I got my first fill on Wednesday. My band holds 10 ccs. I got 4 ccs, then the nurse made me drink water. It felt like pressure in my chest, so she took .5 ccs out, then the pressure in my chest went away when I drank the water. now I don't feel any restriction, I can eat a lot without feeling full. Why is this happening? Should I have not told the nurse I felt restriction with the 4ccs, then she wouldnt have taken any out, and maybe I would feel full and not hungry? I feel like I am having to diet like I used to before the surgery with no help from the band! I really frustrating!

Don't expect restriction on your first fill. Few people get to their green zone at fill 1. Plus, it can take up to four weeks to feel the full effects of the fill. You may be fine today, but in another week you may find that you're only able to eat 1 cup of proper healthy food at a time. You could be at your green zone and not know it. What foods are you eating? And what amounts?

Don't expect restriction on your first fill. Few people get to their green zone at fill 1. Plus, it can take up to four weeks to feel the full effects of the fill. You may be fine today, but in another week you may find that you're only able to eat 1 cup of proper healthy food at a time. You could be at your green zone and not know it. What foods are you eating? And what amounts?

I am eating salads, eggs, yougrt, chicken, It all goes down fine. a couple of times I forgot to chew really well, then I realized I had no problem getting it down. hopefully it kicks in soon!

I felt the same way till I would eat to much and then I know it's working. I have a 10cc band with only 2cc's in it.

I tell myself I have no restriction then I might take to big a drink of water or take one more bite when I feel comfortable and then I feel to full.

For me I am learning just what a fill should feel like.

I think your doctor did the right thing by taking a little bit out. Really, 0.5 cc out of the 4.0ccs she put in is a very small amount that she took out. When you go back in a few weeks, ask for another 0.5 ccs and see how that feels.

I think it's normal to feel a little pressure in the chest when you eat, so long as you can actually swallow and keep food down.

You did just the right thing. Most people don't feel a good level of "restriction" until 3-4 fills. It's a process that involves much fine-tuning.

It is frustrating after your first fill, when you are expecting to FINALLY feel some restriction, but I didn't experience much restriction, either, after the first fill. I looked forward to the second fill, which was Monday 6/13, and that was too much restriction! Not a fun week at all. Today (6/17) I had some Fluid taken out, and this evening I am doing much better. What everyone says is true -- the first fill is commonly not the one that brings you to optimal restriction. I don't understand why it takes time for the fill to "kick in," but that does seem to be true.

Take heart - you'll get there!

Jennifer