Question for band veterans

[loser2014 73]

As I've mentioned on other threads, I am three weeks out from surgery. I am on solid foods and have eaten many delicious things like chicken, shrimp, fish, fruits, vegetables, and have not had any stuck episodes yet.

While I would not say that I feel "restriction", I have a pleasant dulling of hunger and minimal desire to over eat or eat unhealthy foods.

I have lost 15 pounds over the past four weeks from when I started the pre-op diet. This might not sound like a lot, but I am happy with it as it is 13% of the total amount of weight I hope to lose which is 115 pounds.

My question is should I get a fill when I go to the doctor in the beginning of November. I hate to mess with success. Clearly, the band is doing something. I read stories about people who can't keep anything down after a fill and that terrifies me.

What would you do or have you done in my situation?

[Jack 855]

re: "While I would not say that I feel "restriction", I have a pleasant dulling of hunger and minimal desire to over eat or eat unhealthy foods."

My own decade-ago "first fill" was a full 6 months postOp.

I was SOOOOoooooo tight there was no need to do anything. Mine is the antique 4cc Band, and as little as .1~.2cc makes a tremendous difference.

IF it were me with the sensation you describe, I would specifically advise the Doc I didn't WANT a fill ....yet.

Cheers on your journey.

[parisshel 1,892]

Your doctor will have his/her own protocol for post op fills. I would follow it.

I say that because you may be feeling restriction uniquely due to the trauma of the band surgery. Once that wears off, when the swelling goes down, you are going to want to have that fill in place. (I'm assuming your band has no fill presently.)

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

A few Banders never need a fill. Talk to your doctor and be observant about your eating patterns.

[HealthyNewMe 1,935]

Your doctor will ask several questions and help you make the decision of whether or not to get a fill.

[Leepers 1,195]

I too felt something right away. I did however get one fill of about 2 cc six weeks after my surgery. I haven't needed one since. I think there are a lot of differing opinions on exactly what restriction is. For me, my band slows me down. I get backed up very easily so I have to eat slowly. This gives me time to make the decision for myself that I don't need to eat any more. If I really wanted to take the time, I could eat as much as I want. Now, I do say that my band is a fickle b****h. Sometimes she doesn't slow me down at all depending on what I'm eating. But she does it often enough that I'm okay with leaving my fill where it is. It's a personal decision to make along with your doc. If you're having success, you may want to wait until you feel you really need it.

[mrsto 2,925]

As mentioned above, you should follow your doctor's advice and protocol.

I had my first fill 4 weeks post-op. I had been doing very well, but once all the swelling went down, I was ravenous. Then I had a couple more fills over the following 8 weeks. I was good for awhile, then had another fill; which was a mistake. After a couple of weeks living with that fill, I was way too tight & had horrible reflux issues. So then I had some un-fills, but ended up having all Fluid removed until my body calmed down. Then I slowly refilled, and I'm in a very good place right now.

My suggestion is, hold off until you find that you're no longer satisfied on smaller amounts of food, for longer periods of time. If the band is working, ride it out. You can always have a fill. I have read some who say they were miserable after one fill, but I really think it has to do with how aggressive the fill is, how compliant the patient is, etc. It's better to go slow to reach the sweet spot, rather than go past it and have to back up. But don't be afraid based on some of what you read here. There are many veterans who have done very well without fills. Listen to YOUR body, and move forward accordingly.

Congrats on your loss so far! Sounds like you're doing just fine

[terrydumont46 1,954]

leepers said it best. fills are a personal decision. your doctor will guide you and ask you questions about how you are feeling. most doctors side on the side of caution, so if you don't want a fill he/she won't do it. good job on the wt. loss. you are doing well.

[rosettag 122]

I . For me, my band slows me down. I get backed up very easily so I have to eat slowly. This gives me time to make the decision for myself that I don't need to eat any more..

That is exactly what happens to me.

I' ve been banded for 3 years and a half.

I lost 50 kilos the first 10 months after surgery.

My surgeon filled my band with 1.5 cc during surgery and that was enough for me.

A year later, when I had already lost 50 kg, he added another 1.5 cc.

He says that our stomach gets slimmer too, and the bend gets loose just like a belt around our waist.

I haven' t needed more fills.

If my mind lets my band work, I don' t need further restriction.

If I wanted to eat the "wrong foods" , I think that the tightest of the bands could not prevent me from doing it

[fatrabbit75 0]

Wow only 3 weeks out and you already have a fill. I had to wait 5 weeks from surgery then .5 cc the another month .5 cc

Just give it some time.. you are barely healed