When should you get your first fill?

NONNI · March 7, 2007

How many weeks until you should be able to get your first fill?I was baned on 2/16/07, and got my first fill today. I was really surprised :omg: that the Dr. gave me a fill this soon. Is this normal?

I have only lost 10 lbs since I was baned, and was starting to get hungry!

From what I understand you are only to be expected to lose 2-3 pounds a weeks. So I guess I am in range.

:funscale:

Kat817 · March 7, 2007

Wow that was fast!!! Most surgeons will not do a fill until you are minimally 6 weeks out, most suggest 8-10 weeks.

Following that, I was told when I can eat hard Protein, and eat more than 3-4 of a cup, and feel hungry again within 2 hours it is time for a fill again.

Do you feel ok following the fill?

Did he put you back on liquids following the fill?

Kat

HelenC · March 7, 2007

My doc says no less than 30 days, which is too bad because I'm having to eat a little something every two hours to prevent the most raging hunger I've ever felt!

I was banded 2/14 - getting my first fill 3/15.

FurEllie · March 14, 2007

I am TRYING to get one before the 6 weeks since I'll be leaving the country a week after when a 6 week fill would happen. I'm known in the family for getting outside a drivable area and getting into medical trouble (in fact, they were worried about Mexico - especially when my Dad's fortune cookie the night before said "You will be hearing from a distant relative", lol) so I'm probably overly cautious. I will also be traveling with friends and I don't want to put a damper on their trip or be a "whiner".

Kat817 · March 14, 2007

I would go beyond the date as opposed to rushing it. Without fill, many of us can eat as we did pre surgery. And while that is not ideal, it is not immediatley threatening health wise. If I were traveling, I would postpone, and plan on a full attack when I returned.

Helen, you are in bandster hell---as it is referred to around here. You are banded, and empty. Just do your best, soon the fills will begin to help. Until then refuse to beat yourself up. It will happen when you get the band to help you---that's why we got it. None of us are perfect dieters, or we wouldn't be here! It is normal you feel like you do. The good news is---it passes! Soon you will be on your way with a WORKING band!!!

Kat

FurEllie · March 14, 2007

I would go beyond the date as opposed to rushing it. Without fill, many of us can eat as we did pre surgery. And while that is not ideal, it is not immediatley threatening health wise. If I were traveling, I would postpone, and plan on a full attack when I returned.

That's my FIRST thought but then I don't want to be eating like a pig (which I've been known to do - I didn't get this weight eating carrot sticks and rice cakes) and gaining the few pounds I've lost back. That would be VERY depressing mentally.

*sigh*. I guess I have a couple of weeks to see if there's any restriction at all as it is now and go from there.

Thanks

Kat817 · March 14, 2007

I know it would be hard to see the weight come back, but not nearly as hard, as causing an uproar in the vacation trying to find someone to do an unfill, or worrying over every bite or drink whether it will work. That would hold up everyone, and in the end cause the unfill, which would put you back another 4-6 weeks anyway.

Keep in mind, you can eat perfectly normally, and still have a problem. Many times your stomach gets upset with the different Water for instance---and wham, your stomach swells---and if you have restriction already, you can be in trouble quickly.

Consider all the issues---I know how excited you are to get started!!! I feel for you, I just would hate to think it caused problems right off the bat---it is here to help you---not cause problems!!!

Good Luck!!!! Where you going????

Kat

FurEllie · March 14, 2007

I know it would be hard to see the weight come back, but not nearly as hard, as causing an uproar in the vacation trying to find someone to do an unfill, or worrying over every bite or drink whether it will work. That would hold up everyone, and in the end cause the unfill, which would put you back another 4-6 weeks anyway.
Keep in mind, you can eat perfectly normally, and still have a problem. Many times your stomach gets upset with the different Water for instance---and wham, your stomach swells---and if you have restriction already, you can be in trouble quickly.

Consider all the issues---I know how excited you are to get started!!! I feel for you, I just would hate to think it caused problems right off the bat---it is here to help you---not cause problems!!!

Good Luck!!!! Where you going????

Kat

I know, I know...I guess the mail problem I also have is that I DO travel a lot. If I schedule fills where I have several weeks between fills and trips, I won't be going anywhere!!! And I'm ASSuming these problems could arise with the band already there, right?

We are headed to London and Ireland.

I'm going to see if I can get a fill a week earlier than the 6 weeks - that will give me 2 weeks to see if there's a problem AND give me time to rectify if there is. If I can't, then I'll hold off until I get back - though then I have 2 more trips planned over the next 2 weeks

Kat817 · March 14, 2007

Oh yeah they can happen anytime, but since you travel so much it is already less likely to hit you that way, as your system is accustomed to the changes.

I would suggest maybe finding a list of band approved Dr.s world wide if possible on the Inamed site---you could carry it with you to have for the area you are going. I mean search the areas you are going, and keep those names & numbers handy. So you could be prepared. Also take the info about your band and port, so if you have to hit an ER somewhere you are armed with your info.

You may also have your Dr. prescribe you something for nausea---mine gave me phenergren (sp?) so I would have it to avoid throwing up if possible.

All in all, just be as proactive as you can as opposed to waiting to be reactive. I know personally if I prepare for the worst and hope for the best it usually works out, but the time I do not prepare---all hell breaks loose!!!

Have fun!!!! Sounds like a great trip!

Kat

juliegeraci · March 15, 2007

Yes, you are in range. Your doctor filled you a little sooner than mine would. He makes you wait 6 weeks. You are doing great though. Sounds like the perfect time to get a fill if a. you are consuming too much b. you are hungry or c. you aren't losing. In your case, the hunger warranted a fill. Good luck.

enterprise01 · March 15, 2007

How many weeks until you should be able to get your first fill?I was baned on 2/16/07, and got my first fill today. I was really surprised :omg: that the Dr. gave me a fill this soon. Is this normal?
I have only lost 10 lbs since I was baned, and was starting to get hungry!

From what I understand you are only to be expected to lose 2-3 pounds a weeks. So I guess I am in range.

My doctor will do a fill at 4 weeks post-op. I'm 8 weeks post-op and had my 3rd fill today. Ten pounds in one month is right on track. You're doing great.

DebLPN · March 20, 2007

My physician will evaluate you at your 6 week post-op check-up and ask questions adn determine if you need a fill. I was banded 1-29-07 and todate have lost 32 pounds. Since I was not experiencing any problmes eating mushies, he determined I did not need a fill at this time. I dont have anything in my band. The last few days, I've begun to get "head hunger" and a bad case of posion ivy,,and i mean BAD, has made me not want to leave the house or do anything active. SO,,I spend alot more time sitting around and that leads me to be bored,,which leads me to think about eating more. ARGH! As soon as the lesions dry up I WILL go back to the gym and stick to my Water exercises. I havent been exercising like I was instructed and I know that helps greatly in shedding these pounds. Honestly,,I cant tell if I dont eat much becuase of any restriction or if I'm just plain scared to push the limits and try to eat more. I stop before I feel full,,I've never had a slime or PB. I'm eating hard Proteins and anything else that is on the approved food list, altho I don't eat Pasta, rice or bread. Well,,a couple fo saltine crackers now and then. Thanks for listening,,,

Banded 1-29-07

Dr Ken Cleveland-CMMC-Jackson, MS

331/298/150

no fills to date