Green Zone Success Before First Lap Band Fill?

[AlanSimmons 1]

OK, maybe I'm being overly optimistic here, but I'm two-and-a-half weeks post-op, on soft foods, and feeling great. I'm losing weight (20+ lbs. since surgery), not hungry, and satisfied when I eat (around 1200 cal/day). Is that just crazy talk? If I'm still doing this well when I go for my first fill in September, will he still give me a fill, you think?

[TKW 501]

that's great. No, i don't think he will give you a fill if you still are feeling the same (although all Dr's seem to have different standards). Some people lose all their weight and never get a fill! Continued Success to you!!!

[Cindy C 150]

When I went for my first fill, 8 weeks post op, I had lost 45 pounds since surgery. He still gave me a fill. Obviously, I was eating very little, not hungry and satisfied easily. It's not the green zone....your body is responding to the band being there and the changes in diet (liquids, softs etc.). You're doing great, BTW.

[Jess55 97]

2.5 weeks is kind of early to tell. But if at your appointment you're still satisfied with what you're eating and still losing there is abaolutely no reason to get a fill. I went 5 months before my first fill and probably should not have even go that one. Do not let you're doc push a fill if u don't need one. You have plenty of time for fills.

[dmg223 1]

I am 8 weeks post-op and have not had a fill yet. I know 4 cc was put into my 10cc band during surgery and so far that is working very well for me. The nurse practicioner I see says that can change at any moment and if I start feeling like what I am eating is not holding me over for a while to come in for a fill.

[CheckYes 46]

I've lost 85 pounds without a fill and still don't need one.

[Thee-O 15]

I am losing weight without a fill as well. I think of this thing as a tool. I made the changes to my diet and exercise. The band doesn't really dictate that. Just push yourself and you will lose it.... start exercising and you will feel even better...

you might plateau if you start working out but it will start to fall off again. Good luck on your journey.

[AlanSimmons 1]

Thanks, guys! I lost 100 lbs. prior to surgery with just diet and exercise (I had to get down to a BMI of 50), and those good habits I started in March are carrying over, so I really feel that the band is just that: a tool. It's not a crutch, as some people have said in so many words (not on here, by the way). It's no different than a pin in your knee or a screw in your hip. It's just helping me get where I'm going. And I appreciate having all of you around on the trip!

[cat lady 10]

Very inspiring all of you. I am only 2 weeks post op and If I had my choice I would not rush to get a fill. If I am losing even slowly I would rather continue until I really need one. I think most of the problems occur when people get filled too tight. Am I being foolish thinking I can do this without any fill? The dr. said he put some in at time of surgery but did not say how much. Said he did not know? I am not starving and looking for food the way I did bfore banding. CAT

[kychick1294 0]

I was banded on July 29th, so I am almost exactly 2 weeks out myself. I am feeling the same way as you Alan.. If I chew correctly and take my time then I am full on a little less than a cup. I know since I have started real food back that my weight may go up some..but I feel that I am satisfied right now, and if Im feeling this way on my next appt then Im not going to get a fill.My problem is trying to eat too fast lol.. its hard to break old habits, and if I do eat too fast then I end up eating too much because my brain doesnt get the signal fast enough..My big thing is gonna be working on these habit changes..as long as the scale is moving down, then Im ok! Good Luck!!

[lifeisjustbeginning2011 11]

The one thing I've learned is just how very different everyone is. There's always going to be someone that tells you they achieved great weight loss without a fill. I attended a support group and one lady has had her band 4 years without a fill. On the flip side, there's always going to be someone that tells you that they had to get fills all the time to get into the green zone. For what it's worth, only you will really know. My first two weeks post op were my green zone. However, weeks 2-present involved quite a bit of hunger and yellow zone. You will learn you body - and the sounds it makes - when you're in the yellow zone. The center I chose (True Results) is all inclusive. I can go as many times as I need to within one year. After that, I pay for fills. I'm in no hurry. The last thing I want is to be too filled and vomit up everything, including Water. Don't be a hero by not getting a fill. Also, don't be a hero by getting fills too aggressively. Bottom line, take what you read here with a grain of salt. The way you feel right now may completely change in the next week. Just be open to the changes and know that everyone is so very different.

Amy

OK, maybe I'm being overly optimistic here, but I'm two-and-a-half weeks post-op, on soft foods, and feeling great. I'm losing weight (20+ lbs. since surgery), not hungry, and satisfied when I eat (around 1200 cal/day). Is that just crazy talk? If I'm still doing this well when I go for my first fill in September, will he still give me a fill, you think?