I was banded 8/5/05 and haven't been able to fly to TJ for my first fill yet.

I still don't even have a flight out! It's just been one thing after another here that prevents me from leaving my family...

I lost 10lbs the first 3 weeks. Now I'm slowly gaining it back because I have no restriction. I am on my own, like I never had the procedure done.

They are just going to be so disappointed in me when I do go in for my first fill! Right now, I'm only 6lbs down from where I started.

Is it possible to stretch out your poutch befor a fill? I hope that hasn't happened. I would think not because It feels like the food just goes on down. I can tell it's there if I eat bread w/ protien and that's the only time I feel it.

I have to really slow down and chew well for it to keep on passing through. Now if I had a fill, I'd have to stop because it would be passing through so slowly that I'd get tired of waiting and have to move on to doing other things, right?

I deffinatly think you got it figured out. The more restriction you have the less you can eat at one time, and the more you lose. Thats how it works!! Now the big question here is how to get you to TJ to get a fill. Also remember the first 4 to 6 weeks are for healing and until you get a fill your band is not working to its full potental... so give it time get a fill and you will see how your band can really work for you.

First, Dr Ortiz and staff will NOT be dissappointed. Don't let that stop you. From what I get from others he is kind and understanding, and knows that tuour band will only work with a good fill. Princess n theP said once tha an unfilled band is like a loose bracelet around your tummy (paraphrase) and that made alot of sense to me. You just need a fill!

Your best bet in the interim is to eat solid protiens first, then veggies and fruit, then breads/other carbs if you have room. Fill up on the good stuff first and work what little restriction you have. You may find you are more restricted than you thought!

Good luck! And get on down to TJ!!!

Mercedes

Sorry to hear about your troubles! I had my first fill about 3 weeks ago and it was the worst experience of my whole life!!! My port has tipped and he could not locate the opening, to make a long story short with no anesthesia, three needles and 6 pokes later he was able to get in (ouch ) he said he put in 1 cc but it was about a week or so later before I felt anything and then I had a piece of chicken get stuck, cause some swelling and was back on liquids for 48 hours! so now that I am through all of that, I am back to feeling like I did before my fill(no restriction) and needing another (have not lost anything since my fill)

but I am scared to go back!! anyways get yourself to TJ and get that fill but don''t worry you will start losing soon I know it!!!Keep your chin up!!

Carrie