How do you know when your band is tight enough? I was banded in May & have had 4 fills. My Dr always asks me if I want a fill or not. Problem is I'm not always sure if I need one or not.

That's a great question. I was banded 7/15 and I have only had 1 fill on 8/30 and I'm not sure if I need another or not either. How do you know???

I know. I hear alot of mixed reviews here. Last time I went to doctor she said I could have it if I opted but she wasnt sure I really needed it. I'd lost sufficient weight for the month and I wasnt hungry between meals. I opted to not take the fill. I don't necessarily feel I'm at green I only have 2.5 cc in my band. Of course, I also have the plication. But hey, I'm doing good and I know I can get a fill if I start getting hungry any sooner than 4 hours. Thats really what you are trying to accomplish is be able to go meal to meal without the hunger and overwhelming need to snack.

Ask yourself, are you satisfied on a cup or less food for at least four hours? If yes, you may not need a fill. If no, you may need a fill.

How do you know when your band is tight enough? I was banded in May & have had 4 fills. My Dr always asks me if I want a fill or not. Problem is I'm not always sure if I need one or not.

I posted a MUST read article today on how the lap band works, you should really read it, it will help give you some perspective on to live with your band and if you are in the green zone.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/177913-must-read-how-the-lap-band-should-work-green-zone-in-fills/

I have an appointment for a fill in the morning. I keep going back & forth on whether I actually need it. My capacity seems to have increased, and I get hungry more in the 3 hour range. I'm thinking, maybe 1/4 cc. They make us sit in the waiting room and slowly sip three glasses of water before we leave. I would hope that if 1/4 cc is too much, that I'll know with the water??

It is also determined at my appointments if I need a fill or not. Right now I'm at 2.5 in a 10cc band. The days I think I really need a fill I look back at my diet and remember that had I eaten on plan I wouldn't have been do damn hungry. Either that or I know I ate a ton of slider foods so really the band didn't come into play anyways. When I eat what I am supposed to (lean protein, then veggies, then starches.....in that order) I feel satisfied and just fine. It's all a mind game in my opinion!

My doctor says if you can eat a 6 inch sandwich from subway then it's time for a fill. Now that's scientific. Lol!!

It is also determined at my appointments if I need a fill or not. Right now I'm at 2.5 in a 10cc band. The days I think I really need a fill I look back at my diet and remember that had I eaten on plan I wouldn't have been do damn hungry. Either that or I know I ate a ton of slider foods so really the band didn't come into play anyways. When I eat what I am supposed to (lean Protein, then veggies, then starches.....in that order) I feel satisfied and just fine. It's all a mind game in my opinion!

I find the same thing....... If I eat dense protein and veggies, I'm good. As soon as I put a turkey or beef patty on bread, the whole game changes

My doctor says if you can eat a 6 inch sandwich from subway then it's time for a fill. Now that's scientific. Lol!!

LOL! Doesn't get anymore basic than that!

This is the way I see it. In my younger days, I was in a hurry and would diet hard and wanted to lose 15 to 20 lbs in a month and get it done. Alot of times I did just that and it always came back and with a vengence. This time I'm in no hurry to get to my goal. As long as I show a healthy steady progress each month, being 3 to 5 lbs per month, I feel pretty good about it. I try not to get discouraged when I have a stall for a week or fluctuation or such. Its just part of it. I'm in it for life now and know that nothing good comes quick or easy.

That being said, I'll take my fills or no fills as needed. I don't really like the idea of running back and forth to have unfills cuz I was in too big of a hurry. I know that alot of the work is still mine. I like stated above notice when I don't do well I look back and it was because I ate off plan or didnt exercise as I know I'm supposed to. It just makes me kick myself in the rear and work harder. Thats the whole gist of this is changing our lifestyles, right?