Hi Everybody,

I was wondering how soon after surgery you can have your first fill... My surgeon said 6 to 8 weeks.

I was banded on 4/21/11 and I feel great, so much that I can eat basically everything (not that I'm doing so). I have been very careful with the quality of food I eat, however I can eat pretty much the same than after sugery, no PB'ing, no vomiting and no stuck episodes. I also have lost maybe 3 lbs...

I'm struggling with hunger big time.

I don't want to rush things out and screw up my surgery, but I was wondering how soon after surgery you had your first fill.

I would like to have mine as soon as possible but safely.

Thank you all!

My doctor said 6 weeks is the ideal time to get the first fill. I think this is what many others call BANDSTER HELL! hang in there

Every surgeon is different, some even put some fill in at the surgery phase. My first fill was at 3 weeks.

Mine was exactly 4 weeks, then every 4 weeks after that. Had 3 fills so far.

The standard amount of time recommended by Allergan (the maker of the lap-band) between surgery and first fill is 6 weeks. Probably the same amount of time for the realize band, but I don't know for sure.

There should be no stuck episodes, no pb'ing (which is a euphemism for vomiting really). Those are symptoms of a problem with either the band or the bandster's eating behavior.

Do the best you can to eat sensibly while you are waiting on your first fill. And bear in mind, even after your first fill, you may not get good appetite dimming. Sometimes it takes up to 3 or more fills, depending on how sensitive you are and how much Fluid your doctor is willing to give.

Sometimes when we think we're hungry, we're really thirsty. First time someone said that to me, I thought "yeah RIGHT". But give it a try.. sometimes drinking an extra glass of Water or crystal lite or unsweetened tea really will make a difference. Get some WW string cheese sticks. They're only 50 calories and paired with an apple can help you past a tough spot. Mild to moderate (non-sweaty) exercise, like walking, can also stave off hunger for a bit.

We've all been through this. I'm waiting on my next bump up in fluid in about 2 or 3 weeks....where I used to be able to go 4 or 5 hours between meals.. it's now 2 or 3, so it's time. I DO empathize. Hang in there.

I think it depends on the surgeon honestly.

I think it depends on the doc and each personal case.

For me I waited 7 weeks for my first fill. My doc wanted to give me a fill at 4 weeks but I was freaked out by the needle and didnt feel mentally ready so I waited and I was supposed to get a fill at 6 weeks but waited until 7 weeks for a fill. I was losing weight and therefore a fill wasnt really needed.

However I have a friend who was banded by the same doc who got a fill at 2 weeks. She wasn't losing weight, was hungry and able to eat too much so the doctor asked if she wanted a fill and she said yes.

If it is before the time for your first fill and you want one sooner, see if you can discuss this with your doctor.

I had no fill at the time of my surgery. I got my first fill 6 weeks post op.

I was banded on 4/15 and I am hungry just like normal! The only thing that has changed is that I am not as hungry in the mornings. I am worried that I am eating to much. I am able to eat half a crisp taco...or two whole hot dogs (no bun)...tonight I had 2 asparagus spears, 1.5 ounces of cheese and 5 bites (very small) of bbq'd steak. And felt full. Is that too much? I eat until I feel full (not stuffed, but barely full) but I am worried that its too much. What's the rule on snacking? How many of you snack between meals?

Thank you all for your responses. I live in San Francisco and had surgery done in Tijuana. so I will be going back for my fills, my doctor do it under fluoro.

Melissa, you are so right, I am trying to make right choices, but to be honest, I'm not sure I can trust my self for long...

I will call my doc tomorrow, I know that after the first fill I may not have enough restriction, but any help would be great.