I am a bit confused about what the band does just following the operation. I spoke to my nurse practitioner, who will do my fills, and she told me that I will leave the hospital without a fill. From what I have been reading, it seems like everyone is losing weight immediately after surgery but, how is this possible without the fills? Does the band restrict on its own? I am having my surgery on 5/24 in NYC and have a million questions. It would be great to get some clarification on this. Thanks!

It's possible to lose weight without fills by consuming less calories than you burn. You have to remember, the band doesn't make you lose weight. The band is there to allow you to be satisfied on much less food for much longer periods of time. By controlling hunger, it allows you eat less, which results in weight loss. But the band itself has nothing to do whether or not you lose weight.

Some people can tell a difference right away even with an empty band. Most people do need multiple fills before they have adequate Fluid in their bands. It can be hard in the beginning which is why we call it "bandster hell", because you're expected to eat like a banded person even though without adequate fluid in your band you don't feel like one.

I have always lost from the very beginning, even before I had adequate fluid in my band, but I have also counted calories since the day I got home from the hospital. It was hard and I was extremely hungry but I stuck to my daily calorie allowance regardless. I knew I just had to be patient.

Best wishes!

If you lose weight immediately post op, its most likely going to be due to the restricted liquid to pureed to mushy diet than to the actual band.

The goal immediately post op is to let your body heal, not to lose weight. To learn how to eat. To make the changes you will need to be successful long term.

I lost three pounds in the two week period after surgery. I actually go Wednesday for my first fill....maybe. The surgeon will decide if i get one or not.

So don't compare yourself to others. You may lose faster or slower or not at all immediately out of the operating room.

Focus on YOU and your journey. And best of luck.

If one is on a liquid diet before and after....this also speeds up the weight loss in the beginning. Bandster Hell is real and it is all YOU making better choices, eating less, and watching calories in/out. We get out of it what we put in. The upside is...once you receive a few fills and adapt to the lifestyle...the white knuckling starts to subside. It takes time...have patience. This was the hardest part for me....the patience! Good luck!

I am a bit confused about what the band does just following the operation. I spoke to my nurse practitioner, who will do my fills, and she told me that I will leave the hospital without a fill True, most of the time the band is not filled when placed From what I have been reading, it seems like everyone is losing weight immediately after surgery, Like previously mentioned, from the pre-op and liquid diet your now on. but, how is this possible without the fills? Does the band restrict on its own?​ It has initial restriction just becsue it's around your stomach,but fills are needed to be fully functional. I am having my surgery on 5/24 in NYC and have a million questions. It would be great to get some clarification on this. Thanks! I was scared to eat after being banded , because of the inflammation and for fear of messing something up..lol Remember too it's not about the loss as much as it is learning to eat right, and learn new habits to last a lifetime, Because the BAND is not forever. Good Luck feel free to email me any questions I'll try to answer any and all or HELP you find an answer.

Hi there!

It can be confusing but they don't fill you until the swelling goes down. Your NP will start giving fills when she feels your swelling has gone down sufficiently. I

I did not receive a fill until one month after surgery. I did feel a sense of restriction within that first month while I was healing however.

Good luck to you!