When you first have the surgery to put in the band, the band is "loose" except for the swelling from the surgery. After the swelling goes down, the band will be loose and when you get to the point that you eat what you're supposed to eat and it does not keep you full until the next meal, then you are ready for a "fill". The doctor uses the port he put in to insert a needle and inject a liquid solution which travels up the tube to your band and as the band "fills" it gets tighter. This will cause the food to stay in your pouch longer and make you feel full longer. Hope this helps you out.

Thank you for explaining this to me....does it hurt?

The first fill may sting alittle but not enough to ge excited about, after that your next fills are a piece of cake--hardly feel anything. A walk in the park. In Nov I will be ready for my 5th. Some folks go long periods of time without needing a fill, it's totally up to the individual. That is a good thing--then when you feel like you need to eat often, then it's time to see the doc for a fill.

Thanks Giby! Can you tell me what proteins I can eat during my first week?

The first week I had chicken noodle soup, protein shakes (Ensure) and fish. Any kind of fish, baked or boiled. The fish is more soft and chewable and digests well. Two eggs for breakfast made into an omelet with cheese. Or just a shake and a multivatamin. Lunch was tuna salad and 5 small crackers. The second week I added mushies-mashed potatoes and pork and beans (soft), I tried oatmeal. When I went to solids I was eating 3/4 cup meats-fish, chicken, or some beef. For the beef you have to cut it up into small bite size pieces and chew. There seems to be no restrictions on the types of foods I can eat, but try to leave out pasta and bread. Once a week I have been eating out with the family at resturants-had a Big Mac-take out the middle bread and lettuce-lettuce gives me some trouble. Eat slowly and chew. Oh you can buy high protein meals from the grocery store. Check them out. I only buy high protein meals. For Lunch at work I eat tuna salad and crackers, then drink water for 3 hours. Once home I eat around 5 to 6. Then it's water. If I feel hungry I will eat a sugarless popsicle. Basically high protein items like fish and chicken are best. Boil them or bake them. Hope this helps. Read my previous blogs if you like.

Hi Giby~

Thanks for the inspiration. My doctor told me i can only have chicken broth and sugar free jello for the first week. i am hating the chicken broth. Blech! :cursing: