First fill

[Drband14 8]

I just left MD office with my first fill...2 cc's. I still have a lot of swelling around my port site. I was plesaed I had no pain with the fill. He numbed me first but that didn't hurt at all. On liquids today and then soft foods tom. I also met with the nutritionist. I had no idea I was eating "slider foods." I thought Meal Replacement shakes and Soups were a great idea...NOT....apparently Protein should be from preferably animal source...3 oz on a small plate and then if still hungry, I can have veggie or fruit. No starches x 3 months. Hoping to actually have some type of restriction now that I have some saline in the port. I've been feeling like I didn't have any restriction at all and my appetite has been insane since surgery on 2/26/15.

[Keeper 218]

hi @@Drband14, getting your first fill is exciting - starting to get fills and expecting results is what keeps us going! But, and I know you have probably heard/read this, but just be patient with the process. I did not start to feel restriction until around my 3rd fill, but even then i could still eat foods with ease and more than I should. I know that, especially looking back, but it gets so much better. As for shakes, I disagree a bit. I agree that animal source of Protein is probably best, but don't forget the overall picture of making sure you are getting enough Protein in a day. I am never really hungry for breakfast; I've just never been a big Breakfast eater anyway, but even more so now. I like using a shake at this time because it helps with hydration in the morning as well as giving my protein a start to the day. I drink my coffee, a glass of Water, sometimes a shake and don't really eat until lunch. And I believe I am at my green because I am not eating large quantities and if I don't slow down or chew thoroughly enough, I am def at risk for getting stuck. But there is nothing like the feeling of not being hungry. But it took me 6 fills to get to this point. Everyone is different. There are people n here who have never had a fill or only one post-op. And then others like me where it takes time and doing it incrementally. Just hang in there and do your best to follow your doc's recommendations. I find the idea of no carbs for 3 months daunting, but if you can do it, that is awesome! I actually don't eat a ton of carbs like bread, Pasta, etc, but let me just say - chocolate goes down just fine, thankyouverymuch - lol!

It's good you have a nutritionist to see. That really is helpful and helps with accountability. Just hang in there and accept that everyone is different, and you will start to see and feel changes as you continue on this journey! good luck :-)

[Drband14 8]

Awww, thank you so much for replying to my post. I am going to do my best to remain patient. I do pray I'm one of the lucky ones that can get to that sweet spot after one fill...wouldn't that be awesome?! The nutritionist did say I can have a Protein Shake in the morning when the band tends to be at the tightest. I, like you, have never been a huge Breakfast eater. This won't be an issue. I love Italian and Mexican food so the no carbs is going to be very challenging...hence the reason I've never done the South Beach diets! I am not giving up my dark chocolate. It has been so surprising reading everyone's stories at how different the band is for each of us. I love this site and all the support we can give one another. Thanks again for the helpful information.

[Keeper 218]

exactly - I totally agree! and like you, (and I read this yesterday and laughed), if chocolate is wrong, I don't wanna be right! :-)

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Six fills here. Good luck! How exciting. You sound like you've got a good mindset. I agree. Be patient. It's a process and we will get to goal. It takes awhile but it's worth it!

[Mands15 8]

Hi I had my first fill last week Monday. I was so excited to get the adjustment.. I feel like I'm finally on my way. I got 3 ccs put in my band, but still not feeling any restriction at all. I know some people say that they only feel the effects of an adjustment up to two weeks after the actual fill. Its only been 10 days since my fill, but I'm pretty sure I'll have to get another.

I'm 6 weeks post-op (had my surgery on 9 Feb) and have lost 10kgs (22 pounds) so far, but I've been white-knuckling it... Looking forward to my next fill and ultimately feeling supported by my band, but I like the idea of creeping toward the green zone. As much as I want to feel some restriction (anything to let me know my band is actually there), I'm petrified of being too tight!

Good good luck!

[Keeper 218]

Just another thought; another benefit of going slower is that it helps your head and body adjust to all of the changes to keep our weight off permanently. I know that has been true for me :-)

[Drband14 8]

I totally agree with you @@Keeper! Slow and steady wins the race. We all know from being life-long dieters that the slower rate the weight loss is (1-2 lbs. a week) will stay off longer than if we lose a ton of weight at one time too fast. @@Mands15, it gets a little frustrating but take it one day a time. We are all here to support each other. Some days are better than others. I have already lost 3.5 lbs since my fill (3 days!). But today my hunger was cray cray again. Just trying to use my will power!

[Pat-rice 30]

It is amazing how everyone is different in regards to the fills. I've had four fills and I think I am finally at the sweet spot. For some reason when I get a cold my band seems to be tighter and I really feel the restriction. That's what I wanted to feel so that's what I aimed for with my fills. A feeling of restriction is hard to describe to a person. Once we feel it, it is like a light bulb came on and we understand! We also have to keep in mind that not everyone has the same size band so we can't compare our fill amounts to somebody else's. Drink plenty of fluids to help with the hunger until your next fill. Before you know it you will be at your green zone