A question for LAP BANDERS

I am 17 days post op Lap Band. I have lost 23 pounds and feel great. Here's my dilema; I am hungry and when I eat, I don't feel the fullness that they say I'm to feel. I had my first post op Dr. visit a week ago and he told me to come back in a month for my first fill. Will this help me feeling full? I have opted for the band in lieu of the RNY. I hope I didn't make a bad decision. Anyone with a Band that can post to this to let me know would be appreciated. Thank you. Eric

I can't believe that I'm not the only one with this dilema. I am 2 weeks post op today and started eating "regular" foods one week out. I am not eating as much and as of last Friday had lost 9lbs (have not weighed yet today), but I don't feel the "fullness" I've heard so much about either. I also would like to know if it will make such a big difference after the first fill. Thank you so much for posting this ?

I was banded 3/5/07 and I still don't have the fullness that we are all looking for. I felt it for about 2 weeks from the swelling from the surgery, but that was it. I have had one fill but I do not feel it yet. That being said, I have lost about 40lbs. It is my understanding that it can take a few fills to get to the "sweet spot" of restriction. Until you get there you will be hungry. I am going for another fill this monday and hoping that this will help. My advice until you get there is to follow your doctor's orders as far as how much you should be eating. You can also find more advice from fellow lap banders by going to the lap band forum. If you haven't been there yet, you can find it by going to forums at the top of the site, and choosing lap band. Then on the lap band page on the left click on message board. I notice that you didn't get a lot of responses here and maybe you can find some additional support there. Good luck to you. Amanda

Eric.....I have heard that the fill will make a difference. I am 15 days post op and just now starting pureed foods. The Physicians Assistant told me that the longer you can stay on liquids the better. He suggested that I not even go to pureed foods (cream soups, cream of wheat, apple sauce etc) for a couple more weeks. So I have decided to have my protein shakes twice a day and then at dinner have soup. I think your weight loss is really good.....Are you getting in all your water and protein?? I know that that will make a huge difference. I didn't get all my water in yesterday and was up a pound this morning. I have not lost as much as you have so you must be doing something right...I am only down 12 pounds. But I know that it will all take time. I feel better and know that I am looking better and that's what it is all about. FEELING GOOD!!! Hang in there.....Marcy

I can probally eat anything ,, but I am now eating fish and low cal foods /My weight loss is very slow in going right now but i am 2/12 weeks post op and on mushy foods since surgery i have only lost 8 lbs but total weight loss from april 1 is 15 lbs.. I know i am losing slower than most lap banders but everyone is different.. I have not had any heart burn nausea or anything ... protein shakes r kinda hard to take down they makes me feel full I do feel kinda full but I feel I could eat anything .. including a horse LOL but have yet to try one LOL .. now a cow better watch it I have eatten Them alot in the past I do crave steak... I know I am not eating much like 800 to 1000 calories if lucky but doc said I was eating to little before and was most likely in starvation mode Foods I am eating r potaotes any way. Fish flaked 2 oz most i can have at a time chicken all creamed up i can eat .. I can eat cheese yougart soup eggs little pasta... not a pasta fan either I love egg drop soup !!!!!!! My craving r really bad .. so odd the food i want .. most is healthy .. Be well Lisa

Thinking if I made the correct desition but waiting till my first fill. Lost 12 post op 2 weeks wain 1 and don't feel full most of the times.Im concern about it but is I said will see after first fill.