In search of a new Doctor

I had my first fill on July on 28 an since my fill i dont have any restrictions an i know that everyone is different but i still  can eat an i feel hungry after i eat my portioned out meals Call my doctor
to get appointment to get a fill an i was told i have to wait  4 weeks

My question is it hard to switch doctors so i can be able to get my feel as needed

Please give some direction on this

It's too soon after the fill to know whether you're going to have restriction, probably. Your doctor sounds like he knows what he's doing. To err on the side of caution is much smarter than having it too tight. Usually they recommend 2 weeks to see if the band will reach optimal restriction.

I think you should trust your doctor, personally.

The band takes enormous patience.

I think most Dr's require you to wait at least 4 weeks between fills, I know mine does. For some people fills don't kick in right away and the worst thing is to be too tight. Hang in there, it will be better in the long run!

My dr requires 6 weeks between fills, It also does take a while to feel some restrictions.
Cathie

Thank you for all the comments i really appreciate them i guess im getting impatient because my sister has had her lap band for over a year an she keeps telling me that i should be able to get a feel when i think i need one so i guess i need to just wait it out an make the  best of it


BUT I REALLY DO THANK YOU ALL FOR  YOUR FEEDBACK !!!!!!

First you don't want to get fills too soon after another fill, you could end up too tight.  That could lead to a slip and more complications.  So your doctor only has your health in mind by spacing your fills apart 4 weeks.  Second, I don't think most of us feel any restriction after one fill.  Did your doctor not explain that it could take several fills before you might feel some restriction.  It took me 9 fills!!!  Everyone is different and there might be the lucky few (and I mean few) that have restriction from one fill but most of us have to wait for fill 3, 4, 5...

In the mean time keep up your good band habits to prepare for when you do have restriction.  Make sure you are getting lots of protein, water and exercise. 

I think your doctor sounds fine and I would be leery of a doctor that would fill you too soon.  You do need to take this slowly.  You have read about people on here that eat or drink because they are too tight...it's miserable.

Just take it easy your time will come.  Even though I had to wait 9 fills and 15 months to get to where I needed to be.  I lost 150 lbs!!!  So don't give up!!!

 It might be a good time to learn more about your band. Jean's book Bandwagon is an excellent book. 

 What I do is schedule my next appointment when I go.. because I knwo they get filled up.. so if I go July1, when I leave I make an appointment for 4 weeks.. that way If I need it, I go, if not, I cancel...or reschedule

You have gotten good solid advice here. I was aware when I had surgery that I might take several months to get to my optimal fill level and was prepared to ride it out and just keep eating in an appropriate manner. I dreaded it, but that is just part of the band experience. Imagine my supprise when I was probably the only person ever that got restriction with my first fill! I was so unprepared for it that I had to go back and have some out (and my surgeon is conservative on fills). I left some out until I could be sure I could consistently exhibit good eating hygiene. I still have less in my band than most and that is fine. I would rather be on the loose side than risk complications.

You can do this, Sue

I can take 3 days to a week for your fill to kick in.  Nobody can explain it, but thats often how it goes.  For the first year you should plan on getting fills every 6 weeks, (IF you need one).  I sheduled mine in advance to save the date and cancelled if I found I didn't need one when the appointment was getting nearer.  After the first year you will generally only go when you feel you need a "tweak" but most drs will want you to wait a minimum of 4 weeks between to allow for swelling and adjustments that automatically happen internally.

Here are the 3 questions you will want to ask yourself to determine if you really need a fill or not:

1.  Are you hungry between meals?  (Real hunger, not head or emotional hunger)
2.  Has your weight loss stalled?
3.  Can you eat more than 1/2 cup solid food at a time per meal?

If you answer yes to 2 or more of these questions you may need a fill.  If not, you're probably fine for a while.

Tightness of the band does not automatically assure weight loss.  A too tight band can not only be dangerous it can be counterproductive to your weight loss.  Hang in there, it will come.

I remember being very impatient in the beginning too!  Just focus on the quality of food your're eating, measured portions and getting in all your protein and you'll be fine!

Best~
Lisa O.