I had my 4th fill on Saturday afternoon.

I was told to be on liquids the rest of the day. (which I did)

I could immediately tell the difference. I had trouble getting the liquid down. I did it... but it took a while.

Sunday I advanced to having some chili. I could only have about 6 or 7 bites.

For Snacks I could only eat half a yogurt

Same thing is going on today.

I tried having Soup for dinner but couldn't even eat a cup.

I have had such a hard time getting the restriction I want (need) thus far.

Is this the way it's supposed to be?

I'm hesitant to get unfilled because I'm afraid of not enough restriction.

Sorry to be a pain.... just looking for help before I decide what to do.

(also...I seem to have the flu right now... could that make me tighter too?)

Thanks guys!!

The important thing is are you able to get all you water down, and are you throwing up? Getting dehydrated can make things worse and make you even tighter, so be sure you can get in ALL your recommended water. Next, have you been PBing when you eat thicker stuff or even when you drink water for that matter! If you do it causes swelling and you are already swollen due to the fill. On top of all this you are sick, which can dehydrate you faster so I can stress the water enough. I think that the level of restriction is a personal thing. I personally need to be able to eat at least a 1/2`cup to be able to have enough energy to keep up with my toddler. If you "feel" ok with this restriction level, are not dehydrated, and are not PBing, than I'd say you are fine. But, that is my own personal opinion.

Yes, I believe that the flu can make the band tighter. I, too, could only eat the amounts that you are eating immediatley following my last fill. Maybe even a little less than you. But, I lost weight and within about 4-5 days, I could eat more. I am back up to about 1 cup of food which is nice but now the weight loss has slowed. Some say that there is a post fill swelling, which seems plausible to me. Maybe once the swelling went down, I could eat more too.

Mbanja said it all. If you are not pbing and swallow liquids, give it a few more days, you might still be swollen from the fill.

Brianne-

I would have to say that you are finally restricted the correct way. This fill seems to have given you the restriction that I was told that I should expect.

I'm not too sure about you, but my doc said I should only be be able to get about 4-6 ounces in at a time, only 3 times a day.

It took me until my 3rd fill 2 weeks ago, to really feel the full effect. Now I am at about the 5 oz mark and can tell when i get too much, especially if I eat too fast. That's when I get the whole coming back up thing happening.

When were you banded, and how many fills have you had?

I definitely think it is personal also....but you sound exactly the way I like to be. You have to remember that your stomach is much smaller and I think 6-7 bites of chili right after having a fill sounds right to me....but again it is a personal thing...I personally like a lot of restriction. I have had 5 fills and I am used to eating 6-7 bites of something and then having to quit. Remember, don't drink before and after your meals as this willl defeat the purpose of the band....water, water, water in between meals......sounds like you are right on target.....as time goes on, you will get used to your new friend, "THE band"

Good Luck!

hey i was banded on october 8, 2007 and i got my first fill on dec 8, i have no restriction going for 2nd fill on dec 27 my dr. office told me that i would have to be on liquids for a whole week following the fill to make sure the swelling went down and nothing would get stuck you're probable not to tight just good restriction from the fill and after about a week some of the saline is going to evaporate so i would take full advantage it's going to loosen up.

Yep....sounds like you've reached restriction.

And don't worry about the quanity you are eating as you are eating way more than I am able.

Congrats!

Welcome to bandland and your sweet spot!

Brianne:

I am so jealous! I wish I was at the same restriction that you are.

Sounds like you've hit the sweet spot.

Sue

Wow thanks everyone.

I didn't think my sweet spot would be as tight as this is but I'll learn to embrace it.

Brianne I am glad we could help! Count yourself lucky to achieve your sweet spot in so little fills!

lets hope that i hit my sweet spot, I had my operation on August 2nd and first fill on December 20th, I decided to have a double fill, so now have 7cc in my band, boy its tight and I have had a rough two days lets hope it calms down soon, I also have the flu symptoms as well, maybe its telling me to slow down, but eh desire to lose weight is grater then my pain right now so roll on lower pain days

James

The way you can tell if you are too tight is you will start to get heartburn, especially when you lay down.

Usually fills will loosen some after about a week. If after a week you feel like you can hardly get food down, you might need a tiny unfill.

You're supposed to be able to eat solid Protein. Solid like chicken.

You have to chew very well though. If you stay on liquids for a week until it loosens, then try solids and throw up after a week

of waiting to try solids, then you need an unfill.

Hello,

I am not sure but something odd is going on with me. I was banded 8/20/07 and had my first fill 11/30/07. Never felt any restriction at all, so I was planning to ask for another fill when I go to my 1/2/08 visit. Yesterday, I lost my appetite, and only had 3oz of yogurt, and I tried to have beef with my family at dinner. I had three bites tops.

Today I am only able to handle 4oz of coffee and 3/4 cup of chicken broth. I thought maybe I am sick? I tend to pb after I eat or drink. Last night I tried to vomit thinking I am sick. After reading these post I wonder if I am dehydrated? Could it be possible that my band is starting its restriction now? If so, why would it take almost a month after the fill? I am curious to see how the rest of this week will go.

Thanks for any input during this busy Holiday Season.

Cyndi

Cyndi it is possible you're restriction is just now kicking in. My first fill to a month to restrict me. Some people it is immediate some it takes a few weeks. I don't know why this is but it is normal. Are you getting all your water in? If not, start because dehydration makes you tighter also. If you pb'ed you will want to stay on liquids for 24 hours afterwards to let your stomach calm down, cuz it makes it swell. If you can't get in all your fluids or fluids make you pb you might need a slight unfill. I would hold off on the next fill, till you get comfortable with this new restriction.