fill-to do or not to do?

[erikaz 0]

Hey guys,

I had my surgery about 2 months ago...since then, I've lost almost 30 pounds, so I'm pretty happy with the results...I went for my first fill in the beginning of JUne and the doctor, at first, didn't want to do anything cuz I was losing nicely but I asked him to put in a little. So he gave me 2 cc's. The last time I went, I had lost 5 pounds in 2 weeks so again he told me not to do anything cuz he felt as long as I was losing nicely, there was no need to do anything. I'm going back again today and I think I lost another 4 pounds in the 2 weeks since my last appointment. He will probably tell me not to touch it again.

My question is if I should ask him to put in a little bit again. Is 2 pounds a week good enough or can I be losing quicker? I find that I eat regular meals and am not really hungry so the band is definitely doing its job. but maybe if I get a fill, I'll eat even less during meals, and lose more. What do you guys think? do you recommend leaving it alone or asking him to put in a little bit?

thanks,

[Shay7997 0]

2 pounds a week is very nice. It's a safe speed too. My doctor told me 1-2 pounds a week is what I should lose. I wouldn't want to lose faster than that. It's a health thing.

[karenv 0]

erikaz, glad you asked that question? I was banded 6/3/09 and since I started the Optifast 2 weeks before surgery, I've lost 30 pounds. I'm afraid my dr is not going to give me a fill on 7/10. I seem to have restriction even without any Fluid but want a fill so I stay fuller longer. I get full fast, but it doesn't last too long. I'm not complaining about the weight loss but I really would like a fill.

[LSF 264]

Don't get the fill. You are VERY fortunate to lose 2 pounds a week. I was only losing 2 pounds a month!!! I'm now at 10cc's and finally feeling more restriction than I had been. You are in a spot that it won't be a big deal to wait.

[davidsmom08 0]

I wouldn't get the fill...I met someone at my MD office the other day that in a year has lost over 100 lbs and has only had 2 fills. Why fix what isn't broken...wait until you have plateau before getting a fill.

[Weigh2Fat 0]

I agree on waiting. If you do get a fill and can't get the same amount of calories in, starvation mode may kick-in and you may stop losing weight even on less calories.

[Lolagirlie 0]

The slower you lose the weight, the less chance of nutritional deficits that can occur. Seriously...you should be over the moon with your weight loss. You need to take it slow. NO FILL. Lola

[jms462001 9]

You don't want to be too full. You are losing just fine. I had 2 fills and have been losing at the same rate as you without getting another.

[dbeers 0]

I was banded on 3/4/09 and had my first fill (2c) 4/17/09.

I went back to the dr 6 weeks later and I lost 12lbs, so he left it up to me if I wanted a fill or not. I decided I did not need one, I eat almost everything and I get full much faster. I watch what I eat, no breads, sweets, or Snacks. Only sugar free items. I exercise daily 20-30minutes. I go back to the dr 7/21 and I have already lost 12lbs. My first fill hurt so I'm determined only has a last resort I will get another one. So far its working! I keep telling myself the band is a tool and I have to do my part to keep losing weight. As of today I'm down 54lbs, I feel great

[MLeone 0]

I just got my second fill after a 3 week plateau. I was losing nicely like you for about 6 weeks then nothing. This new fill has changed everything and I have to push to food away quickly. I was getting to the point where I could eat almost anything. Since the latest fill, I have lost 5 lbs in 5 days. Sure that will slow down, but has given me new motivation.

A minor fill of 1 to 2 cc is worth a try, if it's too much to handle, get it taken out.

[karenv 0]

I want to thank everyone for their suggestions. I've noticed though (not that it makes a difference) that many of your starting BMI is less than 40. I knew I was heavy but I never really looked at people and their sizes. Now I'm starting to see that I was a lot heavier than my eyes and mind would allow me to see. What an eye opener.

[Kitten123 0]

I am finally getting my first fill (90 days post op!!!) the delay was due to insurance restrictions. I've only lost 10 lb because I only felt restriction for the first 30 days and I 've been trying not to gain any of the 10 I've lost back but it's hard because I don't feel any restriction. When I have my fill will I have any in put as to the amount of the fill or do most of you find that the doctors do what they deem best?

[marie715 0]

I wouldn't get the fill...I met someone at my MD office the other day that in a year has lost over 100 lbs and has only had 2 fills. Why fix what isn't broken...wait until you have plateau before getting a fill.

I totally agree with Davidsmom08. I'm 10 months post-op and that has been my philosophy. I've lost 85 pounds on 3 fills. The last one was December 2008. It is too risky to keep getting fills that may not be needed. You don't want to end up on the fill, unfill, fill, unfill rollercoaster. Count your blessings that you are losing at a steady rate. Continuted good luck and success to you!