So I've been reading over some info under the "Fills" section of the forum, and it seems that many people aren't feeling any restriction until they've had their first fill. I know that most surgeons do not fill the band at all for at least six weeks, but I assumed I would still feel some restriction from the band alone. Any insight is appreciated!

I'm getting banded on May 20th!

-Amber

I am 8 weeks banded. Not too long.

I scheduled and cancelled fills twice already. Another one is scheduled for the 5/5, and plan to cancel it.

The restriction IS there. Some foods if not chewed well do get stuck.

And band pressure on the right part of the stomach helps with my hunger A LOT.

So at least for me - some restriction IS there.

I am 8 weeks banded. Not too long.

I scheduled and cancelled fills twice already. Another one is scheduled for the 5/5, and plan to cancel it.

The restriction IS there. Some foods if not chewed well do get stuck.

And band pressure on the right part of the stomach helps with my hunger A LOT.

So at least for me - some restriction IS there.

Thanks so much for your response! I'm hoping that I'll feel enough restriction that a fill isn't necessary for a while. Can I ask how much you've lost so far without a fill?

I was banded on 4/22 and no saline in my band. There is definitely restriction without fill. I don't think I will be getting a fill anytime soon. I can eat very little and I have not hunger. Hope that helps and good luck!

Kelly

So I've been reading over some info under the "Fills" section of the forum, and it seems that many people aren't feeling any restriction until they've had their first fill. I know that most surgeons do not fill the band at all for at least six weeks, but I assumed I would still feel some restriction from the band alone. Any insight is appreciated!

I'm getting banded on May 20th!

-Amber

I was banded on 4/22 and no saline in my band. There is definitely restriction without fill. I don't think I will be getting a fill anytime soon. I can eat very little and I have not hunger. Hope that helps and good luck!

Kelly

Thanks Kelly! I'm glad you're doing well so far.

It really depends on the person (and, most likely, the placement of the band). Some people feel restriction from the beginning and some are starving and feel no restriction at all until they have several fills (bandster hell). Unfortunately there is no way to predict what your experience will be...

I was lucky to be one of the people who felt restriction from the beginning - when I asked my surgeon about it he said that it is just that way with some people and normally it means that they will need less fills over time. I can only speak for myself in that I am almost 5 months banded and have only had 1 fill.

I have some details on weight progress in my signature, so people don't get too exited and think I lost 39lb after the surgery :-)

I went for surgery 257 (came home 266 - don't get on the scale for at least few days after - it is all water weight)

As of this morning I am 238.5.

I am averaging 2.25lb a week so far.

I have restriction, but I can tell as time goes on that it's partly from swelling. My first 6 days post-op, no hunger. Days 7-13, I'd be satifsied by my protein shake or a small amount of pudding and that was that. Now I'm on to the mushy foods and as time goes on I'm not feeling that full sensation as quickly, and I'm getting hungry sooner after eating. So while it's nothing like pre-surgery, I'm definitely on a slippery slope