I had my surgery on July 2nd and am healing nicely with similar experiences as others here. My surgeon, Dr. Moran in Raleigh, NC, does put a little saline in the band to start off right off the bat.

Being on the liquid diet, I haven't noticed any "difference" in taking the liquid food in. In other words, I can drink a swallow or two or three of liquid or even a decent bowl of broth and I did not notice any obstruction or anything that told me to slow down. I have had some belly pain but that felt surgery related an not stomach related. I have felt satisfied if I eat two Jello cups and a bowl of broth that might be different than before but I can't be sure because it is quite subtle.

I realize that all of this could be due to the fact that I am dealing only with liquids at this time, but I was wondering when to expect a different sensation than in my previous life.

Thus, my question is this. When did you first eat something and say "wo, that was different"?

After first fill? After full liquids?

Just trying to get an idea of what to expect and when from a bandster's perspective.

Edited July 7, 200917 yr by Albacheeser

I didn't notice anything until after my first fill. Once my recovery was complete and I was back on solid foods, I could eat anything I wanted, tried not to, but felt as though I could eat the same as before my surgery. After my first fill I couldn't eat as much as before, but there weren't many things that I just couldn't tolerate, and while I was eating less than before the fill, I was still eating too much. The biggest difference came after my second fill, which is where I am at right now, there aren't many things that I can eat at this point, I think I am a little too tight now. I haven't found my sweet spot yet, still working on that!

Besides the restriction I started feeling, as I'm losing weight I can now feel my port which is really strange to me. Kind of scared me when I first felt the big lump in my stomach until I realized what it was!

I didn't notice any difference AT ALL until I was at 5.5 ccs in my 14 cc band...that was fill # 4. And then I got "stuck" because I didn't chew well. If I chewed well, then who'd have known? I was eating less than before, got full faster, but it seemed to just "happen". I didn't feel the band.

Some "feel it" after the 1st fill; for others of us it takes a while. Until then, except for the scars on my stomach, I'd never have even known I had surgery.

I was banded the same day as you and I can barely finish my jello..I feel rumbling and burps but really no hunger. I am having a hard time trying to get enough liquids down. I cannot stomach those protein drinks at all. I feel sick just smelling the protein drink. My doctor said he tightened mine real tight so I would lose weight fast..I do not know exactly what that means but I will ask on the 17th when I go back. I have had a little trouble taking all my pills..just have made sure they are as small as an aspirin chopped up. Just having a hard time swallowing ones with jagged pieces without gulping the water.