femme17477

I'm interested in everyones fills and would like you to respond to my poll. Thanks!

I wanted to know when you should get a fill. I was told it was different for everyone and I wanted to know when everyone here got their first fill, how often you get a fill, and how many fills you've had. I had the surgery a month ago tomorrow and I'm starting to think I need a fill because I have no resistance, I can eat anything without problems. My appetite is a bit smaller, but not much. I feel full for a while after I eat but I'm eating alot of food so I should feel full for a while. I'm starting to feel like I'm only dieting and exercising, like the band isn't doing a thing. I know there has to be more to it, so I think I may be ready for a fill. Any information or suggestions anyone could share is greatly appriciated. Thanks! Jennifer

Why are you getting a fill so soon? I am sort of thinking I need one but thought you were supposed to get one after 2 1/2 to 3 months. I will hit the one month mark next Wednesday and I don't feel like the band is doing much. I can eat practally everything and I have no problem with digestion. My appetite is smaller but not that much. And I get hungry soon after I eat. I'm losing weight but I am also doing great on a low carb diet. I kinda feel like I'm doing it without any help from the band. Maybe I need a fill?? Jennifer

When the band is put on it is empty. Think of a hollow tube. As you lose weight due to your appetite being so small, you get fills to tighten the band. Think of a belt. As you lose weight, you need to tighten the belt. Some people never need a fill, some need a ton of fills. Most need 2 or 3. They are done through a small needle in your abdomen so no recovery time and practically no pain. The band is designed to stay in indefinately but can be removed. The price varies but in Mexico most doctors do it for between $8500 to $10,000. I believe Dr. Ortez is $8500 with free fills, I had my surgery performed by Dr. Huacuz, www.huacuz.com, and the first fill is free, then $200 each. The fills can range from $100 to $300. Since most insurances don't cover the band, alot of people turn to other countries to have it done at 1/3 to 1/4 the price. Also, the thought of having it done in Mexico may be a bit scary...it is definately a culture shock, not an American hospital by far...but know the Mexican doctors have been performing the banding for over 10 years and have done 100's if not 1000's. It has only been approved in the us for a few years and most doctors have only done a handful. Actually, Dr. Ortez has trained several American doctors! I had the surgery on July 25th and I am eating everything I was able to eat before. I chose to help the weight loss with a low carb diet. I eat chicken, beef, all veggies, milk, cheese, etc. You can really eat anything you want but some foods are hard to digest like fruit skin, popcorn, carbination, nuts. I was told to think of it as there is no stomache acid in your new stomache so all the food you eat has to be broked down enough the fit through the band without the help of stomache acid. The first few weeks are a bit tough because you are really restricted to liquids and then pureed foods, but thats the same if you had any major abdominal surgery. I have hypertension, type 2 diabeties, migraines, PCOS, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, pretty much you name it I have it. The great thing about losing weight is alot of things will get better. I stopped taking all my meds after the surgery and in the short amount of time off of them and loosing weight, I feel great. If you have any weight related medical problem you NEED to lose the weight to save your life and the band will definately help you do that. I eat about 1/3 what I used to eat and it's all due to the fact I'm not always starving! I am satasfied with a single serving, not 5 servings! Feel free to email me if you have any other questions. Jennifer

I had the surgery two weeks ago and lost 13 pounds the first week and now this week I actually gained two pounds and I seem to be way more hungry. Is this normal? Has anyone elso experienced this? Will I start to lose again? I am so discouraged! Any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks, Jennifer

You live near Sacramento? Me too! I live in Mather near Rancho Cordova. What a small world. I'm having the lap band surgery tomorrow. Any suggestions?