Need a fill and can't get appt.!

[nymoosic 0]

Alright, I need to vent. I had my first fill three weeks ago and it was AWESOME! Perfect restriction for two weeks. Now I'm back to square one. They scheduled my second fill for seven weeks after the first. I called yesteday to see if I could get in any earlier and there are no openings. Do I call and harass these people until I get in? I could easily screw up everything in the next four weeks. What do I do? I'm so frustrated.

[luluc 6]

Did you make fill #2 appt the same day you had fill #1? Does your Dr do your fill or a Surgical Center with a Nurse Practioner? My Dr told me to schedule my fills every 2-3 wks w/the Surgical Center (till I get to my sweet spot)....If they try to schedule me something past 3wks, I'm to call him (not had to) to fix that.

If your Dr is having you wait 7wks - I'd tell him your struggling and you need to be on a different schedule than every other month. It's tough getting to restriction, you need to be frank w/your Dr that you need his/her help in getting there.

Good Luck!!

[shortgal 5]

I agree.

I always make my next appt when I'm leaving the current appt, just in case. If i don't have restriction with the last fill, I'll have an appt and if I do get restriction, I can always cancel the appt. so far I have not cancelled any appts and have actually moved two appts up earlier. I will continue that approach until I get some restriction.

Fingers crossed, that happens soon.

[Cocoabean 430]

Alright, I need to vent. I had my first fill three weeks ago and it was AWESOME! Perfect restriction for two weeks. Now I'm back to square one. They scheduled my second fill for seven weeks after the first. I called yesteday to see if I could get in any earlier and there are no openings. Do I call and harass these people until I get in? I could easily screw up everything in the next four weeks. What do I do? I'm so frustrated.

You could call them and ask if you can be called if they get a cancellation. I have had several docs (PCP's and other specialists) who keep lists so that they can fill the appointments that cancel at the last minute.

Denise

[nymoosic 0]

They only schedule appts. for 4-6 weeks after the last fill. Yes, they did schedule the appt. at the end of my first fill appt.. I didn't realize it was that far away when they scheduled it. I am on the cancellation list, but I need it NOW!

[shortgal 5]

Don't panic. If you believe you will gain weight because you don't have good restriction, then you will gain weight.

Just work out a plan to stay in control until your next fill appt. Figure out how many calories a day you need to eat to lose about 1 to 1.5 pounds a week and write down everything you eat and track the calories (and track your protein). You know like being on weight watchers.

Most of us banders have been in the same place, not having good restriction and still trying to lose or even just to maintain. I'm one and what I do is just track my intake.

The band is not working 100% but it might help you 25 to 50%, giving you a little extra willpower to say no to foods you shouldn't eat.

Remember, your second fill might not get you to good restriction either, so you have to have a plan until you get there. It all will depend on how much they put in your band at each appt.

I've had six fills and still haven't reach good restriction for more than a day or two after each fill. But I do find the band gives me a little extra power to stay within my daily calories. I have 7 cc in a 10 cc band. But I can go as often as every two weeks for a fill.

Just hang in and make that plan. Don't start off mentally defeated.

P.S. I'm sure you know this but next time you'll be sure to make the next fill appt closer to four weeks after the last week rather than six.

[snowbird 2]

Are there certain foods you have difficulty eating? When I am in binge mode, I will sometimes eat something that I know I'll have trouble with, which stops my appetite fast. Nothing to the point of actually hacking it back up, but that slightly unpleasant, slightly nauseous feeling of taking a bite of band-unfriendly food is a real appetite suppressant for me.

[snowbird 2]

I think it's interesting your doctors have you coming in regularly for fills. Everyone is so different, how does that work? I have had two fills since my surgery nearly 5 months ago, and I do not need another and don't anticipate needing another in quite a while. My husband was banded the same day, has had three fills, and needs another one soon.

I get my fills from Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, and I can call for an appointment the day before I want to go in. Your experiences are reminding me why I am so much happier with the health care I'm getting in Mexico than the standard US procedures. I know most people don't live close enough to the border to have this luxury, but I am overjoyed that I have the opportunity to go back there. Viva la Mexico!

[luluc 6]

I think it's interesting your doctors have you coming in regularly for fills. Everyone is so different, how does that work? I have had two fills since my surgery nearly 5 months ago, and I do not need another and don't anticipate needing another in quite a while. My husband was banded the same day, has had three fills, and needs another one soon.

I get my fills from Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, and I can call for an appointment the day before I want to go in. Your experiences are reminding me why I am so much happier with the health care I'm getting in Mexico than the standard US procedures. I know most people don't live close enough to the border to have this luxury, but I am overjoyed that I have the opportunity to go back there. Viva la Mexico!

I keep going in for fills - because I haven't gotten restriction, to the point of getting to my "sweet spot". I've not had a single problem getting an appt whether that be every 2 to 4 wks - depending. I was banded 2 days after you (along w/my husband :thumbup:), and I've had 6 fills....my husband on the other hand has only had 3. He got restriction pretty early on - I'm working a lot harder with diet and exercise.

I'm betting I'll need 2 more fills (which will put me over 8cc's) before I get properly restricted - My surgeon agrees, he thinks 8.5cc's will be my target...but he does not want to rush me to that level all at once (hence the fills every 2/4 wks).

I rely on will power a BUNCH:smile:

[shortgal 5]

LuLuC: That is me exactly. I have not yet reached my first good restriction, so I keep going for fills. I have 7cc's in my 10 cc band and have been getting 1 cc at each appt, except the first fill was 2cc.

The next fill I would like .5 cc. I prefer to sneak up on restriction now that I'm probably getting close, than to be too tight. If this one doesn't last, then I'll go again in two weeks. I think I'll need to be somewhere between 7.5 to 8.5 as well.

I have an appt tomorrow and just called yesterday to get it. I had no problem getting in.

[VegasGrace 1]

Gonna guess you did one stop shopping and are locked into to the same provider because you either paid in advance a large sum (or your insurance did) and you'll have to pay out of pocket to go elsewhere......

If you can't get seen by one provider...go to another. Fill docs are a dime a dozen nowadays. But I guess that's according to where you live.

But like the other posters said, make your appointment for the next adjustment for 4 weeks later (inamed's recommendation). Need it? Go. Don't need it, cancel a day or two in advance.

Good luck and hang in. You are doing fine and a few weeks, although frustrating isn't that long when you look at the big picture.

[MC Cindy 0]

I understand not having enough restriction and being frustrated waiting for a fill. Now is the time you need to use what the band has taught you and eat smart and smaller portions. The band doesnt loose your weight you do, the band is a tool but the life style changes is what is key.

[nymoosic 0]

Thank you all for your support - especially shortgal! That's exactly what I needed to hear.

[shortgal 5]

No problem, we all need a kick in the butt occasionally. I'm sure my time will come too and hopefully someone on here will kick my butt into gear!

[juliegeraci 7]

7 weeks my God. My doctor only makes you wait 2 weeks in between fills. 7 weeks is too long, especially when you are just starting out. I would call and put yourself on a waiting list or call them every couple days until there is one that opens up. Good luck.