I'm having my first fill tomorrow, but I have been given no instructions about what and if I need to do anything prior to my appointment. What have been some of your experiences with first fills. Do I need to not eat or drink anything, or stick to just liquids, etc?

I'm scheduled for my first fill on the 15th and my doc didn't give me any instructions, so I guess it doesn't matter. It would make sense to me to have an empty stomach that day. It would make sense to me that if there is food passing through the band you wouldn't want to fill it while the food was there. I'm going with an empty stomach, but my doc didn't tell me too.

Morning Heather, I would call the doctors office and get there instructions. With that said, my doc requires no food 4 hours prior and no drink 30 min prior. Then its full liquids for 1-3 days then mushies for a day then normal. Hope this helps and good luck!

I'd call my office if they were open on Monday. Oh well, I guess I'll just fast in the morning and see what happens. I'd rather not eat or drink and have been able to then to eat and drink and shouldn't have. Thanks!!!

I had this same problem~ I drive three and a half hours to my doctors. They did not give me any info, so let me tell you from experience. I stopped an hour out form my appt and got something to eat, a breakfast sammie. I ADVISE not to eat.....even if they say you can (though I don't think many do) He put 5ccs in and I couldnt even get water dwon without throwing up. They took out 1 cc and I was bummed but instant fixing! I wish I would have known this too before my fill! Good luck with it!

I had this same problem~ I drive three and a half hours to my doctors. They did not give me any info, so let me tell you from experience. I stopped an hour out form my appt and got something to eat, a breakfast sammie. I ADVISE not to eat.....even if they say you can (though I don't think many do) He put 5ccs in and I couldnt even get Water dwon without throwing up. They took out 1 cc and I was bummed but instant fixing! I wish I would have known this too before my fill! Good luck with it!

Thanks Kelly, definitely good information to have!! Good luck to you!!

Hey Heather - I get my first fill tomorrow also. I'm SO excited - can't wait to see that damn scale get off of 165.5!!!!! It's been that same number for 2 straight weeks. Anyway, my doctor advised me not to eat or drink anything 5 hours before my fill. So, absolutely don't do it - just in case. Also, not sure about you but mine will be done under an x-ray as well. I'm a tad bit nervous but everyone says that the fill isn't a big deal so, I'm hoping he'll put in LOTS of saline and it will go off without a hitch. Write us back tomorrow and let us know how it goes.

I'm scheduled for my first fill on the 15th and my doc didn't give me any instructions, so I guess it doesn't matter. It would make sense to me to have an empty stomach that day. It would make sense to me that if there is food passing through the band you wouldn't want to fill it while the food was there. I'm going with an empty stomach, but my doc didn't tell me too.

Hi Kellie,

Let me clarify something first, before I answer your question. Making the assumption that there are no food blockages, no pouch (stretching of the stomach), the band is not over inflated, the food will remain in the small stomach for a very short time, 30 to 60 seconds, depending on the texture of the food consumed.

Following this, there is no need to fast before an adjustment. For the 24hrs post an adjustment, ear soft liquid based foods, as there can be swelling and irritation post a fill. There are others who take an additional few days to receive the full effect of the adjustment.

I hope this helps and good luck with your journey, it is very exciting.

Kind regards

Helen Bauzon

Leading Bariatric Dietitian

Just got home from having my first fill (6 wks post op). The worst part was the lidocaine injection. The rest was a piece of cake. My dr office says nothing to drink 1 hr prior and no food for 4 hrs. 24 hr liquid diet after, 24 hrs mushies and then real food again. Good Luck!