HUGE first fill (1.8cc - 9.75 band)- any input helpful!!!

[soonergirl 0]

OK, I went in for my first fill today. The nurse was kind of shocked at the fill amount - 1.8cc and I have the 9.75 band.

I am so new to the fill thing, that I would like to know everyone's experience with this.

She said it was because I do not have a lot of fat around my stomach and that it is relatively small. Thus, the first fill would take a lot more than some people and that it may or may not last longer.

I read a post that was talking about these bands not being the "right" size for low bmi patients. (I don't know how I feel about the validity of this yet - as I would imagine that their intent was for people to get down to an appropriate bmi) Anyway - doesn't this mean that I am already 1/2 filled.

Please give me any feedback or expereinces, knowledge or otherwise. I am never one to freak out, but I would really like to know more about this!!

Thanks!!!!!!

[alatina 1]

mine was filled 2 ccs the first fill.

[Marimaru 7]

My first fill was also 2 cc's. The band that you have is the smallest band, so I don't know what your BMI is, or what the nurse thinks, but the band that is used is supposed to be decided upon once the doctor is looking at your stomach organ when he's got you open.

Anyhow, fills generally get smaller after the first couple. My first fill was 2cc's, then .6, so I was at 2.6 for quite a long time, and then something happened (stress I think) and I got tighter and tighter and had an unfill and now I'm at 1.7 and I'm doing fine right here. Some people have there 'sweet spot' at .5ccs, and some people need almost the full capacity of the band. That's what is so great about it. As long as you aren't too tight, a big first fill shouldn't be a problem.

Hope this helps

[giveyouthemoon 4]

I got my first fill yesterday and it was 1.2cc's. My dr said he usually does only a max of 1cc but since we had such problems hitting the port, he went big so I wouldn't be coming back anytime soon. So I don't think that your 1.8 fill is out of the range of reasonable.

[soonergirl 0]

Thanks so much! this makes me feel a lot better. I think that it was more her reaction that sort of threw me off!!

[giveyouthemoon 4]

Oh hey...and BE CAREFUL with your fill....holy crap I just had my first ever PB. Oh ow. I didn't actually vomit, but I ran to the bathroom because I was close. I stood there sliming like all get out and I kept making myself burp and burp and I thought one burp would suddenly get productive...but it didn't. MAN that hurt. I just kept burping until the pressure went away.

Well.....looks like I'll be enjoying the all liquids wagon for a few days....... :cry

[susu 0]

I just had my first fill today also. Dr. went for 1.4cc but I couldn't get the Water down. So I had two unfills before it went down without a problem.

Not sure what I am filled to now...but just glad to have that done.

Have a great day!

[La_madam 20]

1.8 is not too much, I have seen alot more in other people in their first fill. I was 1.1 with my first fill.

[princess_n_thep 2]

2.0 first fill for me too.

[alatina 1]

wow susu you were banded less than month ago and they are already doing fills?mine said wait minimum of 6 weeks.

[the best me 6]

First fill was 2.0cc and I was back after the weekend for a .4cc unfill, leaving me at 1.6cc. Your next fill will not be that big, I'd guess so don't panic yet. How's your restriction so far?

[giveyouthemoon 4]

wow susu you were banded less than month ago and they are already doing fills?mine said wait minimum of 6 weeks.

Mine did too. I ended up waiting 8 weeks because of schedule issues.

["Nita 0]

My first fill was 1.5 (not much less than yours) My dr. was glad to see all 1.5 was still there four weeks later and he added another .5 at that fill so 9 weeks out, I am at 2 ccs.

[TracyW 0]

Hi,

My first was 2.0cc, that did nothing, one month later I had another fill .5cc, that did nothing, 2 weeks later I had my third fill .3cc finally I started feeling a little retention but still able to eat too much, I was starting to get very concerned that the band just wouldn't work for me knowing that it only holds 4cc total, went for #4 fill and to talk to my Dr. he filled another .2cc now a total of 3.0cc, it finally has worked for me. Now I know what everyone is talking about when they say they take small bites and chew very well or else. The nurse should know that everyone is different, maybe she was new and didn't have the experience. Just to let you know I asked my Dr. about being so close to being to 4.0cc he said at 4.0cc no food would get through and not to worry. Tracy

[soonergirl 0]

I have actually been banded for 7 weeks yesterday. June 30th was my date.

I am not really having much if any restirction at all. I am mostly just drinking protien shakes, but i had a a regular type meal yesterday and really didn't notice much restiriction. nothing like right after surgery.

It makes me feel much better to see that it took quite a bit for a few of you to start feeling restriction.

How long before I should go in for another fill if I continue not to feel restriction? I would like one tomorrow????

Does it ever take a while to "kick in" or is that mostly the other direction because of swelling?