Never had a Fill

Do anyone no a doctor that does the lapband fills in Newark or Nj and accepts medicaid if so do you have his or her contact info casuse I need a fill asap but anyways my surgery was on the 15th of july and so far i lost 20 pounds but need a fill bad before I start to gain weight. The doc that did my surgery left me unfilled and wants me to wait till the 28th of this month but I cant cause im starving here.

Hi Shakeerah,

I wa wondering what happened to you.  So you had the Lap Band!!  Congratulations!!!  As far as a fill, can you call your Insurance company and see what other surgeons are in your area, or maybe someone on this site will be able to help you.  I don't know of any surgeons as far as the Lap Band.  But am happy to hear you are doing good,  I hope you are able to find a surgeon who can help you.  Good-Luck!!!!

Shakeerah,

As far as I know, all Doctors do band operations without anything inside the device - because your stomach will be swollen from the surgery. It takes a few weeks before the stomach "recovers".

A fill isn't usually done until a person stops loosing weight, or when they can eat "as normal as before the operation". I am unsure why you are rushing to have a fill.  So far you've lost 20 pounds in about a month, and that's great. Why do you think you need  a fill already? I didn't have a fill for about 6 months, and lost over 100 pounds. OK - that's not the "norm" - but know I started at a "higher poundage" then many - so percent-wise it's probably the same as others.

I would suggest waiting another month (or so) before having a fill. See how your weight loss goes without the fill.

Finally, many insurance companies have "guideline" when they will reimburse for a fill. Your out-of-pocket cost could be as high as $1,500.00 - if you have a fill before recommended by the insurance company (including Medicaid)

Also, having a fill is no guarantee that your “hunger desire” will subside. It takes some folks 2, 3, 4, 5 fills before they feel “restricted”. What you need to realize is the type of “hunger” you are feeling - is it actual hunger (pain from within your stomach), or hunger because you are bored (known as “head hunger”)?

Hi Shakeerah,
  I just had my first fill today and my surgery was 8 weeks ago.  Even if someone gives you the name of another doctor, I don't think they will do a fill for you.  Don't you trust your surgeon to do what is best for you?   I am eight weeks out and have lost the same amount as you and my doctor is happy with my progress.  Remember, we knew before we had this surgery that it would be slow.  If you wanted fast you should have done RNY.  Just relax, enjoy your success so far, and keep up your faith that this is going to work for you.  Don't panic!!!  Make sure you are eating enough protein to keep you full the longest.  Drink plenty of water, too.  Maybe if we all tell you what we eat on atypical day it would help you.  Maybe you are not eating enough.  Have you tried going to a support group?   All these things should help get through the hard time you are having right now.  Good Luck!