Lap Band Fill Questions

myellen · March 7, 2008

I just spoke with a Mexican surgery center and I asked them about fills. I am not sure that I am comfortable with their answer and I wanted to get others opinions.

When I asked about fills they said that it is different with everyone, and that most people should only need 2 per year. They also said that if I follow my post-op diet, I should/could not need any, and that it was dependant on me stretching my stomach.

This seems way off from what I understood. I was under the impression that it may take several vists to "dial in" the band and that they adjust it to adjust my weight loss, even under normal circumstances, so I am not sure who they can state that it should only take up to two per year and that I may not need any.

NukeChik · March 7, 2008

I would agree with your thoughts. I have already had 2 fills and I have little to no restriction. My doc tells patients they should have anywhere from 4-6 fills in the first year. I am a newbie though, just sharing my experience so far....

VegasGrace · March 7, 2008

"most people need 2 per year"

Wow, that's me. I only needed two the entire time.

But that's 2 that follows the guidelines...not 2 of some silly low number alot of docs do just to make more money by having the patient make multiple visits to equal 2.

And it's true, those 2 may do the trick if you follow the recommended diet and all.

shortgal · March 7, 2008

I've had seven small fills all with 3 months time. I do not pay for the fills so my Dr is not trying to make more money.

some dr's use Floroscope to do the fill and that can help get you to the first level of restriction faster than Dr's that do the fills without Floro, because they can see watr going through the stoma.( and that could be why you'll get a variety of answers from people).

So it helps to know which way they give fills, but to say outright that two is the exact number and if you need more it's your fault for not following the diet, seems wrong to me. We all all different and our stomach inside is different. We are humans not machines with the same size parts.

Perhaps check out some other Dr's and there are lots of recommendations under Doctors and hospital section on the forum.