First Fills, how do you know if you need one?

[Poodles 0]

So I have read, and read, and read about fills... but I still don't know how to tell if you need one. I will be 5 weeks out and still in the "mushie/soft solid" stage then. Sometimes I feel as if I am restricted now (due to swelling), but other times everything goes thru and then some. I figure this is due to not being on solids yet.

Yet at the same time think we are to chew until the mushie stage anyway right??? So how do you know?

Right after being banded, I was terribly restricted, and not hungry but now I am not restricted and eating way more than I think I should be. But I am not on solids yet.

If I am not on solids then, how will I know if I need a fill?

and just an FYI... I will have my first fill under floro..

[Poodles 0]

Thank you Jack. I know I can over-react sometimes, but my first fill is scheduled for July 11th, and I won't even be on solids then. I wish I could figure out if I am restricted by then, but don't want to venture onto solids without permission. Honestly feel full with mashed potatoes as long as I follow the "drinking rule" but Soups just go straight thru, and so do Protein shakes. And then I am hungry again. So who knows??? Guess I am frustrated and confused at the signals I am getting. But guess I will get to know my new tummy in time.

My first fill was scheduled for me before my surgery. Is this common?

[Poodles 0]

Another question that has been bugging me...

Can you stretch your pouch when you are on liquids before your first fill? I can drink a 16 ounce bottle of Water, and eat a whole can of Soup with no problems. Just hope I am not screwing things up.

***If I had nothing to worry about, I would worry about that.***

[Elisabethsew 50]

You don't have to worry about stretching the pouch with fluids so stay hydrated and keep the fluids going. As for needing a fill, you first need to advance to solid foods and see how you tolerate them. If you find that you can eat more than 2 cups of food at a sitting and not feel full, it's a signal that it might be time to schedule the first fill.

I had my first one at 8 weeks post-op and still feel no restriction so I'm going back for another one in the hopes that I finally will.

[TexasTerry 0]

Poodles,

My surgery is the 20th - in two days and yes, my first fill is already scheduled for Aug. 1.

Terry:)

[SherryW 4]

Poodles, you may be scheduled for a fill but, I would assume your surgeon is going to ask you how your hunger has been, if you've been able to eat, if you've had any problems etc and determine then if you need a fill or not based on all that and weight loss. I just went for my 3rd scheduled visit after surgery of which included a fill if I needed it. The surgeon and I determined I shouldn't get one this time but, if I do feel after a few weeks I could use one because I'm becoming hungry or struggling in between meals I could get one then. I'm happy with that decision. Be honest with your surgeon of how your eating is going and you'll both make the correct decision for you.

[Poodles 0]

Well, I got my first fill today. They made me swollow the stuff and they put in .6 cc in my 4 cc band. The picture was quite nice.

Said that this is a good first fill. I hope so. Go back in 4 weeks for another one!

[mousecrazy 2]

Congratulations! Glad the first fill went well for you!

Take it easy for the rest of the day by doing liquid things...then mushies tomorrow.

My first fill was.5cc...then the next time .2cc's. That's been good for me until recently, so I'm going to go get another fill after my vacation. I'm interested to see how much saline is actually in my band after all this time!

You're on your way! Good luck!