How long do I have to wait until I get my first fill.? I just got surgery Wednesday , but I have no idea how the fills work I see a lot of people posting about having an 1c fill etc, what is the difference ? And also what is reaching the green color ?

Fills usually are at the option of every doctor and no two doctors are alike. I'd say most docs start fills around the 4-6 week mark. Most docs fill 1-2 CCs the first time. Then, it's incremental after that. But, you should ask your own surgeon what his/her protocol is for fills. I've read of some odd protocols on this forum.

There are basically two sizes of bands. 10 and 14 CC bands. Some people never need a fill and feel satisfied with less food by just have an unfilled band around their stomach. Others go all the way to 14 CCs but that is rare. The green zone is the time you get that one fill that gives you satiety with less food and keeps you satisfied for up to 4 hours.

Here's a series of videos from a famous bariatric doctor from Australia. Your doctor may have different views and protocols than this doctor but O'Brien covers most all questions you might have? Obey your own doctor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa3Lwt6ElIs&list=UL Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4jYJipQ7vc part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbdhf44ZweI&feature=relmfu Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF3TCKUn3YI Part 4

Thank you so much @@2muchfun

There's a support group headed by one of the members here. Her name is gowalking . I think she went to the same surgeon's office as you did? Anyway, this is a 100 lbs+ group and you're close enough? Visit it here http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/349818-banders-7/ . gowalking heads up a support group I believe in your neck of the wood/skyscrapers? Give it a look?

tmf

Thank you. I'll take a look at it , I'm in NYC

I check I already have her in my friends list thnk u @@2muchfun, I'm brand new to this

I had Dr. Schwack as my surgeon from Dr. Fielding's office and my first fill had to be at least three weeks after surgery. They usually wait until 4. My first fill was today! They place the band in empty (some other offices have some saline already in them). I had 3.5 ccs put in today then I go back in 4 weeks to see how hungry I am and they will add either 1.5 or 1 more ccs. I hope this helps! It's different for every person in terms of the green zone. Good luck!

Those videos are superb. Thanks for posting, I learnt so much more. Just over two weeks till band day

Those videos are superb. Thanks for posting, I learnt so much more. Just over two weeks till band day

Just be aware that Dr O'Briens approach to drinking when eating isn't accepted by most doctors. Your doctor may have a different plan for you.

Those videos are superb. Thanks for posting, I learnt so much more. Just over two weeks till band day

Just be aware that Dr O'Briens approach to drinking when eating isn't accepted by most doctors. Your doctor may have a different plan for you.

I will thank you. In general I never drink whilst eating anyway, I tend to drink after food so I'm not planning on my drinking changing much.

This is really interesting I had the same questions regarding the fills! I'm in 2nd week post op now and I'm already worrying about the further 4 weeks before a fill where you're with an unrestricted band. How did you guys find that?

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Thank you so much @@2muchfun for those videos. I learned quite a bit even 10 days post-op. This should be required viewing for all those getting the lap band.

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My first fill appointment is set 6 weeks from surgery date. Three more weeks to go for me.