1st fill today...questions

jennani · May 16, 2005

Hi guys and gals, I'm new to all this including the Lap Band....I had the VG Band (10cc band)placed April 14th and had my 1st fill today. 4.5 cc's and am feeling quite a bit of restriction now(even water), which I never really had before because the band is bigger. I'm on liquids today and soft foods tomorrow and when I feel good about those can move on to regular food which is also a 1st.

After watching the barium trickle through my band after the fill how will food ever fit? I am absolutly scared to put anything in my mouth for fear of vomiting or getting something stuck, being 1 month post op that sounds like quite a violent act to be a part of.

Any suggestions on how to manage this transition phase?

I also have noticed I get hiccups alot more now, what's up with that?

Thanks for posting I've learned so much already

jennani · May 17, 2005

why is no one responding?

the best me · May 17, 2005

Because you needed to bump it good job.

The hiccups are from restriction. Eat a Tums. Also, fills can make people swell and cause even more restiction...which is why you do liquids and soft foods. Slowly try new stuff, harder stuff, as time goes by. I know what you mean by being afraid to eat anything. No fill yet for me but I'm avoiding it like the plague for that very reason!

Some more experienced bandsters will surely be here soon to chime in. Good luck! glad you are here!

jennani · May 17, 2005

Thanks so much

Iluvharleys · May 17, 2005

Take it slow for a few days, I usually have a little swelling and then once it goes away some of the restriction leaves too.

Feel2Young2B40 · May 17, 2005

Hi Jen! I just had my first fill 2 weeks ago and I have the 11cc band. Everything was going great but then over the past weekend I had my first PB or I should say my first 3 PB's. Funny how the restriction got tighter 2 weeks after the fill but everyone says it's normal so watch out and be careful. I got a little lazy about chewing and started taking too large bites and paid the price!! Good luck to you and take it slow!!! Laura

HarleyNana · May 17, 2005

My mom got her first fill last week and didn't think it was doing anything, then today she had two episodes with pb, I explained to her that everyone is different and their fills react differently, some immediately, like me, others a week or two later.

Be sure to chew, chew, chew and smaller bites. Good luck!

May 17, 2005

I've had my band since Aug 04 and had 3 fills-the last was up to 2.75 ccs and I had a hard time with Water. I had the Dr. take out 1/2 cc- to bring me to 2.25 and I feel great. I have to try hard to eat slowly. I have the potential to eat more than I feel I should but I want to give this a chance- I make better choices now. I still want to shove things down my throat quickly but I have learned- or should I say- the band will remind me. I have lost 74 lbs since 8-04 and still need to lose another 30 but it is the best I have felt in a long time. My doctor told me I look 10 years younger.

jennani · May 18, 2005

Thanks to everyone for replying...I think the hardest thing for me is that I don't know my own body, and these fills change everything I just learned...but the pay off is great!!! I feel much better today restriction wise, I had an episode earlier where I was having contraction like pains lt side up high, kind of under my ribs in to my chest, seemed to start near the port, I took aleve and it went away...the only thing I can think is since surgery was only 1 month ago I'm sure the port is still a sensitive area and accessing it just caused some swelling/irritation. Still on soft foods and protien going to wait a few days to start anything else, maybe the weekend when I'm home alone. Not looking forward to the PB's I"m gonna try my darndest to see that it doesn't happen, but I do feel like I really need to burp....walking seems to help with the super full feeling. Thanks everyone

the best me · May 18, 2005

I took aleve and it went away...

jennani, Aleve is an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) as are Advil and Motrin, among others. Be very careful taking them, if at all. NSAIDs are very hard on the stomach lining and could cause erosion of your band. Check with a pharmacist about whether an over the counter pain reliever is an NSAID before taking it. At the very least, be sure to wash that pill through with plenty of Water so it doesn't rest on or in the stoma and irritate.

Tylenol is safe to take, just wash it, and ALL meds, through the band.

It sure worked to ease your pain, though huh? Glad you are better.

angiebell · May 18, 2005

Do you have to take liquid Tylenol or can you take it in pill form? I can't find it in liquid form in adult strenght.

the best me · May 18, 2005

Angiebell, i found liquid Tylenol in adult strength at the grocery store...it's labeled as Tylenol Sore Throat. One tablespoon (15ml) is 500mg of Tylenol, which is equivalent to one extra strength tylenol. 30ml, of course, is like taking 2 extra strenght tylenol. Taste okay but it's easy going down, and works well.

Good luck!

Iluvharleys · May 18, 2005

I found mine at Walmart, it is labeled Extra Strength Tylenol Adult Liquid. It is Cherry Flavor and it is usually on the very top shelf. I have no idea why they put it up there, but it always is. It is a red box with blue highlights on it.

jennani · May 19, 2005

I understand about nsaids...had reflux for years and was always told only when needed!!! I was told by my surgeon after surgery, with major bouts of Constipation from pain pills that I could take aleeve instead. Maybe that was because at that point my band was wide open...or because I'm still taking nexium...but have never gotten relief from Tylenol, good thing I'm not much of a "pill popper", but I will definatly take heed to your advice and talk to her about it next time...guess why thats it's such a controversial subject these days...because they work....well I'll just hope for no more pain!!