I got my 1st fill yesterday. I actually went 2 days ago, but the NP could not find my port, so I had to go back and see my doc yesterday. MY BAND WAS EMPTY AFTER SURGERY! He told me at my follow up that he would give me 1 cc, and I was immediately alarmed that, that was really low. He went on about not wanting to be too tight and find out at home... So, when I saw the NP she said she would give me 1cc and, and I expressed that I didn't want to drag along and not make progress! So she said that I could see her every 2 weeks for the first few months. So, when I had to see my doc yesterday, he found the port and I expected 1cc, but after he was done, I asked and it was only .5 cc's! WTH!!!!!

I am trying not to let it ruin my outlook, but I am so sad and upset! I was still very hungry yesterday evening! I dont understand why they cant at least give me 2 or 3 to start, like most other people, and then go 1cc or .5 cc???? I do apperciate their caution and uderstand that I do not want to have a bad experience, but this seems like it's gonna be a horror story! I initially lost 16 lbs, but since solids am not losing! I only have .5cc total!! What to do?

Edited January 15, 201610 yr by Sun Godess

Looks like you and I may be a few weeks apart from when we did our surgeries - mine was the 28th but I'm guessing yours was much earlier in the month since you've gotten your first fill.

I'm getting my first fill on February 8th. My PA told me that she'd give me 2 cc's if I said I could eat a salad plate full of food and still feel hungry after/between meals. If my hunger level isn't that strong she'll give me 1 cc. She said it would take on average 3-6 fills before I hit the "sweet spot" and to expect some hunger/difficulty initially.

The best advice is be patient and stick to the diet as best you can. Practice eating as though you're at your ideal restriction. Small bites, chew well, and pause between bites. Easier said than done, I know. The goal right now is just do your best. Temper your expectations and focus on getting a good workout routine going. Think of your long-term goals and try to stay motivated.

I'm still feeling the effects of a swollen stomach so I've been able to eat small and do fine. It helps knowing I can physically get by with much less food than I thought I needed. My pre-band strategy was to shave off a couple hundred calories daily because I didn't want to "starve." Thought I couldn't function on 3 meals on salad plates but it turns out I do just fine. I gotta remember that when I hit bandster hell myself.

Hang in there. You don't want to get too restricted too soon. Some folks get to the point where they can't even swallow Water and that sounds horrible. I'd rather go slow and steady myself. It took me years to get this fat, and it'll take time to get the weight off.

Best of luck on getting to the right fill. IMHO slow and steady on the fills seems to be more effective ... In the long run... Risks with overfilling and regurgitating can include ruining your band , removal and many other very unpleasant things. I'm banded many years and it is life changing. And can be a bitch! Most days are great... The hunger goes away! Amazing.

Some days you may have to remind yourself to eat.... Other days are hard to feel full.

The most common rules I read here

With success stories are. Protein. Water. Exercise. Low restrictions on the band...

Wishing you well on finding your

" right " spot????