Hi Friends,

I had lap band surgery February 17th. It was so painful!! I didn't expect that since I'd had laproscopic surgery before. I haven't had my first fill yet. Can you all tell me what to expect and what I should be careful about afterwards? I'm a little nervous about it.

Thanks!

Karen in Richmond, VA

Hi Friends,

I had lap band surgery February 17th. It was so painful!! I didn't expect that since I'd had laproscopic surgery before. I haven't had my first fill yet. Can you all tell me what to expect and what I should be careful about afterwards? I'm a little nervous about it.

Thanks!

Karen in Richmond, VA

For me, it's like a painless pinch. No biggie. I skip lunch but eat a normal Breakfast. My fills are usually late afternoon so I just make sure there's no big meal in my stomach.

Most docs will require you be on liquids for 24-48 hours before you shift to solids or mushies. I didn't feel any restriction or extra satiety after my first two fills. Many people don't feel any difference their first 2-3 fills. Don't sweat it. It's really anti-climactic.

For me, it's like a painless pinch. No biggie. I skip lunch but eat a normal breakfast. My fills are usually late afternoon so I just make sure there's no big meal in my stomach.

Most docs will require you be on liquids for 24-48 hours before you shift to solids or mushies. I didn't feel any restriction or extra satiety after my first two fills. Many people don't feel any difference their first 2-3 fills. Don't sweat it. It's really anti-climactic.

THANK YOU so much for your reply! I really appreciate it.

My sister in law had this surgery, too, and has assured me that the fill isn't a big deal. I still worry about it since it is a needle into my stomach! LOL Anything you can tell me will help. What food to avoid, etc. THANKS!!

If you go to youtube you can see actual fills and watch the entire process. Search for lapband fills.

There are no foods to avoid except the obvious stuff like pop, ice cream, sweets/sugars, nachos and chips, fried foods. Each of us develop a list of foods that are difficult to eat such as leftover chicken, beef and bread but I can eat all of them if I eat small enough and chew a lot.

Thank you again!! Didn't think of YouTube... great idea!!

I did browse there before my surgery but only about the surgery... not the fills.

Thanks again!!

Karen

Hi Karen, I'm always amazed that it is so quick and easy. I was worried, too, the first time but it was nothing. There's a little pinch and then suddenly the doctor is giving me his arm to sit up and I say, "is it over already?" Congratulations on your surgery. Sorry you had a tough recovery. These initial weeks can be difficult but you will be on your way as you find the right fill for your body and really start losing. I am so happy to have my appetite dimmed!

PS -- I've never had any post-op protocol other than, "take it easy." But I'm not hungry afterward. Also, I don't think I'd like to see a YouTube of the process but that's just me -- I'm very visual and I think seeing the needle might freak me out. It really is just a pinch, though. I have had swelling after each time -- well, more like bruising. But I bruise easily and it goes away.

Hi Bandista,

Thanks again for the reassurances! I only found one fill on YouTube that wasn't with Lidocaine!! I was told my doctor doesn't use numbing methods so I was a bit worried. I so appreciate everything I've been told here. Much relieved!!

I've lost 42 lbs. so far even before my first fill. My surgery was February 17th but I can feel my appetite increasing so don't want to lose the gains I've accomplished!! I still have a week or so to go before I go in for my first fill.

Karen

Richmond, VA

Normally needles don't bother me. I'm a former nurse from eons ago! LOL

But never had one go directly into my stomach!!

Karen