Should I go on without ever having a fill?

[shasha 0]

Hi there

I had my op about 10 weeks ago and since then have been slowly losing weight (about 25lbs) My appetite has seriously decreased and I do have restriction. There are certain foods I don't seem to be able to eat without bringing them up. I am thrilled to feel like I am no longer binge eating as I did before.

My dilema is that I had a traumatic op requiring over 80 stiches and since having the stiches removed have not wanted to go back to see my specialist. Is there any reason why i should go and see him if the band seems to be working without a fill?

Has anyone else experienced this and how long did it work for you without needing a fill?

BTW I had this done overseas and did not have insurance cover so am not answerable to anyone.

Thanks all :eek:

[Esmeralda 2]

Where did you have your surgery and why did it required that many stiches??

[Donna113 2]

At some point, once the swelling goes down and you are completely healed, your restriction will probably decrease significantly and you may want a fill at that time. For now, so long as you feel retricted and are happy with the rate of your weight loss, I say leave well enough alone.

[jetti 2]

If your specialist has not requested you go back to see him then I dont see why you should. I am almost a year out and still have not had a fill so it is possible for it to work without a fill. Im sure I will need a fill eventually and I have been thinking about one for about a month now but Im still losing so I dont think its needed yet.

[shasha 0]

Where did you have your surgery and why did it required that many stiches??

Hi Esmerelda. I had the surgery in the Middle East and complications meant that it became open surgery. I have lost faith in my surgeon because of this (and some other factors).

[shasha 0]

Thanks Donna - I hadn't thought about swelling. i wonder how long it takes for that to fully heal?

Jetti - wow, that is great to hear! Hope I will be the same.

[Minxz 0]

Even if you’re not getting a fill you should start looking for a Doctor you trust. That way if something happens or if you get ready for a fill, you have rapport with your treating physician.

[shasha 0]

That makes sense. thank you.

[Esmeralda 2]

Wow shasha sorry to hear about your surgery, but you it does make sense to start looking for a doctor soon so when you are ready for a fill you can get it. What kind of complications would require open surgery??? I don't think this happens to alot of people does it??

[shasha 0]

Part of the liver lobe and the Heptic (sp??) artery were crossing the stomach - too close to operate via keyhole. I am not sure of the statistics but I hadn't heard of this when researching before my op.

It does make a lot of sense to find another specialist. I have email contact with a woman here who has had the surgery and will get details of her specialist and take it from there I think.

Cheers

[jetti 2]

good luck on finding another doctor...its always good to have one just in case you want to go for a check up, fill or if something doesnt seem right

[Mrs. Bubba 0]

I had to have a full incision, too, but for different reasons. I had too much scar tissue from previous surgeries. I'm still healing (surgery was 8-21) and still have port pain that radiates to my back. I think it getss a little better all the time. I'm just getting over a bad cold with lots of coughing and that sure wasn't fun. I'm so sore in the midriff area..... I haven't had a fill either and am down 50 pounds now. I'm not getting one until I feel it's right. As long as my mind stays in the right place I think I can do this for myself. I have some restriction now and like you said, certain foods don't go down well at all.. chicken breast is one for me. It gets stuck every time.... But oh, well.

I was very glad to hear about someone else not having a fill and even more glad to know there are those who haven't had one at all.. It's encouraging for me...

Good luck to all..... Julie

[donnabarney 0]

I went 12 weeks without a fill, I have now had 3 fills, 2cc in a 4cc band, and I think I won't need one. when I had my band I actually has .5cc of fill in (when they tested it at the manufacture), and things have worked out fine. look for a dr close or a fill center, and it will be there when you need it.

good luck.