I’m a newbie at this…

I know I just had my surgery but I already feel tons of restriction. When I started on my soft foods today I could only eat like half a cup and I’m stuffed for hours. Is this going to go away because I don’t have a fill yet? Do some people never need a fill maybe, or could my stomach still be swollen from surgery?

Edited January 30, 201016 yr by MissMelissa

Was your surgery just 4 days ago? If so I am going with swollen stomach, but i think that its a good sign. I reached restriction with just 2 fills @ 3.5 cc's in a 10 cc band.

I’m a newbie at this…

I know I just had my surgery but I already feel tons of restriction. When I started on my soft foods today I could only eat like half a cup and I’m stuffed for hours. Is this going to go away because I don’t have a fill yet? Do some people never need a fill maybe, or could my stomach still be swollen from surgery?

I had restriction for about 2 weeks after surgery. Then it went away.

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I agree with the above...BUT!!! At my first support group meeting (okay, my only support group meeting) we had a lady who was 8 months out and close to 80 pounds lost with no fill (our doc puts nothing in at the time of surgery) so it does happen! Enjoy the restriction while it lasts and maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones!

I had surgery on Dec. 28, 2009 and a follow up visit to the Dr. a week later on Jan. 4, 2010. I was feeling full and when they made an appt. for Jan. 27 for my first fill, I couldn't imagine that I would need it. They told me if I felt I didn't need the fill to call them, but about a week before (three weeks out from surgery) I began to feel hungry and unsatisfied after meals. I got the fill last Weds. and feel comfortably full again. Just my experience, and I know it varies from person to person, but so far, the timetable they gave me has proven true. I think you will know if you need a fill or not.

I believe you are still swollen from the surgery as others have stated. Don't get disappointed if your hunger returns. I am in that time period awaiting true restriction from fills and it can be quite a let down. Best wishes to you though....

If they used the proper size band for your anatomy, then you will need at least one or two fills. The stoma needs to be large enough for the swelling at first. Then after the swelling goes down, you need at least one fill to get proper restriction. I think If I wouldn't have had the 2 fills I've had, I would have to work way too hard at dieting and there would have been no point in getting banded.

Hummingbird, are you still at good restriction w/ the two fills?

I go back for my 3rd fill on the 4th and to be honest, I feel pretty good right now. I have about 4.4 in my band. I'm really not that hungry but then again, this is only a week out. I'll see how I'm feeling come next week as I get closer to the 4th to see if I need it.

I think I'm nearing my sweet spot with just the few fills.

Yes, I still have restriction. In fact I am almost too tight, but I fear if I get even a tiny unfill the weightloss will slow or stop. I am at 5.3cc in a 10cc band. Everyone is so different. Maybe my stomach tissue that is inside the band is thick. They also include some fat inside/under the band.

Thanks for all the information everyone! I love this site and how people are always so nice to respond to your questions no matter how small or ridiculous they may be….lol. :biggrin:

Yeah, I know we're all different but sometimes its nice to see how others are doing and compare a little. Haha. How has your weight loss gone? Are you losing the 1-2 lbs per week or is it even more?

Can't wait to get to the sweet spot. And even though it feels so slow for me...happy to know I'm losing weight each week, even if its just 1 lb or so a week.

I'm over 18 months out and have had two fills...last one was Oct, 2008. I believe I have ideal restriction. Not too tight and loose enough to still get hungry and enjoy my meals.

You all have such inspiring stories. I agree with the poster who said this site is awesome!!!