First Fill

September 17, 2004

Hi All-

I just had my first fill Monday and things are going great. I'm finally feeling banded. What a difference it makes.

I learned at my appointment I have the new band that holds 10cc, does that sound correct to your guys. Anyway, my Dr. injected a 3cc fill and noted I may require another in 4 weeks to optain obtain maximum restriction.

I feel restricted but can still eat with no problem. I have not experienced PB or any of the other symptoms I've read about.

The other issue that is different, is he instructed me to not use the scale to weigh food but rather use a salad plate and eat until I notice the first sign of fullness. This is so different than the first few weeks were I monitored myself so closely to ensure I did not eat over 4 oz.

In additon, he told me only to eat when I'm hungry, including skipping meals if I'm not hungry. Ok, obviously I'm not a big meal skipper or I would not be here. He also instructed me to eat slower and take a time out (3-4 minutes) between bites. Does any of this sound fimilar to your guys.

The fill is working thus far. I'm not able to eat the volume of food I could before but I'm satisfied. Thank goodness for the FILL!

La_madam · September 17, 2004

Yes it is all very familiar to me...eating on a smaller plate means smaller portions...taking time in between bires helps the risk of a PB..I only eat when I'm hungry also..your doc gave you great instructions, they are they same mine gave me...Good Luck to you

Hope the fill works out for you

leatha_g · September 17, 2004

I think those instructions make a whole lot more sense than using souffle cups and 1/2 cup portions that I'm seeing on some other boards. It really worries me some of the regimes I'm reading from some of the newer 'bypass turned band' docs. Guidelines are good and I guess I can understand that some people need to spoonfed every single thing to do, but I'm seeing some people drinking only 1oz(medicine cup) per so many minutes? I don't think this was what the band was meant to be.

donali · September 17, 2004

AMEN, Leatha!!

So here's my take, you guys. My advice would be to let the band help you to develop a healthy relationship with food. That means that food is still wonderful, but we no longer live/breathe/obsess about it. Doing all the measuring/counting calories/timing stuff keeps our obsession to the forefront of our lives.

I wanted to be "normal" - meaning when I was eating I enjoyed it, and I looked forward to a good meal, but except for the occasional craving/obsession (which I think "normal" people go through), thoughts of food would be pushed waaaay back on to the very back burner, where most of the time the flame wasn't even on.

And you know what? That happened for me. It's an amazing feeling to be released from the what/how much/how often/must compensate for yesterday/should I?/will I? internal dialogue that has plagued my life since jr. high.

This peace with food is what I wish for all of you - it's a fabulous place to be. :mad:

**hugs**

Alexandra · September 17, 2004

My turn to say AMEN, Donali! food is not supposed to be the only thing we think about at all times; it's certainly not that way for my skinny colleagues at the desks next to me. They always have, and now I do too, just eat LESS. We still love food and enjoy our celebrations and whatnot, but in our daily lives it's just not that important.

Yay, BAND!!!

karen_colfer · September 22, 2004

Hi all,

I had my first fill Monday and felt fine. On tuesday I was in an all day meeting at work which was catered. The food looked delicious, poached chicken in tarragon mayonise, advocado, on a bed of cos lettuce with almonds and bacon bits. Plus a coucous salad with roast beetroot, parsnips and tomotoes.

Well I got a bit carried away and had some of both - oh dear big mistake. I suddenlt felt the most unplesant pain in my chest between my breasts.........then I felt short of breath and the excrutiating pain in my chest increased. I rushed to the bathroom and vomited. This is bad enough but it was made much worse due to the fact that I had eaten beetroot - I thought I was dying!!

I had to stay in the bathroom until the pain subsided. What a vile experince - but strangly after the event I felt elated because I knew that thew wonderful little band was working.

The episode taught me a great lesson, chew chew and then chew some more. Take it slow and don't be lulled in to a false sense of security thinking "the band won't mind"............oh yes it will