My first fill - does it feel right?

[Sarah 0]

Hi all,

I have the 11cm band and had my first fill yesterday! I was told that it had a capacity of 9cc and was filled to 4cc when I had the surgery. After 5 weeks I lost about 20 lbs but was feeling hungry most of the time.

The surgeon put 2cc's in but, after that I couldn't swallow Water properly - lots of burps and I felt as if my stomach was being strangled. The doctor waited about 30 minutes and then decided to take out 1cc. At the time, this felt like the right thing to do.

However, today I don't feel the restriction as much and have been able to eat solid food with no problems - and probably more than the 100 grammes he recommended. I'm wondering if my stomach may have gone into spasm or something and has now relaxed leaving the band looser than it should be?

When you have a fill, are you supposed to feel tightly restricted as I was with the 2cc top up? I hope I won't have to go back in a week and ask for more!

Thanks for any ideas?

Sarah

[lmtorb 3]

Sarah,

I had my first fill and only felt good restriction for a few days, then just mild restriction for a few more days, then back to eating pretty much anything and too much of it! I called my doctor, but unfortunately he and his staff were at a conference for a week, so everything was delayed. I finally had my pre-fill session with the dietician (something my dr. requires) yesterday and am getting my second fill Thursday. She said the majority of their patients find the proper restriction at fill #3, but everyone is different. That's just what happens with most of their patients. And she said it is normal to go through what I had happen with a fill....loosens up pretty quickly if it isn't your "sweet spot". She told me as SOON as I am to the "I can eat all I want" phase, to call and get in for another fill. It's just SOOOO individualized! My doctor also stands by not filling too much at once to avoid overfilling and not being able to swallow your own saliva. Better to go forward slowly than to have to go backwards at some point! So try to be patient and your body will tell you when you're at your optimal restriction. Prior to that, ride the waves and listen to your body and keep in close touch with your doctor and know that you WILL get where you need to be!!

[Sarah 0]

Thanks Larry, your response is very helpful.

When I was at the doctor's surgery, I was worried that the initial fill was too tight, but 2 days on, I am able to eat solid food and probably as much as I like! I'm trying to be sensible, but I think I'll have to go back sooner rather than later!

Sarah

[leo 4]

I had my first fill a couple of days ago, it's now filled with 3cc. The doctor told me that I had to do a 7 days liquid diet again.