Hello,

Can someone tell me why fills done under fluroscopy and restriction is viewed. why we need so many fills. Or why bandsters feel no restriction. I am confused.

Thank you

My understanding:

Fills have (at least) two effects: it increases the volume of the inflatable ring on the inside of the band, and it irritates the stomach where the band is located. Because of the irritation, you can get some swelling. You don't to do a big fill because the swelling could shut you off completely, so the doctors generally like to start off with a 'foundation' fill (for me it was 3 ccs), then give periodic, smaller fills to 'tweak' the restriction.

Some doctors use flouroscopy so that they can verify liquid can still get through the stoma after the fill. My doctor doesn't...it varies.

Right after surgery, when all you have is the band and no fill, some folks will feel some restriction due to the fat layer on the outside of the stomach. Others won't. From reading these forums, seems like many folks don't get 'good' restriction until the third fill or so.

That's why, to me, it is important not to rely solely upon the band to limit how much you eat...work on self-control, exercising your will, and make use of the band. I didn't have much self-control, which is why I got so overweight...but I'm exercising it now, along with using the band, to change my approach to eating.

DBAGuy....

Fantastic reply!!!

Immediately after surgery, I had restriction for about 6 weeks...glorious! Then I was able to eat as if I had no band at all. Got my first fill; again, could eat what I want. Had my 2nd fill...and now feel 'some' restriction, though that varies with day, time, where the moon is (just kidding). No rhyme or reason. But I can say, after having some 'stuck' episodes, I really feel for those folks who are overfilled!!

I go to my doctor on Thursday. I assume it will be my first fill but I am not sure that I want it. I am losing 1-2 lbs per week and like DBAguy said, I am using my band and my new found self restriction to lose. I may not want more restriction now.

My question is.....what should I do? Should I get the fill or should I just wait to see if the weight loss stops and then get one. I like the fact that I am losing slowly but not PBing etc. I have slimed a few times and that alone keeps me in check. I can eat salad, I had a little rice without a problem etc so I feel like I have the best of both worlds now......or am I just kidding myself and I will fail again??????? I am so confused!!!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Maureen

I am bumping this to see if I can get any advice before tomorrow....Thanks

Maureen, I think that is such a personal choice really. I just had my first fill yesterday and I know that I was ready for it. I had already gotten to the point that I was relying totally on my willpower and that willpower was really wearing thin.

I know for me, I need the band to be functioning and that includes fills. If I had been getting some help from the band, I might have been having the same question as you.

If you think you might be able to go without a fill, maybe just postpone that appointment for another couple of weeks and see how it goes. I guess you could always have an appointment scheduled a few weeks out so that if you do find you need your fill, you won't have to wait too long to get it. I say that because those fill appointments are quite precious around here and need to be scheduled a few weeks in advance.

Congratulations...you're doing great with your weight loss!

You are so sweet to respond. You are right, the willpower will start to wear down, but for now I am proud that its part band and and part me! I think I will take your advice and go to the appointment but maybe not get a fill, just postpone it.

Thanks for your kind words....

Maureen

Maureen, you are so welcome and you should be proud...you're willpower is awesome and I hope it lasts a good while! We all need to get bit by the willpower bug!

Well....I did not get the fill. My doc said that as long as I was losing and not starving all the time that we should wait.

Thanks for your help!

Maureen

I think I will also wait to get a fill until I am no longer losing weight, or until I am feeling that I am really struggling and starving. Right now I feel like I still have really good restriction, I'm not physically hungry until about five hours after I've eaten, but I'm battling significant head hunger right now. I think we all do, and I am really trying to listen to my stomach, not my mind of my taste buds.

I think I will also wait to get a fill until I am no longer losing weight, or until I am feeling that I am really struggling and starving. Right now I feel like I still have really good restriction, I'm not physically hungry until about five hours after I've eaten, but I'm battling significant head hunger right now. I think we all do, and I am really trying to listen to my stomach, not my mind of my taste buds.

I feel the same, I do not want to be miserable but if I can keep myself in check I am going to wait but the second I start to slide, I am going for more restriction.

Good Luck,

Maureen