Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Hi Guys

I have been reading on this site for a while and this is my first post. I was banded 3-19-2008 by Dr. Gonzalez in TJ. I had a great experience and am recovering well. My concern is that Dr. Gonzalez wants me to return to him in 15 days for my first fill. I have never heard of anybody getting a fill so soon. I hate to question the Dr. but has anybody ever heard of such a thing? Thank you all in advance for any opinion.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It seems very early. Everything I have ever read is that you should wait at least 6 weeks before the first fill so that your stomach has time to heal sufficiently. I read that fills too early may increase your likelihood to have erosion or slippage down the road.

On the other side of the coin, by about 4 weeks out a lot of us have reacquired voracious appetites and have disheartening plateaus or even worse . . . gains. My doctor told me that any weight you lose before the first fill is a bonus and not to be too concerned. If you are filled early, you may get to skip the bandster lack of fill hell.

If you decide to go that early, I hope that you are not too far away from Tijuana so that you can get back quickly if something doesnt feel right. You will also have your own signs that you are ready for a fill that you should watch for . . . such as your restriction level and how the diet is working for you, how much weight you are losing.

Doctors should always know best but this suggestion seems a little outside of the norm. By 15 days out most of our surgeons still have us on mushies or soft foods

. . . if it were my decision I would wait a little longer. Now that I have been through it I can tell you that I felt very different 2 weeks out as compared to 4 or 6 weeks out. There is something to be said about giving yourself time to heal . . . specially since this is a long term solution. Best of luck :0)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My doc, Dr. Huacuz, filled me the day after surgery. It surprised me, but he indicated there was no problem with doing this.

I'm doing fine, had the surgery on 10 March 08.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon filled me in surgery, I am one week out and I am doing fine, I think all doctors are different.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My first fill was three weeks after surgery. I had none in my band at time of surgery. What are you eating now? And is it going down easily? If yes, I would think you're ok, but I would try to stay near the Dr for at least a few hours after. You might not be too tight when you leave office, but I get some swelling a few hours after fills and feel tight for the first day or two.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For me, I had to beg my doc to let me come in 1 day early (before the 4 week mark). they said the band needs 4 weeks to properly heal before tightening...perhaps you should ask your doc what he thinks about this common idea.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you all for your responses. I guess in the end I need to see in a few weeks how I am feeling. One of the main reasons I went with Dr. Gonzalez in the first place was his experience in this field, so I guess I should continue trusting in that experience. I have to say no matter how much you read and prepare for this surgery, you can't imagine the feeling afterward. I am amazed at what a body will tolerate and how it reacts. Thanks again

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded on 2/29/08 and I got my first fill 20 days out. I wanted it very bad because I was eating like before I got the band. I am glad that I got my fill. I was told that I got a fill at the time of banding. So I guess it depends on your doctor.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Bashbee91

      Hey guys new to the process looking forward to this new life. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Bugg

      Hi everyone! I’m brand new here. I just went through all my pre-op requirements per my insurance company and now everything has been submitted and I’m just waiting for final approval and my surgery date. I’ve been doing research, watching YouTube videos, TikTok’s, ect.. trying to prepare my mind and what to expect so I’ll be ready for the surgery. I was so sure and so set and so ready and excited. However, now that I’ve done everything & it’s almost here, I am sooooooo scared! I know why I want it bc I’ve tried everything and I just don’t feel like I can lose weight by myself. I’m tired of being overweight my entire life. I’m miserable, but I keep psyching myself out afraid of GERD bc I know how that can be and I don’t want to have to get a bypass after already gaining the courage to even get VSG. I’m scared of complications like I’mgoing to regret doing it and be depressed that I didn’t just be more disciplined and try again to lose the weight on my own even sitting here typing this knowing in my mind i just can’t and don’t possess the discipline. I’m also afraid I won’t be able to handle the restrictions of the sleeve. What do I eat? I don’t know how to eat healthy really and don’t enjoy healthy food. I don’t know how to do this! I feel so defeated!Someone tell me they felt anything similar to this or am I not ready? I thought I was. I am so tired of being sick and tired and so tired of myself and so tired of being stuck and stuck in this body and somebody different on the outside from what I feel inside. I just want to ball up and cry.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      over 20 lbs down since4 the pre surgery diet and surgery on the 14th
      · 1 reply
      1. Selina333

        Yay!! Congrats. I know how good that feels. 🤩

    • Jenopolis

      Had a sleeve in 2017, lost over 100 pounds. Had a DS surgery this year (2025) for more sustainable weight loss. 🤞
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • buildabetteranna

      The 14th was my day. I am home and recovery is going pretty smooth. They even let me walk out of the hospital. Picture of me in recovery curtesy of my boyfriend lol. 

      · 3 replies
      1. DaisyChainOz

        Glad it went well!! Wishing you a speedy recovery and wonderful success!! 🤗

      2. buildabetteranna

        Thank you ❤️

      3. Selina333

        Neat you have a pic of this day! I was sooo happy to get my surgery. It was well worth it! And I'm not even near my goal. I had surgery Dec. 2!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×