No Fill... Ever?

[MemphisFan 18]

So tomorrow will be two weeks since my surgery (June 5th) and I feel like I went through almost everything that people are mentioning on this board. My right leg hurt (pins and needles) and felt numb for a week. I almost died from pain every time I coughed, I ate mushies too soon and paid for it, I'm bored by the food and am having fast food nightmares. But I have lost twenty pounds (since the day of surgery, lost only 2 pre-op) I have no pain anymore, and I feel like my old self.

I am a self pay patient, and my doctor told me he didn't want to see me until 6 weeks post op. I thought that was odd since a lot of you on here are going 2 - 3 weeks post op and getting your first feel. I only have three months of appointments free, so I called my doctor today and told the nurse that I wanted to come in this week to talk about getting my fill. She asked me if I was hungry throughout the day. No. She asked me if I get full from 4-6 oz of food. Yes. She told me that I didn't need a fill yet then.

I asked her if I would automatically get a fill when I came in July 12th for my 6 week check up. She said no, that almost 50% of my doctors patients NEVER get a fill. I thought I didn't hear her right, but she reiterated; almost 50% of my doctor's patients never need a fill. She then said that only 20% need more than 1 fill. I told her that I visited this forum frequently and I thought that was odd since some people on here are getting 4-6 fills. She said that my doctor doesn't want his patients visiting this site because it gives them too much wrong information and bad advice and if I had any questions to call them. She also said that if the band was placed in the right spot, and the patient followed the doctor's strict 6 week post op diet, then generally no fills are needed.

I was SHOCKED by this. My doctor has awards all over his office and is generally considered the best in the southeast. I didn't know how to respond so I thought I would create a post and see what y'all thought about it.

[jen_1381 446]

If you're losing weight without a fill and not experiencing any hunger between meals, I see why a fill isn't indicated. But never doing a fill? That seems unusual.

My surgeon doesn't do fills until 4 weeks post-op. I saw him 2 weeks post-op just to check on the healing process, and at that point he told me to come back in at 4 weeks and they'll do a fill, if indicated.

He also warned against believing everything on this forum, but his reasoning made sense: It's human nature that people can't wait to talk about the bad, hardly ever talk about the good. Just take it all with a grain of salt.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I have to be honest, I always worry about doctors that don't do fills. If you read these boards, how many people have seen that never ever get a fill? Or that are at good restriction after just 1 fill? I've been on these boards almost 6 months and not seen a single one. In fact, that's why we call the time between surgery and adequate restriction "bandster hell", because it takes most people multiple fills before they have good restriction.

I would talk to your doctor and ask him what his basis for not doing fills is. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and if you're not comfortable with his answers don't be afraid to say so. Remember, you are the boss. The doctor works for YOU. He's not treating you out of the goodness of his heart, you hired him and pay him to treat you. You have every right to question him when necessary.

[shuckybucky 107]

Too many people get wrapped up in getting fills. The only indication for getting a fill is hunger between meals or not feeling full. Getting a fill does not equal weight loss because if you are in the green zone (and it sounds like you are) and you get to tight then you will have a lot of problems and not lose weight. I have heard some people never have to get a fill or some don't have to get one for a year. I did some research when I got my band and being in the green zone changes as you lose weight because you also lose a fat pad around your stomach. Try not to focus on fills and remember your goal. You are doing great!!!

[gottobeme 81]

There really is no "standard" of care for us. Doctors base things on their own research/results. It is good to ask questions and as helpful as this site can be there is no substitute for your doctors care and knowledge. Ask him to explain his reasoning behind his decisions. Most likely it is based on what has worked well in his practice. If you are concerned about the 3 month of fills included with the cost of your surgery explain that to him also.

[gottobeme 81]

BTW ... I am a little over 9 weeks out and have an appointment with the PA on Thursday (Friday will be 10 weeks). I'm not sure I will need a fill and have not yet had one.

[courtneys mom 1]

My dr told me that i won't get a fill up for at least a year? I'm five days post-op....but I think it's because she also done plications, were she tucked my stomach into it self and stitched it...but i was astonished by her telling me a year?

[blpchick 50]

My dr told me that i won't get a fill up for at least a year? I'm five days post-op....but I think it's because she also done plications' date=' were she tucked my stomach into it self and stitched it...but i was astonished by her telling me a year?[/quote']

Wow My doctor also does the plication but he still doesn't make his patients wait a whole year before getting a fill. I go in next Monday the 25th and will probably get my first fill. I will be about 6 weeks post op at that point.

[Lilbelly 31]

I have heard by my dr. that some people never need a fill. He has a patient that has lost 100 lbs. without a fill. I think thats great if you never need a fill. i am only 4 weeks post op, I haven't had any fills yet.

[FaithfulGirl 3]

Hi Everyone! I am 5 weeks out today and have my 1st fill tmrw. I am hungry between meals and find I can eat more than that I could just a wk ago. I'm hoping this fill will provide at least SOME restriction. I'll let y'all know!!

[Dibley Dawn 84]

You shouldn't go by what people on the board do or say because we are all different and have different experiences. If you are getting hungry between meals, find yourself looking for food or eating non-stop then you probably do need a fill. I wouldn't just get a fill because you think it's time for one.

I am just over a year out of surgery, just over 100 pounds lost and I have yet to have a fill. I just haven't needed one. i have been in the green zone (or what I consider to be the green zone) since i healed from surgery. I'm not saying I'll never need a fill, maybe one day I will, but for now, I am right on track. My doctor has said that if I haven't had a fill in a year, then chances are I won't ever need one, but only time will tell. You should only get a fill when you think you need one and not because 6 weeks have gone by or because everyone else is getting them.