I can only eat 3-5 bites... is this normal??

[MyMeshelle 2]

I had my 2nd fill 1.5 months ago... and ever since i cant eat even close to the 4 oz's i was told is normal... i feel like im not eating enough... but if i eat more then my 5 bites i get sick... Im not sure if i should get an unfill?? Seems like everything i eat i burp up for like 1 hr after eating too... i have no problem with liquids... i just dont want to mess my band up! Help!

[Jachut 487]

No that's not normal.

There could be several reasons. Do you think it possible that your fill has given you a case of first bite syndrome, where you get uncomfortable very quickly but once that clears you can eat?

If you truly can eat only that much, its not going to be good for you long term. You can either wait it out, maybe if you lose a bit of weight, it will loosen, but the thing is that people often find they dont lose when they eat this little.

If you're getting any symptoms like reflux, night cough, or even just feeling phlegmy after you eat, or if you find yourself pbing often, get some fill out. You might find you can tolerate it at a later time.

[MyMeshelle 2]

Ya i emailed my DR... i so dont want to cause a slip from getting sick... but i dread eating cuz i hate how i feel after... and i find myself leaning towards eating Soups only... i just didnt wanna have to pay to have an unfill... i paid cash for my surgery and was told fills were covered for 1 yr and now they are saying that i need to pay an $110 Office Visit fee when i go in for a fill.... im kinda upset with the whole situation so i been avoiding going in :biggrin:

[MistyD65 1]

You know, fills and good after-care are such VITAL parts of being banded that they should be included in the price of everyone's surgery cost - as many or as few as are needed. Not that that is likely to happen, but it should. Having the right amount of restriction is the make-or-break factor in the success of most bandsters. I think the statistics on weight-loss with the band would go way up if everyone got the same standards of follow-up in the year after surgery.

Having said that, RUN, don't walk, to make an appointment for a possible unfill. Take your paperwork that shows where you were told that fills are covered for a year. They may say that the $110 for "office visit" is something separate - if so, that information should have been upfront before surgery. Either way, this is your health. Be an advocate for yourself and get everything you are entitled to, and work with your surgeon to get that band working for YOU!

[Jachut 487]

I was logging on here to say the exact same thing. I said in another thread yesterday that I thougth a lot of the reason for the relatively modest weight loss the lap band effects (statistically) is lack of proper exercise by users, but also equally vital is aftercare.

All my aftercare is free for life here in Australia (not precisely, its bulk billed direct to the government, but nothing will have to come out of my pocket) I could go back and fourth four times a week for fills/unfills. Its so important.