Pressuring your Dr. about Fills

RowdyReptile · April 17, 2007

Here is my theory on fills. I just paid several thousands of dollars in cash for the surgery, went through all of the preop visits and dieting, then recovered for several weeks. If I need a fill, I'm getting on the phone and getting in there. Same thing if it's too restrictive. I've read a lot of threads about banders that aren't seeing results on these forums not really being proactive about getting their band adjusted(of course, they may not be eating right and exercising either). Here is what I want to know. Anybody on here that has had to stay on their doctor about getting adjustments and getting their fill level right? How did the doctor respond to that? Do you agree that you should actively put pressure on the doctor to get it right and not just settle for your next appointment which may be 3 months in the future? Just curious how other bandsters view this subject.....

travelgirl · April 17, 2007

Check out this very informative thread about fills. Thanks to Yoda for the info.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/fills-slippage-reminder-t32895.html?t=32895&highlight=fills

RowdyReptile · April 17, 2007

that's some good stuff... from Yoda nonetheless.

terry r · April 17, 2007

Here is my theory on fills. I just paid several thousands of dollars in cash for the surgery, went through all of the preop visits and dieting, then recovered for several weeks. If I need a fill, I'm getting on the phone and getting in there. Same thing if it's too restrictive. I've read a lot of threads about banders that aren't seeing results on these forums not really being proactive about getting their band adjusted(of course, they may not be eating right and exercising either). Here is what I want to know. Anybody on here that has had to stay on their doctor about getting adjustments and getting their fill level right? How did the doctor respond to that? Do you agree that you should actively put pressure on the doctor to get it right and not just settle for your next appointment which may be 3 months in the future? Just curious how other bandsters view this subject.....

I paid for mine also 3/29 I'm going in 4/27 . Anyway what are your thoughts on erosion etc. Maybe the slow route is better for slipping.erosion, just thinking?terryr

RowdyReptile · April 17, 2007

I actually have no clue about erosion/slipping. Is there even a link between getting your band adjusted when you need to and erosion/slipping anyway?

klikens · April 24, 2007

I had my surgery on 1/17/07; to date I have lost 30 lbs. - my first fill was 3/3/07 at .8cc - I have not had much restriction at all - had another dr visit month after fill, explained to dr. that I wasn't having much restriction and in fact I hadn't lost any weight since the fill. He said to wait another month and if I didn't lose anymore weight we would do another fill. I asked him if the restriction was likely to kick in within the next month and he said no. To which I replied "what is the purpose of waiting another month?". His reply, "Well, I can't just give you a fill every week". So I am not sure what his deal is (it can't be insurance, I selfpay $250/fill) - however when I go back this week, if he is still hesitant to do another fill, I plan to find another fill doctor. Any other suggestions? (I have lost a total of 6 lbs since my fill)

colderbythelake · April 24, 2007

There are a several reasons for not just filling you up instantly. I've had 6 fills and even a .25cc unfill. Some people get restriction from a slight fill while others like me took more reach the "sweat spot". I didn't feel any restriction until my 3rd fill where but 3 weeks later I needed that slight unfill. My band will hold up to 5cc's.

My Dr. says that when you get a fill it does irriate the stomach for a couple of days or so.......... the reason he has us do 2 days of liquids following a fill followed by 2 days of pureed, then 2 days of soft foods to make sure everything is going down ok. I have been very active with my Dr and PA and I go in every three to 4 weeks since my Oct 27, 2007 surgery.

The other thing is that which each fill I have learned to eat slower and slower and chew even more and I eat even less and I'm now statisfied longer. It takes time to learn and make these adjustments mentally and physically.

Just so you know even when you get fills it doesn't necessarily mean you will lose weight. I pretty much quit losing since Feb., literally losing and gaining the same three pounds up until today when I some how lost three. So since 10/27/07 I've lost 44 lbs. Your weight loss seems to very consistant. Remember you didn't put this weight on overnight it's not going to come off over night. The band can be fickle sometimes.

Don't be too hard on your Dr. you're doing great! Slow is better and healthier!

NVgirl · April 24, 2007

I just came from my pre-op class and they addressed this very issue.

The doctor said that they've had self-pay patients come in demanding fills and had them stomp out without the fill. They say they will not be bullied into doing fills, that there's an adjustment time between fills, filling too quickly can lead to erosion, etc.

It's your well being they have in mind - they want you to suceed as well!

If you're not losing, maybe chart every single thing you're eating to see if changes can be made and kick up your exercise some. You've lost 30 pounds since January, that's something to be proud of!

Jachut · April 24, 2007

It doesnt really work like that here. I just go and see my doc when I feel like it. At first it was every six weeks, now I'd only go if I had a problem or wanted a fill.

Fills are my choice within reason, if I wanted a huge one he might say something but basically its up to me whether I want one or not. He'd advise me and probably wouldnt fill me if it wasnt a reasonable request but then I've never wanted to be or seen the need to be tight, so I havent had to argue.