To Fill or Not to Fill?

[CJ1014 0]

I was banded on 7/7/09. My post-op appointment was on 7/28/09 and the doctor allowed me to graduate to pureed foods. The doctor told me at the post-op appointment to come back in 2 weeks if I was hungry in between meals...if I'm not hungry she said to wait an additional 2 weeks to come back for a fill. So my question is, should I get the first fill as scheduled on Tuesday (to possibly lose a little more weight) or wait the extra 2 weeks? I'm not hungry in between meals...actually I'm only hungry when I first wake up in the morning. When I do eat I eat maybe 2-3 oz of food and feel great. This is all new to me so I would love to hear any suggestions/opinions.

[Jodi_620 37]

The makers of the Lap Band have this whole "Green Zone" guideline to help you decide if you need a fill and how much. You could probably Google "Lap Band Green Zone" to see the chart.

But basically, if you are:

1.) Hungry between meals

2.) Eating larger portions

3.) Not losing weight

Then you need a fill.

If you are experienceing just one of these problems, a tiny fill may help if you have all three and larger fill is needed.

I eat closer to 8 oz of food so if I were only eating 3 oz. and was satisfied on that and losing weight I definitely would not be looking to get a fill. Being too tight or not eating enough is definitely not going to benefit you.

Edited August 7, 2009 by Jodi_620

[greytz 4]

I think it is really up to you and your surgeon. I was banded 06-17 and did not have my first fill until 08-04 but I can tell you that the last week of that was torture. Particularly around two days before. I was hungry as a bear. Once I had the first fill it was so different. I am so suprised at how full I stay and how little I really eat. I have already lost 3 lbs since the 4th. I thought I was eating very little before my first fill but comparing what I eat now opposed to what I ate just before is nothing short of amazing. Good Luck.

[Bethanyblondie 0]

Glad this thread was started....I got banded on 5/18 and have not yet had a fill because I was getting and staying full so well, and have lost over 30 pounds since surgery. I even saw my surgeon last week for a check up and he still didn't suggest a fill.

However, this week, seems like all of the sudden...I can eat more, more often, and even have put on a little weight (a couple of pounds!)! ARgh! Does the need for a fill really come on that quickly?? I didn't notice any of this before like I do this week!

Guess I'll be making an appointment to get my first one! I do NOT want to start gaining!

[bambam 0]

If you're not hungry and losing weight I wouldn't go in for a fill. I certainly wouldn't want to be too tight.

The need for a fill can seem to come on quickly. I was to go for one next week but just canceled it today as I'm doing fine where I am at. Their office suggests waiting until a few days before your fill to decide if you want to cancel, as that last week can (and has) make/made a big difference~ .

So for the original poster - i wouldn't get a fill. To the person who asked about the need for a fill coming on quickly - yes it can!

[CJ1014 0]

Thank you all for your suggestions/opinions! I really appreciate it! :smile2:I went ahead and canceled my fill appointment for Tuesday. They rescheduled it for Sept. 15 but told me that if I felt that I needed a fill before than to call and they would get me in with one of the other doctors.

To Jodi-thank you for the Lap Band Green Zone info! :scared2:

To Bethanyblondie- Wow almost 3 months and 30lbs without a fill? That's awesome! Congrats! :tt1:

[jujuvee 0]

Agreed, I al 4 months out with no fill and a loss of 60lbs post op. I eat solid foods and stay away from mushies as these will slide right through anf not satisfy me very long, I canceled all fills until 6 months post op, I love the fact that I can eat anything just smaller amounts and still lose.

I had 1/2 chicken breast and 1 cup of cantaloup for dinne and I'm stuffed.

If I eat a pork chop It fills me up for close to 8 hours. But if I eat Cereal or Soups I want to eat an hour later.

[CJ1014 0]

Agreed, I al 4 months out with no fill and a loss of 60lbs post op. I eat solid foods and stay away from mushies as these will slide right through anf not satisfy me very long, I canceled all fills until 6 months post op, I love the fact that I can eat anything just smaller amounts and still lose.

I had 1/2 chicken breast and 1 cup of cantaloup for dinne and I'm stuffed.

If I eat a pork chop It fills me up for close to 8 hours. But if I eat Cereal or Soups I want to eat an hour later.

I love hearing about what everyone else eats and does for exercise and their suggestions. Thank you so much for this!

[jujuvee 0]

If I stay true to my plan I eat about 1.5-2 cups of food and don't snach.

Breakfast- oatmeal with Protein Powder and fruit or 1 egg omelet w/ meat&cheese and fruit or Protein Drink

lunch- pita pocket stuffed with shredded bbq chicken or a recipe of chicken, feta cheese, red onion and cilantro.

Dinner- turkey burgers/ turkey meat loaf,oven fried chicken, roast, pork chops and a vegetable side.

If I allow a snack it is only before bed and it will be sherbert or air popped pop corn with smart balance butter blend.

Exercise if I am real good is 2.5 mile walk a day.

[heidib 15]

Ok. I'm not really hungry in between meals, I'm NOT losing weight. It will be a year in sept & I've only lost 40 lbs!!

[jujuvee 0]

Heidib, what is your eating and exercise plan and how much more weight do you want to lose?

[heidib 15]

Heidib, what is your eating and exercise plan and how much more weight do you want to lose?

Jujuvee~ I must admit I know what my problems are :drool:. I am on & off the wagon so to speek. I just have to buckle down. I know I'm eating the wrong foods, not enough, Protein, eating between meals, no excercise, ect ect. I have not had a fill since Dec! The last fill I had made me too tight though. Today is a new day though. I will go back to the gym & start journaling my food again!!! I need to get on the boards here again because i know you all keep me motivated. THANK YOU!!!!

[heidib 15]

If I stay true to my plan I eat about 1.5-2 cups of food and don't snach.

Breakfast- oatmeal with Protein powder and fruit or 1 egg omelet w/ meat&cheese and fruit or Protein Drink

lunch- pita pocket stuffed with shredded bbq chicken or a recipe of chicken, feta cheese, red onion and cilantro.

Dinner- turkey burgers/ turkey meat loaf,oven fried chicken, roast, pork chops and a vegetable side.

If I allow a snack it is only before bed and it will be sherbert or air popped pop corn with smart balance butter blend.

Exercise if I am real good is 2.5 mile walk a day.

I see you are very dedicated! Good for you. How long have you been banded & what s your loss????

[heidib 15]

Agreed, I al 4 months out with no fill and a loss of 60lbs post op. I eat solid foods and stay away from mushies as these will slide right through anf not satisfy me very long, I canceled all fills until 6 months post op, I love the fact that I can eat anything just smaller amounts and still lose.

I had 1/2 chicken breast and 1 cup of cantaloup for dinne and I'm stuffed.

If I eat a pork chop It fills me up for close to 8 hours. But if I eat Cereal or Soups I want to eat an hour later.

ooops, just read this so scratch the last questions. GREAT JOB on your weight loss!!!!