Im not sure if I should get a fill

[banded 11/4/04 0]

Im not sure if I should get a fill. I know that I can eat more ...but sometimes I still have a problem swollowing some foods. Is this common even if you need a fill?

[Guest j. lynn]

Do you need another fill? That's entirely possible. You need a fill if:

1) You can eat more than you should. For a meal, you should have 2-4 ounces of meat (chicken or whatever), 1/4-1/2 cup of veggies and MAYBE something starchy if you have room. If you can eat more than that, you need a fill.

2) You should eat a bandster portion (above) and be full (full means not hungry) for 3-4 hours. If you eat the right portions, but are hungry after an hour, you need a fill.

Are you following the bandster rules?

1) At least 64 ounces of Water a day. It counts as Water if it is calorie-free (or close) -- so Crystal Light and sugar-free Kool-Aid count. It also must be Decaf - regular coffee doesn't count as a liquid.

2) At least 60 grams of Protein a day.

3) No drinking with meals. I even have a no-drinking for 30 minutes after a meal...some docs say 1 hour after.

4) All liquids must be almost calorie-free, except milk. This means no sugary lemonades, but you can have Crystal Light, sugar-free Kool-Aid, water, sugar-free popsicles.

5) Eat Breakfast. Not really a bandster rule, but one that I've found very important.

6) No grazing. If you want a snack, fine, plan for it. But don't keep eating those Hershey kisses by your co-workers desk. You'd be surprised at how fast they add up.

7) Exercise daily. No matter what the level -- if you can only walk 10 minutes, do 10 minutes. If you can do 1/2 hour, do that. But do something and every so often, increase your time and intensity.

Try tracking your calorie intake on fitday.com for just a few days. See how many calories you're taking in. If you're not losing, you're probably taking in more than you think. Course, it's possible to take in too few calories and then your body will shut down. The goal is for 1200-1500 calories/day.

[Jorjet 0]

I'm not sure if I am in the right thread, but I have a question, and hopefully someone will tell me, if I should get a fill.

I had a fill 2 weeks ago, and felt no restriction at all. I got my period today, and everything I tried to eat, seemed to get stuck. It was discomfort, not pain,but then, I had lots of slime. Is it possible for the band to tighten up after 2 weeks?

I am suppose to go to the doctor first thing in the morning, but was wondering if I should cancel.

Any ideas??

[Guest j. lynn]

ALOT of women say that their band gets tighter during their period. It's also not unheard of for a fill to kick in until 2 weeks after.

I'd give it a day or two and see what your restriction level is.

jayme