Question:
How long do a fill last, my last one was in Oct 07 and I dont think I need another on

   — cajeal (posted on April 17, 2008)

April 17, 2008
It depends upon your restriction, your surgeon and your weight loss. If you haven't had a fill since 10/07 it could mean the surgeon don't think you need one because of your steady weight loss OR that you are at your peak restriction.--Karen
   — Karen M.

April 17, 2008
Interesting question. Needing a fill or an un-fill depends on several things. Your level of restriction, ie: "how tight" your band is, are you able to eat what you are supposed to for satiety- 70% protein and 30% vegetables, able to keep everything down (for the most part), feel full for a long time (satiety) and are losing weight steadily? If so, you probably have about the right amount of restriction. I can tell when I need an un-fill when I am not able to eat "chunky" foods and am forced to eat mushy foods, vomiting, sliming, heartburn, reflux and sometimes even coughing at night along with little or no weight loss. If my band is too tight, I am forced to drink my calories or eat mushy foods that tend to be very high in carbs for the most part and I will not lose weight or even gain a little. This really is very different person to person. I have a 12 cc band and can tolerate between 6-7 cc's of saline. I know others who can tolerate 10 cc's of saline so this varies greatly. There is a lot of talk about the elusive "sweet spot" with adjustable banding where you have just the right amount of restriction. It sure has taken me awhile to get there- I am a year and a half post-op and think I am just now getting there with fine tweaking by my surgeon at my visits. He takes a little saline out, puts a little in based on my intake and what the scales say. It really is up to you and your surgeon to decide together at your next visit if you need a fill or not based on all the variables. Remember, don't wait until your next visit if you have problems- call earlier. Good luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC P.S.: Of course- exercise is not optional.
   — DawnVic

April 17, 2008
If you are eating more frequently than every 4 hours, are not losing weight because of an increase in your intake you might need a fill. If you are losing 1-2 lb a week you are probably fine for now. If you are eating very little, sliming... you are overfull. The length of time between fills varies from person to person. Once I had restriction and satrting losing weight I seem to need an adjustment about every 3-4 months. Donna, RN, BHS
   — Donna O.