Question:
How do i know when i need a fill?

I'm 2 months out from lap band and have lost 40lbs. I have not lost anything for the past week or so. Is this a plateu or do i need a fill? I'm eating the same amount, i have not changed anythig in my diet, but was wondering how do u know when its time for a fill? Thanks!    — nyckitty (posted on April 25, 2008)

April 25, 2008
I had RNY, so not sure about the fill...but from what I've read from others....it's when you feel you need more restriction. AS far as the losing weight...you will hit stalls along the way. I hit a stall at 2 weeks and it lasted 4 weeks....but I continued to many inches (read my blog to hear my whine about it LOL). It's normal and out of no where, the weight begins to fall again. I didn't do anything different initially except weight it out....The scale started to move again.....AND 40 LBS...are you kidding me. THAT IS AWESOME LOSS. I'm 3 mos out and that's all I've lost...which shows you that ever body is different and loses differently. Good luck and congrats on the HUGE loss.
   — hatda

April 25, 2008
When you go to your next apt. let them know how you feel and the doctor will determine if you need antoher fill.
   — 2409w.poplar_rodriguez

April 25, 2008
I am also two months out from lap band, and have only lost 23 lbs. post surgery. So, congratulations on losing in the same amount of time, as much as a lot of people who have gotten gastric bypass. I knew I needed a fill when I started eating more, and got hungry quicker. So, since you are eating the same, you have probably reached a plateu.
   — Dro

April 25, 2008
I am a year and a half out from LapBand so I have some experience in this. I know I need a fill when: 1) I have very little restriction and feel like I can eat too much. 2) I'm on track with intake and exercise and don't lose weight.
   — DawnVic

April 26, 2008
If you are hungry before the 4 hours is up, are eating more, able to eat foods you couldn't previously, &/or go 2-3 weeks without losing weight then it is time for a fill. 1 week can be a plateau you and your body can work through.
   — Donna O.

April 26, 2008
Are you exercising at all? This is as important is eating right. If you are exercising switch up your routine incorporate at least 3 days of strenght training. Muscle burns more fat and calories. Best to you!
   — KristinaSilvasy

April 26, 2008
First off, weight loss is not always a straight line loss. Some times there are plateaus. Some times there are gains. There are a few possibilities that you need to consider. The first is: Are you retaining water? The second is: are you getting enough protein and exercise. A Third possibility in YOUR case would be do you need more restriction. In the FIRST scenario: the issue will probably resolve itself given time. In a few days or a week or so, you will lose the water and lose the weight. The SECOND is actually a GOOD thing if it is occurring! If the SECOND scenario is the case, what is happening is that the protein that you consume is being turned into lean muscle mass on your body by the exercise. Lean muscle weighs more than FAT per cubic inch so you can't measure your progress by the SCALE at this stage of your weight loss but you CAN with a MEASURING TAPE! If you are NOT dropping pounds but ARE dropping INCHES, you are GAINING Muscle! MORE MUSCLE means LESS FAT! The lean muscle mass will help to ACCELERATE your weight loss! In the THIRD scenario: Well, let's just say that from what I have seen, it seems unlikely, NOT IMPOSSIBLE--but unlikely, that you need a fill THIS SOON. It is more likely that one of the first TWO options or a FOURTH option is likely. Having said ALL of that, there is a FOURTH possibility. Your body's Metabolism SET Point could have readjusted itself to starvation mode. This IS possible. Give it some time. If things don't start working in a week or so you may want to contact your physician and get PROFESSIONAL advice or go to a nutritionist. A nutritionist will be able to tell you just how many CARBOHYDRATES you can consume per day and how OFTEN you need to eat them to MAXIMIZE your weight loss. You may want to do this in ANY case. It COULD help to MAXIMIZE your weight loss potential and make your weight loss journey a quicker, safer, and more enjoyable one. I hope this helps, Hugh
   — hubarlow