(I am cross posting this message) My first fill was June 28th. I felt the restriction that moment when I was swallowing Water and maybe up to a few hours later. But by the next day I was eating like I normally do. I have never had to chew my food real well. I have never had a problem eating too fast. As I stated in a previous post I had 1/2 of a t-bone steak, a cob of corn and 1/2 a baked potato in one sitting.

We went to Red Robin where my favorite salad is and I was able to eat 1/2 of it! The salads are huge. It is just taking a long time to get me full. Trust me I am not eating until I am stuffed, just satisfied and I'm not happy about the quantity that it takes to get me to that point.

So hopefully they will give me fill on Wednesday morning that is when it is scheduled.

I am going on vacation right after the fill and I do not want to gain weight while gone, I want to eat small amounts and be lady like!

Has anyone had this experience?

Honestly, I think most people have this experience. It takes most folks a few fills before they feel anything. It's not 100% of the people, but for many.

You are not the only one Virginia. After my first fill I had restriction for about a week then I felt just like before. I was able to eat without restriction. It might take two or three fills before you are able to feel that restriction. I just got my second fill about a week ago and I am feeling a little restricted. I have to chew my food really well when before I was not doing that. Good luck on your next fill!

1/4 to 1/2 cup of food is a good fill level.

Virginiann-

I was banded on May 9th and had my first fill on June 18th. I thought there was something wrong, because like you, I felt restriction for the first day or two and then nothing. I went back to eating "normal"...never had any problems with eating too fast and not chewing well enough. Plus I hear of all these people that have gotten nauseous and throw up. Not one time for me.

I'm able to eat about the same amount as you (the steak and potatoes), and I am not satisfied with that. I am still losing little by little, but from the amount of what I am supposed to be able to eat to what I actually am eating is a big difference.

I called to schedule another fill for July 21st and we'll see if that helps out any. Good luck to you, and you're not alone.

at $250 a fill I was hoping not to have to spend $1500 over the surgery to make it work!

Dawn, so there is a full month between your fills. I am wondering if anyone had a fill this soon after a fill? Mine will only be two weeks. I know it is crazy but I'm going on vacation and I want restriction when I go. I don't want to be able to let down my hair and eat what I want. Does that make sense?

I am to be banded on 7/20. It seems to me that after you get a fill that you have to go on liquid diet again for a short time? Has this been the case for most? Or does this kick in after you have more Fluid in the band and not on the first couple of fills. Thanks for your replies.

:help:

according to my doc, its 2 day liquid after each fill.

You and I are in the same situation... I am able to eat ALOT and often (not that I always do though...). For example...two days ago I had about a 1/2 cup of potato salad, 1/4 cup of macaroni salad, about 5 small meatballs and bread... no problem with anything... and I cant really say that I took small bites or chewed the heck out of everything....

I've never had the "golf ball", no PB or slime.... I was starting to think that I was the only one that is going thru this!!!

I'm going for my 2nd fill on friday... hopefully this will all change.

sounds like you haven't gotten to your tight spot. it took me 3 fills. when i got to 1.5 in my 4 cc band it was a night and day difference from 1.25. i came home and tried to eat and i could feel the food hit my band and stop! it may take time and money to get it right but once it is you will know it and feel restricted! good luck, h

I was told liquids the day of the fill, then the next day it was okay to add puree. The third day mushy... start slow. But on my second day I had some small curd cottage cheese and all was well. So the third day I ate normal and it's been that way ever since.

I sure as heck didn't go through this surgery so that I could eat 12-1300 calories a day and still be hungry. My hope was that I could eat that little and NOT be hungry all the time.

My will power is great, I can avoid all the bad foods, sugar, breads, etc... but I can not fight the hunger beast. I am powerless, therefore, in should step my weapon the BAND..

I'm feeling like a failure and I'm wondering if this is just another 'diet' that I have failed at. :-(

Dear Virginiann

I wish I was in ONEDERLAND like you are. You may be eating but it still looks like you're losing! Yes?

Anybody,

If your insurance covered your surgery, will it also cover the fills?

I have lost real well, but it has stopped since my first fill. Very strange. I would post what the doc says tomorrow but I am going on vacation right after the fill. I won't be near a computer until Sunday night. But I will let everyone know what went on.

My insurance is paying for the fills as it did with the surgery. I was and am very blessed. I only have to pay my co-pay.

Virginiann - I waited until about 3 weeks after my 1st fill to call my doctor back to make another appt. for my 2nd fill. That's why it was a full month. But as far as I know, it's totally what each person feels comfortable with. & you are having regular feelings about wondering if its yet another diet you've failed at. Me too...but this is a process that we have to work at & really pay attention to our bodies. Believe me, your body will tell you if you need another fill or if you're fine & have found the "sweet spot".

My rules are that for a full day after a fill is only liquids.

I can understand about wanting to get to the right fill volume just because each fill costs X amount of $$. When I was researching Band doctors & surgery centers I chose the one I went to because of experience not because of cost. I paid more for my surgery, but for the 1st year after surgery all of my after care & every fill or unfill I need is all free. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the higher cost surgery to anyone, as long as it came w/the first year of free care. That way you have no worries about racking up the fees from how many fills you just might need.