Have you ever said "no" to a fill?

[stateofzen 46]

Today I got my first fill, even though I felt like I was doing fine without it. I've lost 24 lbs in the month since my surgery, I haven't had any problems, and I'm able to eat nutritious food and stop at the right time because I feel full. I'm getting between 800-1200 calories a day.

My surgeon complimented me on my loss, then said wait, you've never had a fill? Lay down, we're doing it. And now I have 1.5 cc's in my band and have to do Clear liquids for 3 days.:wink2: He wants me to go back in another month for another fill-- and I'm like, "what if I don't need it yet?"

I know that most people on here are frustrated with NOT getting fills or restrictions-- anyone like me who feels like the fill enthusiasm is a little unwanted? I'm just really scared that I'm going to get stuck or have some other unwanted side effect from a fill when I was doing fine without it.

[AngryBaby 2]

Don't be afraid of getting stuck. It usually only happens (well in my case) when you are being careless. Otherwise if your totally feel like your doing great without a fill then just tell them that you don't want one. I've done it a few time the past couple of months. There is no requirement for you to have a fill. It's just something that's there for you if you realize you intake is still WAY too much.

[ElfiePoo 109]

I've never had to say 'no' because I'm the one who determines whether I'm getting one in the first place. I did set up a fill for 3 weeks ago and then decided to cancel it. Almost cancelled the latest one but decided to go ahead with it and am glad I did.

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[AlienBandit 10]

With my first band, when I went for a check up a month after being banded my doc wanted me to have a fill. Since I had already lost 20 lbs and had a bad stuck episode with a Vitamin a few days before, I said no. After arguing my point and listening to my docs points he let me be but told me to come back 2 weeks later for a fill.

I made an appointment but then canceled it because I still wasn't ready for a fill. When I finally went in 3 weeks after the first time he tried to give me a fill, a week later then when he wanted me to come back I got a fill. However my doc wanted to give me a large fill and I didn't like that idea either. Again after arguing my point and listening to his point we agreed on a smaller fill.

Another time I went in for a fill but found it too much so I asked for it to be removed. I had it removed because my doc was going away on business and I had family coming to visit who don't know I am banded. My doc was fine with my request and just gave me another fill after my family left.

The first few fills have little effect on us usually if it is a small amount. If your not ready for a fill then talk to your doc about it. Once I got my second band I never said no to a fill but I always made sure to get a small fill each time to slowly work my way up getting used to eating like a bandster again.

You are supposed to get a fill if you are eating bigger portions, are hungry between meals and not losing weight. If that is not happening to you, then tell your doctor. I wish I could have as little fill as possible and still be successful however, thats not the case with me.

[Humming Bird 275]

I cancelled fill #3 because I was at my sweet spot (really on the tight side of the green zone) with fill #2.

[sekinj 0]

My doctor has me come in every month for a check-up, and we just do a fill if it's necessary. Like previously mentioned, I decide to fill or not to fill, the doc decides on how much.

[stateofzen 46]

I appreciate everyone's feedback.

I think because it was my first fill, and I had already put it off once (he usually does first fill 2 weeks post-op), I was questioning my own motivations for avoiding it and also wanting to be compliant with treatment (doctor knows best, right?). But you all are right-- if what I've got is working and I'm losing, no one can force me into a fill.

Thanks!