I was banded on 7/7/09. My post-op appointment was on 7/28/09 and the doctor allowed me to graduate to pureed foods. The doctor told me at the post-op appointment to come back in 2 weeks if I was hungry in between meals...if I'm not hungry she said to wait an additional 2 weeks to come back for a fill. So my question is, should I get the first fill as scheduled on Tuesday (to possibly lose a little more weight) or wait the extra 2 weeks? I'm not hungry in between meals...actually I'm only hungry when I first wake up in the morning. When I do eat I eat maybe 2-3 oz of food and feel great. This is all new to me so I would love to hear any suggestions/opinions.

The makers of the Lap Band have this whole "Green Zone" guideline to help you decide if you need a fill and how much. You could probably Google "Lap Band Green Zone" to see the chart.

But basically, if you are:

1.) Hungry between meals

2.) Eating larger portions

3.) Not losing weight

Then you need a fill.

If you are experienceing just one of these problems, a tiny fill may help if you have all three and larger fill is needed.

I eat closer to 8 oz of food so if I were only eating 3 oz. and was satisfied on that and losing weight I definitely would not be looking to get a fill. Being too tight or not eating enough is definitely not going to benefit you.

Edited August 7, 200917 yr by Jodi_620

I think it is really up to you and your surgeon. I was banded 06-17 and did not have my first fill until 08-04 but I can tell you that the last week of that was torture. Particularly around two days before. I was hungry as a bear. Once I had the first fill it was so different. I am so suprised at how full I stay and how little I really eat. I have already lost 3 lbs since the 4th. I thought I was eating very little before my first fill but comparing what I eat now opposed to what I ate just before is nothing short of amazing. Good Luck.

Glad this thread was started....I got banded on 5/18 and have not yet had a fill because I was getting and staying full so well, and have lost over 30 pounds since surgery. I even saw my surgeon last week for a check up and he still didn't suggest a fill.

However, this week, seems like all of the sudden...I can eat more, more often, and even have put on a little weight (a couple of pounds!)! ARgh! Does the need for a fill really come on that quickly?? I didn't notice any of this before like I do this week!

Guess I'll be making an appointment to get my first one! I do NOT want to start gaining!

If you're not hungry and losing weight I wouldn't go in for a fill. I certainly wouldn't want to be too tight.

The need for a fill can seem to come on quickly. I was to go for one next week but just canceled it today as I'm doing fine where I am at. Their office suggests waiting until a few days before your fill to decide if you want to cancel, as that last week can (and has) make/made a big difference~ .

So for the original poster - i wouldn't get a fill. To the person who asked about the need for a fill coming on quickly - yes it can!

Thank you all for your suggestions/opinions! I really appreciate it! :smile2:I went ahead and canceled my fill appointment for Tuesday. They rescheduled it for Sept. 15 but told me that if I felt that I needed a fill before than to call and they would get me in with one of the other doctors.

To Jodi-thank you for the Lap Band Green Zone info! :scared2:

To Bethanyblondie- Wow almost 3 months and 30lbs without a fill? That's awesome! Congrats! :tt1:

Agreed, I al 4 months out with no fill and a loss of 60lbs post op. I eat solid foods and stay away from mushies as these will slide right through anf not satisfy me very long, I canceled all fills until 6 months post op, I love the fact that I can eat anything just smaller amounts and still lose.

I had 1/2 chicken breast and 1 cup of cantaloup for dinne and I'm stuffed.

If I eat a pork chop It fills me up for close to 8 hours. But if I eat Cereal or Soups I want to eat an hour later.

Agreed, I al 4 months out with no fill and a loss of 60lbs post op. I eat solid foods and stay away from mushies as these will slide right through anf not satisfy me very long, I canceled all fills until 6 months post op, I love the fact that I can eat anything just smaller amounts and still lose.

I had 1/2 chicken breast and 1 cup of cantaloup for dinne and I'm stuffed.

If I eat a pork chop It fills me up for close to 8 hours. But if I eat cereal or soups I want to eat an hour later.

I love hearing about what everyone else eats and does for exercise and their suggestions. Thank you so much for this!

If I stay true to my plan I eat about 1.5-2 cups of food and don't snach.

Breakfast- oatmeal with Protein Powder and fruit or 1 egg omelet w/ meat&cheese and fruit or Protein Drink

lunch- pita pocket stuffed with shredded bbq chicken or a recipe of chicken, feta cheese, red onion and cilantro.

Dinner- turkey burgers/ turkey meat loaf,oven fried chicken, roast, pork chops and a vegetable side.

If I allow a snack it is only before bed and it will be sherbert or air popped pop corn with smart balance butter blend.

Exercise if I am real good is 2.5 mile walk a day.

Ok. I'm not really hungry in between meals, I'm NOT losing weight. It will be a year in sept & I've only lost 40 lbs!!

Heidib, what is your eating and exercise plan and how much more weight do you want to lose?

Heidib, what is your eating and exercise plan and how much more weight do you want to lose?

Jujuvee~ I must admit I know what my problems are :drool:. I am on & off the wagon so to speek. I just have to buckle down. I know I'm eating the wrong foods, not enough, Protein, eating between meals, no excercise, ect ect. I have not had a fill since Dec! The last fill I had made me too tight though. Today is a new day though. I will go back to the gym & start journaling my food again!!! I need to get on the boards here again because i know you all keep me motivated. THANK YOU!!!!

If I stay true to my plan I eat about 1.5-2 cups of food and don't snach.

Breakfast- oatmeal with Protein powder and fruit or 1 egg omelet w/ meat&cheese and fruit or Protein Drink

lunch- pita pocket stuffed with shredded bbq chicken or a recipe of chicken, feta cheese, red onion and cilantro.

Dinner- turkey burgers/ turkey meat loaf,oven fried chicken, roast, pork chops and a vegetable side.

If I allow a snack it is only before bed and it will be sherbert or air popped pop corn with smart balance butter blend.

Exercise if I am real good is 2.5 mile walk a day.

I see you are very dedicated! Good for you. How long have you been banded & what s your loss????

Agreed, I al 4 months out with no fill and a loss of 60lbs post op. I eat solid foods and stay away from mushies as these will slide right through anf not satisfy me very long, I canceled all fills until 6 months post op, I love the fact that I can eat anything just smaller amounts and still lose.

I had 1/2 chicken breast and 1 cup of cantaloup for dinne and I'm stuffed.

If I eat a pork chop It fills me up for close to 8 hours. But if I eat Cereal or Soups I want to eat an hour later.

ooops, just read this so scratch the last questions. GREAT JOB on your weight loss!!!!