is just a tool, we have to help ourselves.

Donna not everyone loses their hunger feeling from fills. Sometimes it just does not happen.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A band that is too tight may lead to unanticipated complications. That is a reality that many Bandsters do not consider when in the process of seeking the "green zone".

My surgeon was very conservative with fills, and I chose to go along with his expert medical opinion to go slow with fills. It was also very important to me to be able to take my medications without risk of getting them stuck. So, keeping my band a bit on the loose side was my priority and preference.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Great words to remember for when i start getting my fills. I am looking forward to the 1st one but also worried so slower is always better.

Great words to remember for when i start getting my fills. I am looking forward to the 1st one but also worried so slower is always better.

Don't worry, and I wouldn't necessarily say slower is always better. Everyone is different. Some people require little, others more. Just don't get too anxious or upset if you aren't where you feel you want to be immediately. I actually lost 110 pounds with no fill at all. When you look at my ticker you will see I'm over 10 years out from banding and I'm still a work in progress. I came within 3 pounds of reaching my personal goal and went on a self-sabotage spree that took years for me to get a grip on. Whenever I post something I am always talking to myself, too. Best to you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This has been on my mind since coming to LBT. I just wanted to give a word of caution to those who are maybe new to being banded or over-zealous when it comes to weight loss and thinking maybe more and more fills are better.

The caution is about a habit that I developed and had to realize what I was doing wasn't the best idea. That is I want to caution you about getting your band too tight and in order to get things down lubing it up with extra calories like salad dressings or sauces. So more fills and a tighter band may not always be the best answer. I know it's cliche but it is a marathon and not a sprint. It's just something you may want to consider before getting frustrated or discouraged.

I have been banded many years and happy with my band.

thanks for posting this...i enjoyed reading this :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am scheduled for my 1st fill on Halloween...10/31/13...wonder if i should be superstitious...lol

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have had 3 fills for a total of under 2cc's. I have an appointment Friday and I want a fill this time. I see the surgeon every 2 months and have not had a fill since February, I think. I have been eating too much lately. My doctor does the slow route. I have seen on this site some people get huge fills at once. Every doctor is so different. That is why you have to listen to your doctor not every one else's.

When I a fill I am on liquids (shakes) for 3 days, then mushy for 3 days and then back to solids. That is another thing that each doctor is different about.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am a self pay and only the 1st 3 fills are covered under my plan so I've already expressed to my doctor that I want to try to dial in to the green zone within the least amt of fills possible so I am hoping the 1st fill will be the main one. Then we will go from there.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just an fyi, sometimes a person thinks he/she needs a fill because they are hungry between meals but in reality they need to look at the types of food they are eating. Solid foods are better than sliders or "easy" food for lack of better wording at keeping hunger at bay. And by the way, lapband people should get hungry when it is time for their meals although it will not be the same type of hunger as a non banded person has...that is the beauty of the band atleast for me meaning yes I get hungry but not the starving type of hunger prior to being banded. I am 6 years out, have maintained for 4 years, and realize how blessed I am to have had this helper placed in side of me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just an fyi, sometimes a person thinks he/she needs a fill because they are hungry between meals but in reality they need to look at the types of food they are eating. Solid foods are better than sliders or "easy" food for lack of better wording at keeping hunger at bay. And by the way, lapband people should get hungry when it is time for their meals although it will not be the same type of hunger as a non banded person has...that is the beauty of the band atleast for me meaning yes I get hungry but not the starving type of hunger prior to being banded. I am 6 years out, have maintained for 4 years, and realize how blessed I am to have had this helper placed in side of me.

Yep. I only have 2.5 cc in my 10cc band and yes I can down a bag of cheetos but I know that isn't my band needing to be tighter. When I eat the way I'm supposed to eat (firm lean Proteins first) I do feel restriction with a cup of food and do stay full longer. It's a mind game!! I want this band to last my lifetime so I am okay with not being too filled, I think it will make my maintenance portion even better!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×