When do you know when it's time to get first lap band fill? The reason I'm asking is, I'm getting surgery done in Mexico, I would like to schedule a trip back for fill a head of time so to save on plane ticket cost. The Dr. here want fill until three months after surgery. I'm sure I'll need one before the three months is up. Can someone plese share there experiance with me regarding there first fill. This is the only issue I'm worried about, with my choice of having surgery done in Mexico.

I was scheduled for a fill at 3 weeks, but didn't get one cuz I was losing adequately. So, really its hard to tell. I'd call the clinic that is handling your banding and ask them guidance for scheduling purposes. You will afterall probably have to have an appt.

My doc said 6 weeks after surgery. I'm scheduled for January 10th for my first fill I'm two weeks post and my appetite is back and feel hungry alot can't wait

There is no way to know when, or if, you'll need a fill until after your band is placed and you see how you feel.

Just make sure to have a good local surgeon for your follow up care and trust his judgement for when he thinks you'll need a fill. You'll need to see him monthly post surgery, anyway.

Edited December 8, 201312 yr by Mis73

I am scheduled for my first aftercare on the 19th, four weeks out. At this point I am not sure what will happen, I am still not getting all that hungry or eating a great deal. I know that can change as time goes by but I am feeling really smooth, right now.

As long as you're loosing weight and your hunger is under control, there is no reason for an adjustment.....

Formy first few office visits, I would first get weighed, then my Dr would compare that with my weight from the previous visit and determine average weekly weight loss...if any....then he would ask a few basic questions, primarily about my hunger, cravings.

He would also refer to the Yellow-Green-Red chart on the wall, ask me where I felt I was in reference.....THEN he would determine if I needed a fill or not, and how much (how aggressive)

I had three fills on three consecutive visits one month apart.....have not had, nor needed a fill since.....that was almost 3 years ago.

Many people don't have to have their 1st fill right away. As B-52 said, if you are losing on your surgeon's schedule, about 1-2 pound a week, then you might not need or want a fill. Make sure that you can find a local fill center, or doctor that will treat you. Many surgeons are willing to take new patients even if they did not do the surgery.Best luck in your after care and surgery. Karen