Unfilled band question

[koolkel 80]

Hi everyone! I have what may be a really dumb question but....

I had my band places on 2/19/13 and there is no fill in it. I'm following the liquid diet but I have to say, I feel absolutely nothing different from before surgery. I can gulp and gulp without a burp or any sort of discomfort. My question is: does this mean I am likely to need multiple fills before I feel restricted?

[Holly Dolly 575]

I had 3 put in my band at surgery and it still took a few fills before I felt any different. Everyone is different as you will see.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Yes, in fact most people do need multiple fills before they have adequate Fluid in their band.

But please keep in mind the band isn't supposed to cause discomfort or stop you from eating anything. So don't assume just because you can eat/gulp without a problem doesn't mean you need a fill.

If you can't go at least 4 hours on cup or less of food without being hungry, then you need a fill.

Best wishes.

[koolkel 80]

Thanks for responding Holly Dolly. I guess I knew that but I'm becoming fearful that I won't feel a restriction for many months and hence eat poorly. Just knowing that I CAN makes me so tempted to eat something. My cravings are for healthy foods like salad and grilled chicken( okay, and feta cheese! Lol)

[Holly Dolly 575]

I didn't feel much of a difference for a long time. It took many, many fills for me. But one thing I did from day 1 was measure and weigh everything I ate and stuck to what I should be eating, well 99% of the time that first year!

[koolkel 80]

Yes' date=' in fact most people do need multiple fills before they have adequate Fluid in their band.

But please keep in mind the band isn't supposed to cause discomfort or stop you from eating anything. So don't assume just because you can eat/gulp without a problem doesn't mean you need a fill.

If you can't go at least 4 hours on cup or less of food without being hungry, then you need a fill.

Best wishes.[/quote']

Thanks Mis! It's hard to judge now since I'm on liquids and I am drinking constantly. I start puréed food next week so that will be a better gauge. I know my weakness, and that is having food in front of me. I'm making difficult but conscious efforts to leave areas where food is present lest I cheat. I'm measuring and logging. Right now I'm only getting between 600-800 calories a day but I'm sure that will increase when my consistency changes.

[Holly Dolly 575]

if you are already measuring and logging I am sure you will do fine!

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I agree with Holly, if you're already measuring and counting calories, you're going to great with your band. You're already way ahead of most at this stage!!