To fill or not to fill....

[food expert 1]

I was banded on July 17th and I have not had a fill yet. I travel extensively (like 10 countries since I was banded) and I simply haven't had time to go to the doctor and get my first fill. However, I have been losing around 2+ pounds per week and have quite good restriction. I don't have problems eating any types of foods except sandwich bread, which is OK with me. I am not sure I want to get a fill and change things. I read a lot about PB'ing and regurgitation and all that other stuff and right now I don't have that. Since I am gone so often I feel like I am probably safer going this route of no fills. I also wonder how much of the band is physcological since I know I can't get a fill and I need to rely on what I've got.

How many people have been OK without getting any fills?

[MacMadame 81]

When I was researching the band, I came across the story of someone who lost 100 pounds and never had a fill. She had enough restriction without one.

[flowers 0]

When you say you have enough restriction without a fill, sounds like you might be one who had some prefill with your band?

I dont know how someone could have any restriction just from the band, because I know I woke up from surgery and could have eaten anything then and there.

Many fills centers I know do fills on Saturdays, maybe you could schedule it on a weekend when you arent travelling if you get to where you feel you need a fill?

[Mrs J.J 2]

You are doing very well without a fill. I´d also say carry on until you feel that you don´t have the same restriction you have now, and then get a fill.

[OctoberGal 0]

My surgeon said he has a few patients that have had no or just one fill that are doing just fine -- it's rare but it does happen. Consider yourself fortunate and don't get that fill unless you really feel you need it. It is apparent you have learned to follow the lapband rules -- good for you!

[CrimsonDawn 0]

It was explained to me that the stomach of an obese person is much thicker because it has fat around it and depending on the size of the band they used it could have been pretty tight at surgery. The tighter the band the more restriction. As you lose the fat around your organs it will become loser and they you may need a fill. I totally wouldn't fix something that wasn't broken!

[Lexi Li 0]

I had surgery 6 days before you and have only lost 36 pounds. That includes 2 fills. I think you would be crazy to mess with something that is wildly successful. You know what they say. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[bas 0]

I have found that airline travel greatly affects my band, making it much tighter for several days after a flight. Perhaps all of the flying you're doing is having the same affect as having a fill. The altitude/pressurized cabin swells the band.

You may find that after being grounded for longer lengths of time that you'll feel a difference in your band and may opt for a fill - but it sure looks as if it's working for you as is, for now.

Congratulations on your weight loss!! You're doing fantastic!

[Katja 15]

When I was banded 14 months ago, I did really well losing without a fill. I lost 30 pounds in those first 8 weeks. My doc and I decided to go without a fill until my losses slowed down. I wound up getting my first fill at the end of 3 months post-op.

I agree with you, if the loss is still going well, I see no need to 'rush' getting a fill. Wait until you are no longer happy with your progress.

[jetti 2]

If you are losing without a fill then I would say wait it out. I am 11 months out and have not had a fill yet and I am pretty happy with my progress so far. I too dont have any problems with any foods...but there are things I dont eat because they are not worth the calories/fat. good luck with whatever decision you make.