It's been 4 weeks since surgery and I am still on soft diet - on the 8th of Sept. I am supposed to be able to eat normal food again.

My question is - Why would I ever need a fill when I feel so totaly restricted right now and can hardly eat any more than 1/3 to 1/2 cup of food at a time. I never seem to feel hungry. I cannot imagine needing a fill.

Does this all change over time - or am I just this way because it's only 4 weeks out.

Also, my side (front) is still sore (must be where they stitched to the muscle) is this still normal? I cannot bend over - just does not feel good at all in that area if I do. I have to sit up straight or it bothers me. (I spent a lifetime not sitting up straight....now it bothers me if I don't)

I am still having throat problems - (going to see my surgeon tomorrow). The tests (Esophagram) showed no signs of Acid Reflux and they don't really think my symptoms are just that.

Sunday I went and got some Gas-X and have encountered a gaurded sense of releif in my throat although it is till creeping up here and there. I have been studying what caused Gas and all the lactose in the milk products, the potatoes (mashed) that I have had during this soft stage, these are all things I never ate before and possibly they are causing me this gas. My lap-band nurse said she doesn't understand why it would be up in my throat - I'D LOVE TO KNOW..........I'D LOVE TO FIGURE IT OUT!

All I can say is that I have prayed and prayed for relief and I am thanking God that he has given me some. Hopefully the Doc will have some words of wisdom or comfort for me tomorrow. I am getting ready for a anniversary cruise with my DH in 19 days and I truly don't want to be bothered with this throat thing. Pray for me.

I have lost 39 lbs. and I am so excited - the scale went down to 199 today.....hope is on the horizon. I have 54 more to go.

My goal is to be a size 12 by April when DH and I are going on a 15 day cruise to Hawaii. I have two (count them - TWO) closets full of Hawaii clothes in SIZE 12.

This forum has been very helpful and I am addicted to reading things here 3 or 4 times a day. It keeps my mind on the program and what I am doing here with this thing. You are all great and it has been a pleasure to read and get to know all of you.

Great - thanks - I keep hoping this is a temporary situation with the throat. Thanks again.

I was banded June 2 and have not had a fill. I keep THINKING I must need one because most people seem to, but the truth is I definitely get that "choking" feeling if I eat too much meat or eat it too quickly. Sometimes I'm sure I need a fill because I'm overeating, but when I look at it, I realize I'm overeating yogurt and cheese and all the stuff I could eat just fine w/ a fill anyway.

If there is one thing FOR SURE about this band, it is that it is DIFFERENT FOR EVERYBODY.

I felt I would never need a fill 1 1/2 weeks ago, then boom, I wake up and am hungry and not too restricted! I remember thinking that it would be a miracle to feel this way for a few months....but it wasn't meant to be for me......

I need a fill.

So, ride the wave as long as you can! You are lucky : )

I felt just like you did at 4 weeks post op..as the weeks progressed things changed. I waited until I was 9 weeks post op until I had my first fill.

Had my first fill at 5 weeks post op, but in hindsight, I probably could have gone a bit longer without it. I was just in a hurry to get the ball moving, lol. Take advantage of it for as long as you can

As for the throat thing, mine was sore for a good two months after surgery, unfortunately. Hope yours feels better soon.

I felt restriction for the first month then the swelling around your stomach goes away and you can eat like you did pre band your body is reacting to a new device and it takes time to heal. Everyone is different with the number of fills they need to obtain goal. I find meats are very hard they get stuck but soft foods do go down easily but that is the disadvantage with the band that is why you should stick with proteins first easier said than done good luck