Hey,

Anyone have the problem of having a lot of restriction after surgery, but before the fill. I can already tell you that my doctor does not do a first fill until 6 weeks out, so I know he didn't do that during my surgery. I spoke to the nurse and she said to make sure that I stay hydrated and that some people have restriction coming out of surgery, but I don't want to have to choose between having my Protein or having my water! I had surgery on 12/1, can other tell me if they had similar experiences? and what were the causes of the restrictions (without a fill)? I'm getting a little concerned, I feel so FULL and I have barely had anything all day. By the way, I am still on my liquid diet.

Thanks in advance,

Jessica

The reason for restriction after surgery with no fill is usually swelling. The doctors manipulate the stomach to get the band in place. As the swelling goes down, your restriction will also go down. Also, as the swelling goes down, your hunger will also come back. It does get better over time.

I'm 3 weeks post op and still have restriction and there is no fluid in my band. At my support group meeting, they told me it's still the swelling of my stomach. I do get hungry every 2 hours like clockwork and need to eat something but can only eat a small amount at a time. Sometimes I'll be hungry an hour later but I'm trying to make that time for getting my water in.

Hi guys,

My doctor told me that he places the band during surgery without any fill, but what I found out at the time of my first fill is this; when he "tests" the band in the operating room prior to placement, he injects fluid in to see there are no leaks. He then lets the band fill dribble out and keeps in whatever wants to stay. In my case, I was banded with about 2.2cc. I was actually not all that surprised that I had fluid in the band since I wasn't really hungry when I got my first 1cc fill 6 weeks out.

Thanks for your responses.. you were all right. I sent my surgeon an e-mail... I thought it would get forwarded to his nurse, but he responded in an hour!! I have a great surgeon!! Anyway... he said that the restriction is vert common and due to the swelling and the residual fluid (2-3cc) that is already in the band. So that explains it... he said they could take out that fluid to make me more comfortable... what do you guys think? I don't want to mess up my weight loss because I'm worrying too much. But I also need to get in my protein and water. Also, I think I may buy gatorade to drink instead of water... I was experimenting at my house tonight, and the heavier the liquid, the easier it goes down. Anyone know why that is? Anything that is truly of water consistency is hard for me to drink, but if I make anything shake consistency, I can drink a lot more. strange.

I felt like that after surgery, I couldnt ahve broken the liquid diet even had I wanted to! I had tight restriction for about eight weeks, tight enough to keep me on 1/2 cup servings and mushy foods and I lost tons of weight. Work it while you've got it.

By the way, they dont even mention Protein shakes in Australia and I never drank a single one and I didnt die. Have half a Protein shake and a bit of Water instead of trying to have a whole one.

I wouldnt buy Gatorade, its crap for you. Nothing but sugar water. Plain water is a much better bet.

Keep the Fluid in the band! In a few weeks you'll be real glad you did because you will get very hungry as the surgery swelling subsides.

Brad

I had the exact same thing happen to me right after surgery. I had an extemely uncomfortable feeling in my chest/throat and my surgeon removed about 2 cc's from my band. If you are uncomfortable and think you may be getting dehydrated I would have it removed. You can always have it replaced at a later date.