I don't understand???

jenn6239 · 04-13-2007, 01:13 AM

I was banded on February 28th. I just got my first fill on Monday. I told my DR I wanted it to be as tight as he could because I had felt no restriction yet. He put 2ccs in my 4cc band. In the morning I have good restriction, but as the day goes on I get hungrier and hungrier, and I seem to be able to eat anything. I just ate a whole 7-layer burrito from taco bell. I know it's not a good food choice, but is being able to eat that much with 2ccs normal? I read other posts and people only have 1.2 or 1.5 and they have already lost 75 pounds and say they are never hungry???

WASaBubbleButt · 04-13-2007, 01:22 AM

Each person is different. You really can't compare one fill against another unless you know exactly how big the stomach is of another. I don't know how big my stomach is, do you? ;)

Give your fill two weeks. If that doesn't work then go back for another fill.

**Wheetsin** · 04-13-2007, 10:09 AM

I'm at 2.75cc in a 4cc and (in the evening) could eat the better part of a meal. I have no idea what a 7 layer burrito is, but I could do a Chipotle bol, minus rice. I have a hard time eating before 12 or 1, but once I'm open, I'm open.

The only time this hasn't been true for me was when I was filled to 3cc, which proved to be too tight.

juliegeraci · 04-13-2007, 01:55 PM

Jenn, everyone is different. I would definitely call your doctor and go in for another fill. It took me 5 fills and 8 months to finally reach optimal fill level. Good luck.

jenn6239 · 04-13-2007, 02:19 PM

Thanks guys I called and scheduled my second fill at exactly 2 weeks!

vapors1 · 04-13-2007, 02:31 PM

Jenn,
Hang in there! From my experience, I've been told that the first fill is mostly absorbed by the band itself. It's quite possible that 1.5cc's of your 2cc fill was obsorbed by the band. Of course it's going to vary from person to person. I just had my 4th fill on Wednesday and am finally feeling some restriction! Sure mornings are tighter than afternoon and evening - but what's really helped in the evening is finally getting that full feeling. I know it's extremely hard to think about eating the right things, especially when a 7 layered burrito goes down so smooth! They are pretty good!:hungry: Nonetheless, I've found that if you are that hungry, start with real good solid protiens like chicken, fish and steak. Then mix in some veggies. The great thing with this is that you may eat a little more, but you're eating more of the right things. When you eat things that aren't that great for you, they tend to stay with you longer and slow you down.
You're doing great! Just take it one day at a time, one meal at a time! And if you have the time, read around on this forum! There are some really great, inspirational people on here who are going, or have gone through exactly what you're going through!

WASaBubbleButt · 04-13-2007, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vapors1

Jenn,
Hang in there! From my experience, I've been told that the first fill is mostly absorbed by the band itself. It's quite possible that 1.5cc's of your 2cc fill was obsorbed by the band. ...

No, that wouldn't be likely. There is such a thing as priming the tubing but that is usually done during surgery.

Think of a straw where you have your finger on one end and the other end you suck the air out of there. If you fill it up again with air you would be priming the tubing, kinda.

Same thing applies to the band. It comes with no saline in it. They usually fill the tubing with saline but that is about 0.5cc. The rest does fill the bladder of the band.

Most docs are pretty conservative with a first fill, most docs feel we need to take fills in stages. It would be very hard to go from no fill to lots of restriction for the first time.

tracew · 04-14-2007, 11:17 PM

A little FYI...my doc claims that everyones stomach is basically the same size....within a tiny bit. The reason that people actually are able to overeat to excess is a disfunctioning hyopthalimus. This is the tiny part of your brain near your pituitary gland. When the pressure from the band is applied to the outside of your stomach it sends a signal to your brain that you are full, therefore as long as you have the pressure on your stomach you should have a feeling of satisfaction....or at least this is what I have been lead to believe. I know that some would say...but but but....I am just telling you what they told me....POPT...

Desiree1970 · 04-24-2007, 02:04 PM

I love you guys so much.... I have been wondering for the longest what restriction means. So it means I'm not hungry? I'm hardly ever hungry anymore and have to remember to eat....

**Wheetsin** · 04-24-2007, 03:18 PM

Sounds like you're talking about me. I have very, very little interest in food any more. It's quite liberating. I do still enjoy some things, but for the most part, it's something I do because I have to. I've literally had to add calendar pop-ups to my work schedule for "go eat" -- and it's not uncommon that I go until 4 or 5 without feeling the slightest bit hungry.

It was confusing to me in the beginning... I'm supposed to eat this many calories and get this many grams of these things, but I'm not hungry, and I'm not supposed to eat unless I'm hungry... but you'll find your groove.

lizrbit · 05-11-2007, 02:08 PM

vapors...i was told something very similar by my dr, that the band will sometimes absorb some of your fill.

marys · 05-11-2007, 02:32 PM

Wow - I was a bit jealous to read wheetsin's response about her lack of interest in food and lack of hunger. I'm sure that is why the band has not worked for me. I am always hungry and have never been not hungry. I have learned to eat next to nothing and be 'satisfied' but that isn't what is described by other bandsters. I have had the full feeling a few times when I've been so swollen I couldn't eat but no level of restriction has ever gotten me there - i'm either too tight and can't eat or too loose and can eat or in between and make myself stop.

for me I'm convinced I need medication - only when my head is messed with can i not care of eating. I would love to have phen phen available again as that did it for me.