Question:
Is four weeks too early for my first fill?

I had my lap band surgery on July 8, 2002, and I am already experiencing more hunger than what I wanted to. I am told the first fill can be as early as six weeks, but I have also seen that some people have had it at four weeks. I am the first patient in Alabama to have this lap band, with the first and only physician in Alabama to be credentialed to perform the lap band procedure. His name is Dr. Les Miles at Medical Center East in Birmingham. It has been an awesome experience for me and I love my lap band, but, beyond that, I am so pleased with the approach at MCE. They take a full service approach to the WLS patient by offering a host of pre-op informative and supportive groups, as well as the same number post op. They employ a full time Bariatric Weight Loss Program Coordinator as well. I would recommend the Bariatric Weight Loss program at MCE and Dr. Les Miles, to anyone. In addition, he has also performed over 230 gastric bypasses in the past year or so. My question then is should I rush the fill and approach Dr. Miles or should I wait the first six weeks post op. Thanks, Wendy Dorning, Lap Band, July 8, 280/264/125goal , Dr. Miles, Birmingham, Alabama    — Wendy O. (posted on July 26, 2002)

July 26, 2002
Hi. I have not had the band and I am scheduled for Aug 13 for the bypass. But if I were you I would 1) Definitely call the Dr. I am sure they won't mind you asking a question. If you are their first patient they will be able to learn from your experiences. I think it would be better for you to talk to them. They can benefit and so will you. Trial and error in your and your Dr. case. 2) I am not sure I would rush it either. Still call the Dr. But if your tummy is being handled and a band placed around it there must be a reason for the wait (safety and probably healing). Have you tried drinking more water before meals. Eating more meat *not fatty ones*. Doing the vegys and fruits. You should try and fill your hunger with the water and healthy snacks. aRe you eating 6 small meals a day allowing yourself to fill up at each setting. Then waiting for you hunger to return before eating again? These are all things you need to consider and possibly it will help you make it to the 6 weeks. Good luck and I hope I have helped just a little even though I am not a lap person. :)
   — Michelle J.

July 26, 2002
The reason for waiting is to allow time for everything to heal. I had my first fill at 8 weeks but it was allowed at 6 weeks. My doc (Dr. Ponce) will not do fills any closer than 6 weeks apart. As long as you are still losing 2-3 lbs. a week, you don't need a fill. Remember this is a process, not a procedure. Take care of yourself.
   — Linda H.

July 27, 2002
yes, 4 weeks is not that unusual to have a fill,,,but remember that if your stomach is still sore or a bit swellen, its not good for you to have the fill too soon. If you check into the yahoo bandsters, they would have alot of info for you too,,this is a wonderful site, but they could help with some of those questions,,there is an arcives also, to check into ,blessigns,amy
   — amy T.