How long do I need to wait until my 1st fill?

[NJGirl32 43]

I am reading that some people have big weigh loss without the fill (weeks right after surgey) and others become very discouraged because the weight is coming off as quickly as they had hoped.

How long did you have to wait before your first fill and how much of a fill was it? I am guessing the doc starts out with a smaller fill in the beginning, is that correct?

[Rachel412 116]

The size of the fill will (should) depend on how the patient is feeling, how much they're eating, and how long they're satisfied after a meal. My first fill is scheduled for 5 weeks from surgery, but they're usually at 6 weeks. I've heard of them at 4 weeks, but not often.

[Ssauce74 0]

I got my fill after 4 weeks. I hadn't had any restriction so they gave me 6.5cc. When they looked at the xray they said my stomach must have been smaller than my doc first thought and that was the reason for such a huge fill. That day I felt restriction, but since then (4 days later) I don't really feel it anymore. I go back in 4 weeks to get another fill. Everyone is different so who knows!!! Good luck!

[Ssauce74 0]

I got my fill after 4 weeks. I hadn't had any restriction so they gave me 6.5cc. When they looked at the xray they said my stomach must have been smaller than my doc first thought and that was the reason for such a huge fill. That day I felt restriction, but since then (4 days later) I don't really feel it anymore. I go back in 4 weeks to get another fill. Everyone is different so who knows!!! Good luck!

[Onederland2come 1]

I got my first fill an hour ago. Which is about 5 weeks after surgery. I was filled 4.2 ccs. How my doctor determined what was a good amount for me was he had me drink Water while he fille the band. He inserted a little at first and then filled more when I couldn't feel anything. He then inserted 5ccs but the water got stuck in the chest area so he let it out to 4.2ccs I drunk water and there was slight pressure and then it quickly went away. I'm on liquids for the weekend. Then back to regular food a cup at a time.

[Melissannde 41]

Usual time between banding and the first fill is about 6 weeks. That is what is advised by Allergan, the people who make the lapband. Not sure if it's the same amount of time for the Realize band.

I received 1cc for my first fill. My doctor installed 3cc's at the time of surgery, so I had a tiny bit of appetite dimming from the get-go.

I was taken up very slowly in the amount of fill, which could be frustrating for some, but it worked very well for me. I had time to adjust and learn to eat slowly, chew well and be mindful. When patients are taken up fast, sometimes they do well, and sometimes they have great trouble adjusting. Everyone is different on how they react.

Be aware that sometimes fills can take up to 2 weeks to make their presence known. Last fill I had 10 days later I was suddenly tighter.

[carolann0117 5]

Due to insurance reasons, I didn't have my first fill until this past Saturday. My surgery was Dec. 27th. My insurance wouldn't cover a fill until it was at least 90 days after surgery. The whole month of April I pretty much didn't lose anything.. and also went on vacation for a week. My doc waited until I returned from my vacation before doing the fill....he just didn't want me cross country for my first one. My doc is pretty strict... he wants me to go 2 WEEKS on liquids. I'm a week out... I've been doing OK with just doing the liquids....but today, I'm really starting to feel hungry. I snuck in two scrambled eggs for dinner; topped with grated cheese..... then I ate a few mixed nuts. It went down A-OK.... but I am feeling guilty. . But I did lose 4 pounds this week.