Questions about fills

May 27, 2004

I go back to see my doctor on June 22nd and that is the first time that I could potentially get a fill. I read in another forum that a "pouch" is not formed until you have a fill - is that true?? I was under the impression that the pouch was formed when the band was put in place. Also, what is the "average" for the first fill?

Alexandra · May 27, 2004

Hi Kataylee,

Congratulations on getting banded and welcome to LBT! While it's true that a "pouch" is created upon banding, what isn't created at that time is much of a barrier to food going through it. The opening at the bottom of the pouch, in most people, is still large enough to let most food pass through it with little or no obstruction. So you can eat pretty much normally with food passing readily through the stoma (the opening) and allowing you to eat almost as you could before surgery.

What happens at the fill is that the stoma is made smaller by the tightening of the band. So food doesn't pass OUT of the pouch as fast, and you feel full much sooner. And, ideally, you feel full longer.

As for what's "average" for a first fill, we all have to learn that there is no "average" with regard to fills. Your doctor will probably take one of two approaches: the "sneak-up-on-it" approach, with very small fills until you're where you want to be; or the "go for it" approach, where he'll try to give you good restriction from the start. Either way, the precise amount of Fluid is going to be different from person to person, and there's absolutely no point in comparing the numbers.

GeezerSue · May 27, 2004

I'm not sure why this is, but with an emptied band, I still cannot eat what I could pre-banding. I get "full" much, much sooner and could NOT finish a restaurant-sized meal if I had to. So, while I have very little restriction relative to when I have a fill, I DO have restriction.

newlapper · June 25, 2004

We'll I got my fill today, I went from .8 to 2cc. I can tell a difference when I drink. I'm so happy.

Penni60 · June 25, 2004

I am two months post op and have yet to get a fill. I feel restriction and can eat only certain things without getting into trouble. I have decided unless I start to gain weight or no longer feel restriction or some other unforeseen issue I will not get a fill. I am still losing weight at about 1 to 2 lbs a week with my band empty. So, I am perfectly happy to continue like I am. At this point, the only reason to get a fill would be if I want to lose weight faster. I don't so I will keep it as is for now.

newlapper · June 26, 2004

I don't blame you, the lady that had it the same day I did, she's lost 45lbs and hasn't got a fill yet. I've only lost 18lbs and they say it's different for everyone. Good luck