I'm at that bandster hell stage - tomorrow is the last "puree" day but I'm already ravenous and able to eat far more that I should from both a dietary and capacity stand point. I have an 11cc unfilled Realize band. April 14th can't come soon enough as I've re-gained 3 pounds.

From what I'm reading, a number of bandsters are feeling no restriction 2, 3,4 fills down the road and wondering if they actually got a "fill".

Here's a question for everyone who has had a fill - while you're actually getting the fill, do you feel the band tighten?

The first couple of fills I got I didnt feel anything. Now I have almost 8cc in a 10cc band and I absolutaly feel it when I get a fill. My doctor always pulls all of my fluid out before putting more in to make sure there are no leaks or anything and I feel in as soon as she takes it out and I almost gasp when she puts it back in. It isn't pain but it is a little uncomfortable! I suppose it is different for everyone though.

I haven't felt the band tighten when being filled. But, at my doctor's office, they put some in, then have you drink Water, see if it goes down ok, then fill more, drink more, etc. And, I can feel the water go down more slowly w/each addition of more fill into the band.

It should never happen that they miss the port, though. Normal procedure is to pull a little bit of Fluid back to ensure that they have the port. Also, the back of the port is hard and they can feel the tip of the needle hit up against that. So, I don't really get how a port is missed entirely unless the person doing the fill is not trained properly.

I "felt" the first fill...on an empty band, I could feel the fluid snake through. My port is on the right side and I could feel the fluid wiggle across, somewhat like I would imagine worms under the skin...FREAKY. Since the first fill I haven't felt anything during the fills. My NP pulls all the fluid out then puts it back in plus some and then has you drink...she typically fills it to the point the water sticks then backs off so while I don't "feel" it, I know it's there. Be patient...I know it's easy for me to say but it does get better, each fill I was a little tighter for a little longer. Two weeks out from fill #3 I'm still extremely tight so every step of the way it does get better. Good luck!

I've had 4 fills and I have never felt anything other then the needle in my side.

I haven't had a fill, my first is scheduled for May 5th, but I feel restriction already, at least I think I do. I can't eat more than 1 cup of food without feeling uncomfortably full.

I don't think I should still be swollen from surgery. Maybe I won't need the fill?

I'm sorry that you're feeling hungry. I can't imagine trying to work the different phases of the post-op diet while being hungry. That really sucks.