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Help. I need to hear from people. I had my first fill. I was too tight for 4ccs, so I had two. I know the fills tend to be tighter the first few days- or at least that's what I've been told. And the surgoeon told me to come back in a month, but don't make a fill appointment because he thinks I won't need one for some time. Is it normal to get not much down, even liquids for a couple of days? When I sip (not drink, sip) I feel it go down and then get a tiny, milisecond of a something- spasm maybe, or a little gurgle. Just a fleeting feeling. And after a few ounces that I drink very slowly my stomach is uncomfortable. Not pain, but an ache. Is this usual. Is that ache and discomfort what "full" feels like now? Also, and this may just be me.....I had some discomfort lower stomach which was relieved when I took a bowel movement. Is this common too? When the fill feels tight, does it soften over the first few days - right now, I can't imagine ever eating again. It's worse than after the surgery because I was losing, and not eating much a it was. After surgery I felt like I was going forward. Tonight I feel like I'll fail. I went back to work today, and worked a fundraising event. I'm very tired, cranky and don't feel good. It feels like it won't get better. Is this normal? Thanks for listening. Please share your thoughts............ does this sound normal, and how long does it usually last like this?

I'm right there with you. Yesterday I started to feel good, and today it's difficult again. Yesterday, my protonix went right down and in, today it's sitting for a bit and annoying me. My doc says two days liquid and 2 mushie/soft and I'm now on soft day #2 but I can see I'll be here for a little bit. Today it's been hard to get food down. I just had some fat free milk as they doesn't bother me (lactose reduced) and I get liquid and Protein. Had a greek yogurt for Breakfast. I'm going to someone's home for dinner (I sure don't feel like it), but happily, they're having fish and soup- a lite supper- so that should work. And I do get hungry. Thanks for sharing. Gwenn

I so feel for you. You're right. Scheduling these things is an art. And there are always unusual cirmcumstances. In my case, because my surgeon is located at the hospital, they do the fills in the imaging center. So, first the fluroscope went on and I and the surgeon could see that I'd healed well, and that all was well. Then we watched as he put in the fill, literally saw the Fluid not move as I felt the pain and burning. He instantly drew it out and I ended up with a small fill. I know most people don't do it at hospital like that, and many doctors use a fluroscope in their offices. Glad you're okay now and YUP, you got the help eating less!

Hi Salsa, I've come to the point where I'm not surprised anymore to see that not one of my symptoms belongs to me alon-LOL. Yup, I count everything as Water. Even the popsicle I had yesterday. It hits the stomach as water. The water thing may or may not get better, but most of the time I don't mind having tea or decaf instead. The good news is everyday is better, and if I feel overstuffed at 700-800 calories a day, this is working. I have been told that as time goes on I may not get hungry much and may forget lunch, etc. but for now, I'm still healing and want to not lose muscle, so I eat very slowly but get the Protein in. This morning, I am not hungry or thirsty, but I'm slowly getting in my greek yogurt (5 oz container) and when I'm done I'll slowly start water or coffee. I'm just happy I haven't gagged, pb'd, etc, as yet. My BIL said just take it very very slow at each meal. I'm saving the fun for when I start to add new foods. Take care.

Almost all surgeries are worst by day 3 and then better and better. YOU MUST WALK CONSTANTLY- EVERY HOUR GET UP AND WALK. It will make all the difference. To heal, you need good circulation of your blood. Walking moves everything. Will help rid you of gas, help you move bowels- everything. Everyone else has told you about Vicodin. I personally don't do well on it. I take Darvocet. Much better as far as I'm concerned. Tylenol alone may not be enough. YES, you have to crush it and bear the bitter taste. Put in the back of your mouth on a spoon, and have some nice think Protein drink at the ready. Toss in the drink and get it down quickly. Then swish around some more Protein Drink and the taste will go away. It's all doable. You'll find many people here who have faced challenges getting this going,but you won't find people sorry the did it because we're talking about life-saving surgery. You'll do fine. Just go with the flow right now and let your body heal. It was rough for me. I never thought I'd get to soft foods when I was on liquids for weeks. When I adjust my weight below it will show a weight loss of 37 pounds today. There are trials now, but you will live a longer life and feel better much soon. Good luck.

I'm so glad you didn't wait and took care of it. There's no reason for anyone to be that miserable. Some of the surgeons tell you to wait and wait for relief, and worse, I've found there are people who want to be that restricted to the point of not being able to eat. It's like their obesity issues turn to a sort of bulimia given the tool of the band. Thank goodness you took care of it. You don't have to be miserable. I was feeling very uncomfortable, but not like your situation. Mine has calmed down and I'm on mushies/soft foods for a couple of days. I actually feel like I overate!!!!!!!!!! I probably only had about 700 calories or so, but by tonight feel overstuffed. I have to learn to stop a little sooner. No vomiting, no pbs, just too full. I eat very very very slowly, but probably just went a little further than I should have done. But I'm happy that I can eat again. The first day or so was very uncomfortable. The only thing I'm really having trouble with is ....... water. LOL. Thicker drinks like the protein shakes and hot drinks are fine. So is the mushed food. But water seems to bother me going down. How's that for weird. I'm getting some in today, but not as much as I should.

I don't think it really can be answered because bands haven't been around for more than what.....maybe 15 years and I know the newer bands are better. So all your surgeon can say is that statistically X number last 2-15 years because that's all the data there is. The ones that have lasted 15 can go on to last a lifetime. The better question is how many complications and band problems and replacements has your surgeon had? That's what you want to know.

I have seen changes. I've been on metamucil for a couple of years to end IBS and balance me and I've been fine. With the band it's very difficult to use metamucil because it clumps- the recommended fiber is Benefiber. It's not bad but not the same job done. I wouldn't give up having a band for this, because maybe eventually my stomach will get better, but you need to be prepared for change. Also, if your surgeon puts you on 3 weeks of liquids....it is very common to have diarhrea from liquid only. Dont let this change your mind. The band is worth it.

And the water is filling, too. Can't drink too much today. Hope my body forgives me.I usually get in 8 cups or so a day.

Just hard today to take in water and protein drinks. I am feeling a little better. Had my first pill since surgery. My surgeon likes all crushable or chews but I had bowel issues with the substitute drug (prevecid) so I got an okay to go back to my little protonix. WOW. Everyone says they take pills, but no one told me it could sit at the top of the stomach for 45 minutes and that I'd feel it there. And then suddenly, whoosh, like it was flushed, and it was gone. So strange and funny. It's gonna be hard to go to mushies, but I'm game. A tiny bit at a time and chew even the mushies. Wait a few minutes between swallow. I'm so there! Thanks again.

Protein really helps in healing so try to push it best you can. I was supposed to get in 77 grams because of my weight, but got in around 60-65. Also, I've found there's protein in some broths etc. so it all adds up. Once you get to mushies it will be easier.

it's weird. I feel like I'm back at square one but it's tougher somehow. Happily, some good folks from here answered all my questions and I guess I just have to be patient. I have some sensations when I try to drink but once I know it's common, I'm fine. My brother-in-law had the surgery and from the beginning, was able to eat most things and has lost 118 pounds and has a broad range of foods. I seem to be moving slower but I'm hoping to get there as well. That's what the goal is, right. Eat like a normal person. Just shout when you get you're first fill.....I want to hear if you're experience is like mine. And don't worry. You'll get there. I'll get there. We're doing great!

THANK YOU BOTH SOOOO MUCH. Everything's so new. I'm so happy you knew what I was describing in the little gurgle/spasm thing. Knowing it will either go away or I'll stop noticing really helps. I'm trying to keep drinking. Not easy because I'm not hungry or thirsty much. I get in a few Protein sips and then don't want anything. From what I hear....that will pass as well. It's the pyschological part that's hardest. I felt like I was just starting to eat a balanced diet after 6 weeks (my surg is one who does 3 weeks of liquid after banding) and even then, I was eating very small amounts as I became full quickly. So now it feels backwards. Just needed to know all is normal. I'm on second day of liquids only and will begin to add a little pulverized food tomorrow. And yes, sipping very slowly and waiting in between sips. The surgeon said I can start taking one of my meds in pill form again, and that's scary but I'm going to do it with warm Water, which I hear goes through easier. Thank you so much.

So glad to hear it. My first fill was very restrictive. Surgeon thinks I wont' need another for some time. I'm uncomfortable and feel like a tiny spasm when the liquid lands. Hope that weirdness goes away. You give me hope. I feel like I'm never going to eat like a normal person again.

thanks so much for the site. Yup, free is better. I'm going to take a look. I just had a fill and I'm very restricted, so I'm not using anything for a few days. Can't eat much at all and not very hungry.

I also think you need to call the doctor now about the blood in the urine. I'm pretty miserable. I've finished a day and a half of liquid. I have the shoulder gas pain again, although I know that will go away. I can drink a few onces of Water.....VERY Slowly, but then if I drink any more I get discomfort in the stomach. Is this the new "full" feeling I'm going to have? And when I sip, when it gets all the way done there's like a tiny gurgle for a milisecond, or a teeny spasm. Very disconcerting. Please let it get better.

Hi Ellie, Wow, you're doing great. I had my first fill yesterday, and instead of the 4ccs he usually gives, I could only take 2cc. I see you had one- was that your first fill as well? This is still so new to me. I'm feeling a lot of constriction but am told that this is normal the first few days and will soften. No wonder they tell you two days of liquids and then a couple of mushies after a fill. Did you find it hard the first couple of days following one?

I know we all want the weight to just disappear, but it's unhealthy to lose more than 1 1/2 to 2 pounds a week. Sounds to me like you're doing fine. I have a friend who are banded in November, and he eats what I thought was a lot. A lot. But he's losing 1.5 a week and his doctor was thrilled and cancelled giving him another fill. Why do people think that they have to be super tight and starve? The purpose of the band is to make us NORMAL. Normal portions. Normal rate of weight loss. Normal expectations of ourselves because before we all just wanted instant gratification, whether it was getting in the food, or the crazy dieting we did. Relax. Enjoy the 1.5 a week. Add exercise not only for weight, but also for your heart.

Hi Crazycatlady, I guess we're typical. I find solice in not being alone. I'm hearing more and more about having a few rough days after a fill, and I have a feeling the first restrictive one is the worst. If I dont feel better by Monday, I'll phone the surgeon. My hope is it will relax just a bit. I want to be eating like a normal person! Thanks-

Thank you for starting this thread. I just had my first fill so it's important to hear these things. I learn for those of you ahead of me. I seem to be very tight inside and so I was only able to have 2cc's at my first fill yesterday. I'm on liquids for two days and then mushies for two days. I feel very restricted right now and find it hard to even get down much at all. No vomitting or anything. But my esophagus hurts (when they tried 4cc's I had a quick and bad pain and burn so I may have inflamed it a bit) and I feel like I did after the hospital.......am I ever going to eat again?! Is it common to feel this after a you feel very restricted? Someone told me this loosens up in a few days and little by little you get back to food. After 6 weeks, I was going very slowly anyway and hadn't had a wide variety of foods. I'm whining, I know. But would so love some input. Thanks.

Jennifer, that is great news. WOW, you're doing so well. Hope you're feeling well too!

Thanks. I still have several bottles left from when I was on South Beach a while back. I love them in coffe. Now I just need a sno cone machine. YAY.

Banded 4/30 so I'm getting my first fill tomorrow. A little scary but I'll be fine. I'm also coming to the appointment with a list of questions and issues. One of my incisions has that hard bit of glue at the end, and it catches on everything and it's gonna pull and bleed. I want that fixed. And I want to know when I can have good old-fashioned sex again. I was originally told 6-8 weeks. I stil feel sore around the port so I'm nervous they'll say another few weeks. Give a girl a break!!! I told the Dr's office that I'm not leaving until I get all my questions answered. WISH ME LUCK!

Hi guys, Yup, first fill today. The whole story is a thread near the top (it was tonight) on April Bandsters- short story is I was only able to take 2cc-more got stuck with no movement. I feel very contricted and right now can barely get down liquid without discomfort. I understand this happens and that it will loosen up a bit in couple of days. So, I'm on liquids at least for two then mushies for two. But the back-up really burned and hurt so my esophagus is not a happy place. The surgeon did say I can go back on the reflux pills that I like tomorrow, which is very good news. He wants to see me in 4 weeks, but said not to make an appointment for fill because he thinks it's likely I won't need another one for quite a while. Interesting, huh? As to the thingee sticking out of the incision.....he said it was the end of the suture. At first he thought it would be absorbed but when he looked he saw it was too long and so it's catching on clothing, etc. So, he got a suture kit and as we were in the room for the fills, he didn't have a close strong light to work by, so they ended up getting a flashlight. Very funny. He clipped it good and not it should be fine. Thanks for the support! Please tell me the ache in my chest will go away and I will eat eventually!

Hi Everyone, Went for first fill today. Down 32.5 and the doctor was thrilled. Fill was done at the hospital imaging center so first thing I got to see my band and tube and port- all well, which ended my concerns with the little aches and pulling I feel sometimes. He works with the fluroscope and barium system. No pain at all with the filling. However, when he put in 4ccs (his usual) nothing moved and boy, was that an immediate pain and burning sensation! Reflux at it's worst. He drew it out instantly and instant relief. I think I was more surprised than anything. He told me everyone is different and he cannot tell how tight someone is naturally until he puts in some saline. 3cc caused no real discomfort, but it was still almost no movement, so we went to 2cc and that seemed slow but okay. So, I have 2cc's. He wants to see me in 4 weeks but no fill appointment- he doens't think I'll need another fill than and possibly for a long time. Interesting. He also fixed that incision I keep complaining about on the boards so that's good too. LOVE MY SURGEON. He was "with me" every moment today and stayed to chat with me about life in general for a few minutes at the end. Good guy. Dr. Khalili at Cedars Sinai in LA. Really recommend him highly. So, now I can just get down a little Fluid in small sips. Can't imaging eating again, but I think I felt that way a couple of days after surgery as well. I've heard that the band relaxes in the first few days after a fill and that's why it's liquid for 2 days then mushies for two days. OY VEY, how do you get down 6-8 cups a Water a day like this?????? LOL.