I just received my band (12/11/07). I’ve made it back to solid food finally. And I’ve found that the un-filled band is helping to minimize my hunger pangs. As a result I’ve been able to substitute protein shakes for two meals (along with all the recommended supplements) and then just a small mid-day meal. I’m around 1,000 k calories per day.

I am loosing 2 to 4 pounds per week by this approach.

Is it wrong not to want my first fill?

It seems like many complications begin to arise after fills. I really do not want to get stuck. And I’ve heard that fills can irritate the stomach and cause inflammation, and the inflammation can create even more restriction. Anyway I am just wondering, being on target with the weight loss goals – if the doc would just let me slide for now.

I have had my band for 2 1/2 years and have never had a fill. I am happy with my weight loss--which I am now trying to maintain. I am satisfied with the amount of food that I eat. I would get a fill if I started to gain a lot of weight. But right now, I am doing fine. If you are losing weight, keep on doing what you are doing. Get a fill when you think you should.

I just received my band (12/11/07). I’ve made it back to solid food finally. And I’ve found that the un-filled band is helping to minimize my hunger pangs. As a result I’ve been able to substitute Protein shakes for two meals (along with all the recommended supplements) and then just a small mid-day meal. I’m around 1,000 k calories per day.

I am loosing 2 to 4 pounds per week by this approach.

Is it wrong not to want my first fill?

It seems like many complications begin to arise after fills. I really do not want to get stuck. And I’ve heard that fills can irritate the stomach and cause inflammation, and the inflammation can create even more restriction. Anyway I am just wondering, being on target with the weight loss goals – if the doc would just let me slide for now.

I think if you're easily losing weight and don't feel like you're on a diet, it is okay not to get a fill. We've had patients that reached their goal without a single fill. The band journey is very individual.

If you reach the point of being hungry and hard to lose or maintain weight and you feel like you're on a diet and you feel like the band's not working then get a fill.

I had my surgery 9-21-07 and have yet to have a fill. My surgeon and I discussed that if I'm losing 1-2 lbs a week, hold off....I still have the feeling of fullness and go back in 2 weeks....still might skip the fill ...all people have a different feeling of fullness....follow your own body's signals.

Good luck!

I was banded on December 22 and am getting my first fill in February. I am gong away the day after the first fill. Is this okay? Will I feel okay? Will I be able to eat?

i'm happy to hear there are others who do not need fills. I'm almost 1 month out and dont feel the need to get one. I am eating 3 small meals a day and dont have any hunger. I now eat like a kitten and not a roaring lion. I have continued to lose 2-3 lbs a week ( will change tinker after Dr. appt 1/30)

why do I feel quilty for not wanting a fill?