Question:
I'm post-op 6 days-wondering about first fill...

Hi Everyone, I just registered to this site yesterday and this is my first question. I had surgery 1/3/08(lapband) and since I haven't been sick-no nausea or vomiting-thank God! But I am eating very little of course which satisfies me and I haven't even gone for my first fill yet, which will be on the 23rd. Now I'm just wondering if I"m already eating very little now, do I have to get a fill at all. I'm just a little worried that I'll only be able to eat a spoonful of something and be full. I mean of course I'll discuss this with the doctor, but was wondering if anyone has NOT had a fill and lost weight with no problem. Any feedback is greatly appreciated; I've been looking at this site for a couple of months now and see how supportive you all are...Thanks    — natalie117 (posted on January 9, 2008)

January 9, 2008
You are still swollen on the inside.You will be getting hungry again.A few little get no fills,at least thats what I read.Just wait until the 23rd.If you have any more questions or just want to chat let me know.Sandy Hanson
   — Sandy Hanson

January 9, 2008
Why in the world are you getting a fill so quickly after the surgery? The minimum time between surgery and your first fill should be 6 weeks. And then only if you have no restriction. some can go months w/out a fill. At less than 3 weeks your stomach has not been able to heal properly. I had to have my band removed because a Doctor did a scope w/out taking out my fill and pulled my stomach back through the band. I have to wait 6 months before I can get my band back on because my surgeon says that my stomach needs that long to heal properly. He has been doing this for over 10 yrs and is highly regarded in the lap band world. be very careful getting a fill too soon. I know you want to begin loosing, but dont jeoparadize the whole surgery by getting filled too soon. Sometimes this is just a $ maker for some surgeons because they only put in like 1/2cc of saline or some other rediculous amt, and charge you the $200+ for the office call and visit. and then they only give you very small amts at a time, My sister-in-law ended up getting 5 fills in 5 months, (not very cost effective) because her dr that was doing the fills would only give her very small amts of saline at a time. Find a Dr that will listen to you. find out what size band you have. There are 2 different sizes, make sure that if you have a 10ccband that you don't just get 1/2cc fills at a time. I had a 4 cc and only had 1 fill of 1.7cc, I lost a total of 130lbs in 5 months. It truly will work if you do what you are supposed to and remember to drink your water. If you have any ?'s or concerns e-mail me and I will tell you what I know. Believe me, I have researched and been through heck with my band. The band not being the problem but doctors not listening to me when I tried to tell them that I was having problems and they just wanted to blame my band when they had no knowledge of the band or how the technical thing worked. I knew more about the care I SHOULD have received then they did. Best of luck and LOVE your band....I loved mine
   — mccabesmom

January 9, 2008
I waited over 8 weeks to get my first fill. the doctor wouldn't even discuss for six weeks - so see how you feel. It is still very early in the game. Hope you love it as much as I love mine!
   — Andrea H.

January 10, 2008
I couldn't have my first fill till my 6th week either and I am actually waiting 7 weeks because I am already losing weight. My first fill is on Feb 7. But to answer your question - yes I have lost what I consider to be a good amount of weight without any kind of fill.
   — tiffany380

January 10, 2008
I have seen several posts about "bandsters" who have started losing weight pre-fill. It is quite possible that you will be able to eat more / feel less full after any post-op swelling or irritation has gone down. If you are losing weight at a reasonable pace and are happy with your progress then you absolutely do not need to get a fill. The nice thing about the band is that if you have a fill and the restriction is too much, you can also have some or all of the fill removed. Good luck to you.
   — mrsidknee

January 10, 2008
There are some folks (very few, but some) who do not ever need a fill. I wouldn't count on being one. Right now, your stomach is swollen from the band being placed around it. I know you have had a variety of responses about the timing on this fill. Most surgeons do wait at least 4 weeks - mine waits 6 weeks - for the first fill. But then, my surgeon doesn't allow food after the surgery - liquid diet for 4 weeks, then purreed for 2, then mushies for 1 or 2 then on to solids. I am telling you this not to say your surgeon is doing anything wrong, just to point out that there are many different philosophies for post-op care out there. Talk to you surgeon. Ask questions, and if you are comfortable with his/her responses, follow his/her plan. Good luck!
   — VickiStevens

January 11, 2008
You will be able to eat more as your stomach heals.It was 'traumatized' by the band placement and is probably swollen.Once you heal, you'll be able to tolerate pureed foods. I had a 1 week post op visit just to check the lap. incisions and had my first fill at 6 weeks. Good luck to you! I just had my 1 year Band-anniversary on 1/11/08. I have lost 60#, which does not seem like much, but I started out at 215 and have not exercized once since I got it (I'm bad I know).
   — pattyann