Dr. John Bagnato - To fill or not to fill?

[allykat 1]

I had a fill on 8/26. Since then, I've lost about 5-6 lbs. I have an appointment for a fill on 10/1, and I'm trying to decide whether or not I should keep it or cancel it.

Up until this week, I would have said my restriction was fine. I was eating noticeably smaller portions. I've upped my exercise adn Protein consumption in the last few weeks, too. However this week, I've noticed there are times when I am freaking starving. Not only that, but I've been able to eat more this week than previously. Not that I'm overeating, but eating more per meal than I did probably a week ago.

There are times though when I feel pretty tight, especially in the mornings. Depending on the day, I can sometimes eat breat still, too - although that is a hit or miss thing. During my last fill, I got 1cc and she ended up taking out 1/2 cc since I gurgled while drinking Water. I still gurgle a good bit, but I don't really get stuck unless I don't chew well or eat too quickly.

So I'm trying to decide if I need a fill or not. I nearly cancelled my appointment last week because I felt like I was really right where I need to be. But this week, I'm really hungry. Do you think I should get the fill? Or is the extra hunger probably due to exercising more?

[nip50 2]

allykat - Just a couple of thoughts. First, how often are you eating? I know they say only 3 meals a day, but realistically you should have 2 healthy Snacks a day also. I have one mid morning and then one late afternoon, but not after dinner.

Second, you don't want to get too tight and be too miserable. How much are you eating at meals? I'm able to eat about one cup per meal. I know that many doctors say you should only be able to eat 1/2 cup, but I never wanted that much restriction.

Finally, what are you eatting and drinking? Are you staying away from the liquids and slider foods? Remember you should get all your Protein from solids and not Protein drinks and no drinking with meals or right after you eat. This will make a big difference.

One last thought, do you make your appointments 2 or 3 at a time? If you make them about 3 weeks apart its easy to cancel them and you won't have to wait too long for your next one.

[Guest Leslie2Lose]

Nip always gives great advice :-)

I had the same delima a few weeks ago. I spoke with Leslie at the OTC and she told me to keep the appointment. I know you have to drive to Albany, so that makes it a tougher decision. If you are doing all the Nip advised you may need a very small fill. Be careful getting too full - that is hell. Make sure you are getting in plenty of Water too - you are tighter when you don't have enough Water intake (lesson learned). I guess the sodium you intake affects that as well...TOM too.

[allykat 1]

I usually eat 3 meals a day and sometimes have Snacks, but not always. A typically Breakfast for me is either a Protein drink or yogurt. The Protein Drink is a new thing lately with me trying to get in more Protein. Sometimes I'll have a South Beach or Kashi bar mid morning (again, trying to get the protein) but that isn't always. lunch is different things. Sometimes a salad, sometimes some luncheon meat and cheese. I guess I'm probably eating about a cup but I could eat more than a cup a few times this week (salad and a panini, although the panini was small). I sometimes need a small snack in the afternoon if I'm working out. dinner I know I'm not overeating, although I could eat spaghetti (small portion) with bread this week...something I probably couldn't have done two weeks ago. I am pretty good with drinking my Water and I don't drink with meals. Occasionally, I may take a small sip but that is rarely, if ever. I don't snack in the evenings either. That's something I've never done...even preband.

I'll probably go to the appointment and just see what they think. I usually make several appointments at one time, but I don't have one coming up after the one on 10/1, so I'm due to make some others.

[jmunks2000 8]

did you ever end up getting a fill on this visit?