I'm having my first fill on Wednesday. I understand that it can take 2 weeks until you feel the effects of it? Has anyone felt the change immediately?

It can take one or more fills to have good restriction. You might feel restriction right away, you may not notice much change. Each band has a recommended range of Fluid that you can add for the first and subsequent fills. It also depends on how you feel. It's not an exact science so you have to work with your surgeon or whoever is doing the fills to find the right amount. Be patient, ask questions, follow your post op instructions. It's an exciting time. Best of luck. Dr. Gail

@@Dr. Gail Altschuler MD is right on. The adjustment process is more art than science. Beyond that, 10 people will describe 10 different experiences along the way. It may take a number of adjustments before your band is at a level that makes it an optimal partner for you; it may take few.

I didn't know that each band has a recommended fill pattern. That's interesting and it makes sense. I suppose I thought it was a matter of guesstimating based on a patient's descriptions and fill history and the professional's experience with a particular band.

@@calgary, pay attention to how you feel over the few days after each fill. It may be that the cup of Water you drink immediately after a fill goes down comfortably, but the next day, liquids and/or foods are too difficult. Since I've been banded I've encountered a few people who preferred the discomfort, even pain, in favor of more rapid weight loss. I think they're nuts. food should be pleasurable and losing weight should feel happy, not like punishment.

I'd just love to feel the way I did for the two weeks after surgery! For the first time in my life, I wasn't hungry and a small meal felt like I had turkey dinner. Unfortunately that feeling didn't last. I'm back to eating just as much as I did before

You'll get there.

I just now noticed your numbers, i.e., starting weight and BMI. May I ask how you arrived at surgery? Only if you feel like saying; I don't pressure and I don't speculate.