Will I need fills for the rest of my life?

[Desperate4Size7]

Hello again!

I am curious to know once I get the Lap-Band and have reached my goal weight, will I need to have fills for the rest of my life or just until I reach my goal weight?

Also, I am curious once you have the Lap-Band, do you feel ill and get used to it? Or are you comfortable (no pain or discomfort) like you did before having the band?

Thanks again >

-Bella

[arianna]

You cannot get fills for the rest of your life even if you wanted them. the band can only hold a certain amount of fluid and can range from 4cc to 9cc. I've got the larger band, which can hold up to 9 cc. Your doctor will fill the band, gradually, depending on how tight you want it or what would be optimum for losing the most weight. It can be too TIGHT or too loose, but that's something you'll know and have to experiment with. Once your band is at its maximum, then it cannot be filled anymore. Hopefully, by then, you've lost most your weight or are close to your goal.

I'm at 6cc with a 9cc band, which means I've still got a few more fills. I go about once a month and get a fill. Now here's the thing, once your band is completely filled, that's when you should really be working with it because that's where you'll be for the rest of your life. Remember the part of the stomach that is banded can expand, and it will over time. My friend was banded a few years ago and lost almost all of her weight within 6 months. She has regained all of it plus more because she's able to eat so much more now than when she first got the band.

As far as being uncomfortable, I don't feel it's there, unless I eat too fast, too much, or don't chew my food well. It's a reminder to slow down and eat less, which is what we should be doing anyway.

Hope this helps.

Arianna

[PAMMIE]

Hello again!

I am curious to know once I get the Lap-Band and have reached my goal weight, will I need to have fills for the rest of my life or just until I reach my goal weight?

Also, I am curious once you have the Lap-Band, do you feel ill and get used to it? Or are you comfortable (no pain or discomfort) like you did before having the band?

Thanks again >

-Bella

DEPENDING ON HOW MUCH RESTRICTION YOU WANT ONCE YOU HIT YOUR GOAL, YOU COULD HAVE FILLS FOREVER, ON AND OFF. ONCE I WAS AT GOAL, HAD AN UNFILL, GAINED A FEW POUNDS AND NOW THINKING I MAY GET ANOTHER FILL HERE

THE IDEA IS TO LEARN ALONG THE WAY HEALTHY EATING HABITS SO YOU DON'T NEED THE BAND AS TIGHT AS IT WAS WHEN FIRST BANDED

IT'S ON VERY RARE OCCASION THAT YOU'LL SEE A BAND COMPLETELY FILLED TO IT'S CAPACITY OR PAST THAT. IT BEING ADJUSTABLE IS THE BEAUTY OF IT

[determination]

Pammie, Thank you for the info on being banded after a length of time. I have also wondered about not being able to get a fill later on after losing all of the weight.

Before getting banded one of my sisters who disapproved of what I was doing said "I don't know why you think this will work when nothing else has". Well I have lost a lot of weight, up and down, etc. Last week I was really in the binge mode, I gained 2lbs. I have been able to get back on track these last two days.

Maybe I need another fill?

I would appreciate all the info and input that you can give me.

I was banded Dec. 15th, 2008 and to date have lost 66lbs. But it has definitely been a lot of discipline, is that maybe why I am having these week moments?

Thanks, Anne

PS. I know my tracker says I set out to lose 102lbs., but I really need to lose a total of aprox. 120lbs.

[bigali]

My experience with the band has been mostly good. I just had to get use it and use it as a tool. I had it unfilled twice due to the flu and It closed up, but since my last unfill I have not had a fill. I reached my goal so I decided not have a fill. I still have some restriction, but I do the maintenance myself. I have been able to keep my weight in control and I enjoy it better now cuz I feel like a normal person since I am able to go out and enjoy a small meal. I just have to eat slow. I just keep downing what I was doing before with the band. I eat healthy and I exercise everyday.. Good luck with you and all the success with your weight lose journey.

[nothereanymore]

I have a pretty good feeling that I will have fills and unfills throughout my life. I also have talked to a few that have had their bands for over 5 years and have done this. (Not allot but things do happen) Sometimes we get tight, need to alleviate it and sometimes we may over indulge and need to go back on a diet – I like the lap band diet – the feeling of not being hungry, I also agree that my focus is on learning how to eat right and exercise – and I’m doing darn well, however I am human… And I will make mistakes and need help – yaa for my band still being here if needed!

On another note Anne, I think you need a fill, if you’re not at your goal and you’re not losing weight and you’re eating more than you should – take full advantage of your band. Do the right things, eat good foods, protein first, followed by fruits/veggies and last carbs, drink lots of water (I add in a lemon for taste and it’s a great way to get rid of water weight) also don’t forget to exercise – its amazing what it can do for your body!

Summer is the best time to get back on the band wagon - nice weather - got to wear those darn little shorts, (and swimsuits) keep at it girls! Make those bodies sexy hard bodies, come on now - you can do it!

Lisa