Hey guys,

I went for my first fill 2 weeks ago. He pulled 2cc's of Fluid out of my Vanguard band. I had no idea that he gave me a fill during surgery, but that would explain the restriction I had. Anyways, he put 4.5 cc's back in and I dont feel much restriction. In fact, I get hungry about 2 hours after I eat. I can eat a little bit more too. Some days I feel more restriction than others but its all so inconsistant. I am scheduled to go back in 4 weeks. Should I try to get another fill or stick this out for a while?

My band was empty after surgery and I get a little hungry in between meals too. I think it's because I don't do a lot of solids, but I do eat a lot of beans and chili. I have eaten very little bread or bread products, like a nibble of bread, or picking at a roll; no buns or full slices of bread like a sandwich, just the meat. I do well with Ritz crackers.

Thanks for the reply Pat, I appreciate it.

:::trying not to take it personal that 1 person has responded to the last 2 posts of mine::

Sounds like your doin great Jack!

Your right, hunger is managed far easier now than pre band. I thought I was gonna DIE during the pre op diet!

Jen, I can't advise you since I don't have the same band, but I can tell you that some people need more fills to get to the spot that they don't hungry as much. Hang in there, you'll get there.

Hi Jen,

Have you tracked what you are eating as far as solids? I find that if I eat chicken for example (solid protein) I stay full longer where if I eat chili beans I get hungrier sooner. I am inconsistant as far as in the mornings I have more restriction than the afternoons and certain times of the month like around the 1st 2 weeks I am much tighter than the latter half. I am still trying to work at it. I would say take it a day at a time but if you find that you are eating alot more and always hungry then of course you would want to talk to your Dr about getting a fill sooner..

I eat a lot of chicken. I have been trying other things maybe that is why. I think your on to something. THANKS!

Jen, have you tried tracking on www.fitday.com? It will help you an idea of what types of food (and amounts) that you're eating. Are you getting your waterload in daily (but not w/meals or one houe afterwards)?

Jen, I have had 3 fills and may soon go for another. Personally, I believe that the main reason for having a lapband is to have restriction. If you don't have restriction, then whats the point of having the darn thing??? I guess what I am trying to say is if you think you need another fill, then get one!

My doc told me if the restriction isn't there come back in for another fill.

I agree with many of the people here who say the reason for the lap band is restriction..but we also have to do some of the work. Of course I would like more restriction..alot of us would but on the safe side of this. I would much rather be under filled then over filled and let my head do more of the work. If I had let my head do more work pre band then maybe I would not of ever needed the band so now that I have it I find it to be a great tool to help my head. When my band and head work together..results speak for themselves. I have had 3 fills I have 2.5 cc's in my band. I can still eat bread, rice & pasta no problem..I can still take my pills...I could use more restriction but Iam losing every week and to me that is progress so I know my head is doing some of the work. I have a major sweet tooth right now since my period started today..but instead of reaching for the chocolate like Inormally would of..I m here drinking my 24oz of water w/ a dash of crystal light in it to sweeten it..My body wants chocolate but my head is telling me NO NO NO..

I have heard the bigger the band the more aggressive the fills need to be..I have a 4cc band and it is over halfway filled..I have 23lbs to get to goal wieght..I'm going to try like hell to get there with this current fill level.

I think that fills are a very individual thing and only YOU can know if that is what you need. One could be a sweets junky, snacker, nibbler, or grazer, or eat HUGE meals, so restriction will play a different role in each situtation. One fill does not fit all, so to speak. As with everything else about this band, restriction is different for everyone.

I have the 10cc band and its got 4.2cc in it at the moment.

i felt restriction for about a week and then it disappeared so i am going back for another fill on 23rd this month.

I think the bigger the band the bigger the fill is initially but in the later stages i think it levels out and becomes less aggressive.

This is just what i have gathered from the different sites i go on related to bands.

As for getting my head round the hunger bit its not perfect but its getting better.

But i know without getting good restriction to go alongside retraining my eating habits that its going to be difficult to stay on track and lose the weight consistently.

I am not too proud to admit that i need the help that the restriction gives me to kerb the amount of food i eat which was why i chose this surgery in the first place rather than the more invasive stapling techniques available.

love tracey