I need some help determining if I need another fill. I've had five so far, but I've been banded for over a year so newbies don't freak out.

veterans- I need your thoughts on this.

I can eat more but mostly it's because I've learned to eat a few bites, wait, and then I can eat more. It doesn't feel like food is staying in my pouch for very long...maybe 5-10 minutes?

I feel like I'm hungry all the time and so I am making some pretty poor choices.

I just realized something- I loose 10 pounds after every fill and then my weight plateaus. I probably should talk to my doctor abuot this.

The only time I've ever had reflux was the other night when I ate a huge brownie and went to bed. Duh!!!

I have PBed only once in the past two months and it was right before my period when I am usually more restricted.

Ok, after having typed all of this, I think I have my answer. I guess it's hard to know if I need a fill or just an adjustment to my food choices. I'm thinking both.

What do any of the rest of you think?

Megan

Megan, how much does your type band hold? How much do you have in right now?

Hi Megan -

Congrats on your wonderful progress!!

I'm sure you can guess my opinion on whether or not you need a fill... but here goes.

If you know you are doing things on purpose that allow you to eat more than you think you need... Then you need to fix that behaviour first. If, however, you make what you consider to be a healthy meal in an acceptable portion, with hard Proteins and good veggies, and you eat it the bandster way - chewing well, no liquids, concentrating on only eating for your 20 minutes - and THEN you are still hungry afterwards, or hungry sooner than about 3 hours later, then maybe you should get a fill tweak.

However, if changing your habits allows you to feel full and keeps you satisfied, then NO - I don't think you need a fill.

I think everyone reaches a point where they are very comfortable with their fill level, and they have learned their boundaries, and, being creatures of habit (and being human!), of course we find ways to revert to old habits, or look for ways to push the envelop, just to test how far we can go.

There will come a point where you will not be able to tolerate a greater fill level, but your current fill will be "too" comfortable, like where you are now. I hear it happen over and over again - people start coasting, and then they want the band to take up the slack instead of sticking with the "newbie" recommendations. Then they get too tight and start having problems, have to have unfills, etc. Many find that they can no longer tolerate the level of fill they had BEFORE, which is incredibly frustrating for them.

I know I try to err on the side of caution, but I always get fearful for those people who have no problems who start making changes in their restriction level... Foremost in my mind is Sissy from the main bandster site - banded for 2+ years or so and doing great, but decided to get "topped off" and started PBing and ended up having slippage and a repair surgery. She had been maintaining her weight, but for some reason decided to get a little fill...

But again - if you eat consciously the bandster way and you're NOT satisfied after a reasonable portion, and you stay hungry, then a fill is the way to go.

Good luck my friend! And be safe out there...

Megan: I think you have just answered your own questions. Yes it probably means you need an adjustment to your eating habits. As we all need to remember this band is only a TOOL. We have to work with the band and make a conscious effort to eat right, get exercise, and drink our Water. If you aren't losing weight and have had that many fills here is my suggestions.

1. Talk with your doc first get his/her opinion

2. Make an appt with a nutritionist

3. Evaluate your activity level

4. Evaluate your eating habits and diet

5. Make the necessary changes

Then after doing all this, remember it is a slow process to losing our weight. Some have faster results due to their metabolism being higher. Mine is mid range so I lose slower. In order to speed it up I have to exercise in the mornings and eat three meals a day and nothing after 8p. Water all day up to 64 - 80 oz then no more or I retain it. We all have to learn our bodies and listen to them to understand what works and what doesn't work.

Take a Yoga class and meditate and get 'in turn' with your body. Shut up Lisa, it works.

Happy losing guys.

So, Megan!!!

I'm dying to know... What did you decide?!?!

sounds to me like u need a fill....I just got one and I was like you before...now I promise you the brownie aint goin down nor anything else like it. Do not get hungry now but just know I need to eat..Having a time adjusting to the adjustment. be prepared for a major change...

Water all day up to 64 - 80 oz then no more or I retain it.

Penni,

just wondering... is this 'water in-take' a rule for most people?

I *thought* water was a diuretic - the more you drink, the more you 'go'?

Megan, did you ever let us know what you decided? How are you doing now? The symptoms you describe are pretty much what sent me in for my last fill, and like you I lose 10-15 lbs pretty quickly and then plateau.

So how are you?