To fill or not to fill

[stevodreo 4]

Hi everyone. My last fill was 6 weeks ago and brought me to 9.5 in a 14cc band. At the time of the last fill my Dr tried up to 9.75 but after seeing that Water wasn't going down ,he took out .25. Since then ive been losing around 4 lbs a week 23 pounds since last fill. Last week I noticed how I was starting to eat a lot more,way more than 4 oz. I would say closer to 10oz. Well this week has been different , because 2-3 hours after I eat Im hungry all over again and can eat as if I hadn't had a meal two hours before. Does it make sense that after losing 20-25 lbs, your band needs to be tightened to stay in the green zone???? I would really like to keep the weight loss going on a quick pace to help my type 1 diabetes.

The disclaimer is that Im out of the country for another month and cant use my regular Dr for the fill. Im ready to pay out of pocket costs just want to make sure its justified.

Thank you everyone for listening Cant wait for your responses!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jim1967 3,569]

Hi Steveo, I found that as I lost weight I needed frequent adjustments throughout the first year. As you lose it makes sense your stomach shrinks and the band loosens up a bit. That being said I would assess your intake and be certain you're not eat around your band and that you are paying attention to the stop signals and not eating until your overly full. It would also make sense as you're increasing your physical activity your body will want more nutrition.

[Bandista 7,466]

Hi there, I have needed many small fill adjustments and, like you, had to have a teeny bit taken out. I'm glad that's available -- the adjustability part of the adjustable Lapband system -- as I don't ever want to be too tight. My surgeon describes being satisfied with a tennis ball sized portion of food and not hungry again for 4-5 hours. I'd have the portion part but hungry again too soon, so we kept going. Then once in green I might be good for six weeks or so then feeling that obsession with food return, looking for food, etc. That's my tip-off. That and feeling "diet-y" because I was such a restrictor for so long with, of course, the inevitable bounce-backs. I agree it makes sense that since I don't have a Winnie-the-Pooh belly anymore the band would need to be cinched up a little here and there.

You are doing so well. The only other thing that comes to mind is the travel caveat. I think if it were me I'd be cautious about using another doctor -- can yours advise you of a colleague in whatever country you're in for the next month? And are you sure your hunger is real hunger and not "I'm in a hotel and want to eat" hunger? Cause that's me! But it sure sounds like a drop out of the green zone and you don't want to slow your loss. I get that. Hope this helps!

[2muchfun 8,927]

What foods are you eating now?

The band won't stop us from eating 10 oz or even 32 oz of food. Your lower stomach is still intact. You're still very new to the band and I'm thinking maybe you're not noticing or looking for the satiety signals like runny nose, hiccups, small burps and loss of interest in food?

Are you truly hungry after 2-3 hours? Is it physiologic hunger(true hunger) or is it psychological hunger? Our eating demons(cravings) still lurk and can be very persuasive if you have access to trigger foods?

Lastly, swelling from fills can last 2-3 weeks which can give off the impression that we're in the green zone and can just cruise on. This is why small fills every 30 days can help mitigate our hunger. Our esophagus is wrapped in two layers of muscle that massage food into our stomach. These muscles can become stronger and more efficient when we're banded and filled due to back pressure from the stoma being blocked and backed up. Makes sense huh?

Watch for those soft stop signals and eat your Protein first. And stay clear of slider type foods if you can. jmo

tmf

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

"Lastly, swelling from fills can last 2-3 weeks which can give off the impression that we're in the green zone and can just cruise on. "

Tmf, I think this applies to me. I've got an appointment next Tuesday and may need a very small fill. We'll see.

[Jim1967 3,569]

Lastly, swelling from fills can last 2-3 weeks which can give off the impression that we're in the green zone and can just cruise on.

Jeez, I actually forgot about this. I had a few of those false positives along the way. I can't believe I forgot that. Feeling of restriction and 4 days later it was gone. Happened to me twice.