On the Fence

Hey All,
Today I have my appt at the surgeon's office.  I'm trying to decide if I actually want or need a 2nd fill.  I currently have 1.4cc's in a 10cc band (I think).  Here's my pros & cons list:

Side 1
I've lost 10lbs over the past month.
I can usually go 3-4 hrs without being hungry.
I do feel some restriction.
I pay out of pocket for each fill.
 
Side 2
I only lost 10lbs over the past month.
I am able to eat more than a cup of food.
I have no problem with pasta, bread, etc (although I have only had tiny bites).

So that's my story.  I don't want to lose a month where I could be making more progress, but I don't want to get into the mindset that I rely too heavily on the fills.  

I welcome any thoughts and opinions...
Thanks,
Barbara

Just because you are able to eat more than one cup of food, doesn't mean you should.  :)

What you should be doing is measuring out one cup of food (or in my case, my doctor says 3oz of protein and 1/2 cup of veggies) and seeing how long that lasts you.  If that can take you 3 to 5 hours on most days, then you're at a good fill level.  This is what I was taught, your doctor may have other guidelines.

I agree that we shouldn't "depend" on fills for restriction, but they are also to help us by dimming the appetite.

Have you read Dr. Simpson's article "It's not about restriction" ? 

It is ultimately your decision, but I would also consider how difficult is it to get in for an appointment.  My doctor is very busy and sometimes it can take a month or 6 weeks to get in.. if I'm on the borderline about needing a fill, if I wait, by the time I can get in again, I'm REALLY needing one.  

They can give tiny bumps in fluid.. most of my fills have been .5cc or less.  And they work even at a small amount!  I'm also self-pay.

Hi Barbara,

Me personally I say you dont need one. First you lost over 10 pounds my doc wouldn't even consider giving me a fill for that weight loss alone right there.

You are going to 3-4 hrs without eating that is exactly what you are suppose to do :o)

So no fill I think it would be unnecessary IMO.

You dont want to be running and getting fills when you dont need them save them suckers for you really really do need them .

Only 10 pounds in a month ? You are only s suppose to lose 6-10 per month that is it .  1-2 pounds per week.

And just because you can eat more then a cup of food dont mean you should. I can eat more then a cup of food also but this is the part when self control and will power comes in also. You do need them two things with the band also .  the band dont do all the work for you :o)


And the last thing and I'm not directing this at you so please dont take offense :o)  I get so tired of people or the doctors telling people if you can eat bread, rice or pasta you need a fill !!!!! Oh that infuriates me to no end !!!   That is so untrue !!!!!

The band isn't placed in us to restrict us from foods we love the band is to help control portion control and to help curb hunger that is its job nothing more nothing less .

I can eat all them foods also I dont need no fill.    I eat them foods in moderation now and I do watch how often I eat them foods but eating them foods will not cause you not to lose weight.

What caused us to get fat on them foods is shoving them foods down our throat and not stopping IE two plates of spaghetti or two big helpings of rice , or 2-4 chunks of melted butter with rolls that is what got us fat !!!

The band is to teach us how to eat them foods in moderation  . There is nothing wrong for dinner one night to have your protein , veggie and say a 1/4 cup of pasta .  That is a very well balanced meal.

Do I eat pasta, bread, rice ? Yeap but I dont eat them foods every day, but I can still eat them foods and enjoy them foods.

Like I said the band isn't to restrict you foods , its to help with portion control and curb your hunger that is it .

Thanks ladies!!! 
~ Barbara

Hi Barbara,
Ten pounds in a month is really good.  Your restriction as far as hours without being hungry is good.  And fills are expensive.

You don't want to become a person who has issues with bread and pasta - That's like an RNY'er asking for dumping syndrome.  Don't do that.

I think you're good where you're at.   Save your money for another appointment.    Best of luck to you!

Thanks Janine! 
~ Barbara

I found this a great source of info


http://www.lapbandcentral.com/local/files/documentlibrary/AP _ART_OF_ADJUSTMENT_Guide.pdf

Thanks Denise.  Turned out, I didn't need the fill.  Yay!!! 
~ Barbara