I have been thinking about this a lot since getting the band. I was banded March 5th and went through an emergency right hemicolectomy and appendectomy on March 21st. I've gone through a lot the past couple months!

In January, I weighed 324, the day of banding I was 303, now 2 months later I am 266. This is with NO fills at all. I went in for my first fill two weeks ago (6 weeks post-op) and my doc said I've been losing my weight quickly that I wouldn't need a fill yet. Now I have an appt. for this friday the 18th for my first fill.

My dilemma is... do I need a fill? I do eat a lot, but a lot is the same as any normal "band-less" person. I can eat the same amount as my girlfriend and I feel content! Before the surgery, I would eat at least double her. I am only supposed to have about a cup or so of food, but I can have a typical plate of food without any problems... and thats of ANY type of food.

I am verrrry content with having 0 cc as I feel the band itself is causing a satisfactory amount of restriction. I have been losing a lot of weight and I haven't even exercised yet! Before all this, I was very active with working out etc, but was so frustrated because I could not lose weight... most likely related to the amount of food I ate. But I feel that by eating like a normal person and adding my working out, I think I can really lose weight myself again.

What do you guys think? Do I need a fill because maybe my band is loose from losing fat around my stomach? The typical first fill is 4cc, should I maybe suggest 2cc? Or just see how much I can do on my own with 0cc and start working out.

Thanks for the help!

-Jason

Well, we decided NOT to get the fill. But he also informed me that the VG band is one of the "newer" bands that are "bigger" then previous generation ones. So hypothetically, my restriction may not even be there directly as a result of the band... but I still feel that it does.

I have another appointment next month. Depending on my weight loss (cuz I'll finally start working out soon!) will determine if I want to get a fill or not.

-Jason

Well first off, I AM TOTALLY JEALOUS :eek: j/k. Good for you that you have had such a success, even after all the problems. My dr always tells me that some people may never need a fill. Just the little restriction the band itself gives maybe enough. Definitely keep your appts though because they are important to your post op care. Good luck with the rest of your journey, I hope all goes well.