Fills and Restriction...what is really taking place?

MSnika3 · 06-29-2008, 11:15 PM

Friday, I had my first fill. I expected, rather hoped for restriction similar to what I had 2-4 weeks post op. After slurping down water, smoothies, yogurt, pudding, etc. I realized that may not be the case. Then Saturday, after being able to eat very large quantities of food (5 thin slices of pizza for lunch, tons of sushi for dinner, and a late night snack) I faced the realization that I had no restriction at all.
Today, I started the day off quite frustrated. I had to accept the fact that I was one of the unfortunate bandsters that would have to rely solely on diet, exercise, and willpower in order to lose any weight until I reach the sweet spot. Well, I went out to dinner with my family and planned to eat my good bye to food dinner with a vengeance. I started off eating as normal. Then, about 1.5 cups into my meal I felt this tightness in my chest. I began to feel a familiar sharp pain radiating through my back. I thought....hmmm, this is how I felt way back when I had restriction after surgery. I figured that I just needed a good burp, because I had not come close to the volume that I had inhaled the evening before. So, I continued eating.
Well, low and behold, after a few more bites, I felt my food sitting in my chest and throat going nowhere. I sat there hoping for a good belch, but praying it away for fear of vomiting. I was absolutely miserable to say the least. I felt like hell for the next few hours. I am now 5 hours past that terrible ordeal and I am shocked, confused, and still full as a tick. I didn't eat near as much as i did last night, nor could I have. Wish I had known this was coming, I would have started my dinner with my good ole crab legs.

Sure hated to push those to the side, but finishing them off would have given me the unpleasant opportunity to see my entire meal again!!
Seriously, though, what is the deal? Is my body playing tricks on me? Do I have restriction or not? If I do, then why now and not the past two days? I don't understand. Believe me, if I have restriction or am in the process of getting it, I am elated, but I sure would like to know how this delayed restriction works. Is it here today, gone tomorrow? Or is it developing? Or is it just my imagination running away with me? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Sorry, so long!

shannongetsslim · 06-30-2008, 12:43 AM

I have yet to go for my first fill, July 3rd thank goodness, but from other bandsters I know, it takes some of them almost 2-3 days to feel the restriction. I am not sure why, but I guess like most things some people react differently to the fills. So take it easy and be happy, maybe your one of this people who take a few days to feel the effects? good luck!

Marissa's Mom · 06-30-2008, 09:04 AM

I feel the same way...sort of. I had my second fill on 06/12 (.6) and had way too much restriction (nothing would go down) 06/16 I had an unfill (.3). Since 06/16 I fill like I could eat anything and everything in sight (and practically have). I go for another fill today (thank goodness) and hope to get the right restriction.

It is all a process just like anything else...

Boysaway · 06-30-2008, 10:40 AM

I also have experienced delayed restriction. I believe it happens when the fluid in your band and tubing are equalised, or even out a few days after a fill. In other words, the fluid moves from the tubing into the band, and makes a big difference because as we all know the level we are seeking is sooooo finely tuned.

MSnika3 · 06-30-2008, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boysaway

I also have experienced delayed restriction. I believe it happens when the fluid in your band and tubing are equalised, or even out a few days after a fill. In other words, the fluid moves from the tubing into the band, and makes a big difference because as we all know the level we are seeking is sooooo finely tuned.

Ooohhh! Now that makes sense. Well, I will keep my fingers crossed for that fluid to keep moving on in!! Thanks!

juliegeraci · 07-01-2008, 03:32 PM

Annika, don't get discouraged. It takes 3-5 fills to get good restriction. I have battled restriction for 2 years now and still have trouble finding my sweet spot. Good luck.

gkeyt · 07-01-2008, 11:52 PM

Sometimes fills can take as long as a few weeks to really "kick in". It has more to do with your stomach tissue than the fluid--the fluid flows pretty freely between the tubing and the band. That's part of why they don't recommend getting fills more frequently than every 4 weeks. Your stomach tissues are very sensitive and it can take a while for it to settle into your new fill. You are doing great at less than 2 months out--just learn to listen to your "soft" stop, not waiting until the pain-in-chest feeling comes, to stop eating! It's all a learning process.

MSnika3 · 07-02-2008, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkeyt

Sometimes fills can take as long as a few weeks to really "kick in". It has more to do with your stomach tissue than the fluid--the fluid flows pretty freely between the tubing and the band. That's part of why they don't recommend getting fills more frequently than every 4 weeks. Your stomach tissues are very sensitive and it can take a while for it to settle into your new fill. You are doing great at less than 2 months out--just learn to listen to your "soft" stop, not waiting until the pain-in-chest feeling comes, to stop eating! It's all a learning process.

I definitely have a lot to learn. Since my experience Sunday, I have been trying to listen to my body more. I'm still not sure about my restriction. I'm trying to keep my calories down and fill up on water. I've not been extremely hungry, but I think it's due more to the water consumption, not positive though.
This fill stuff is definitely a strange thing! Thanks for the insight!