After getting so upset that I only got 3ccs in my 10cc band as the first fill
after a year of no fluid, the fill appears to have started working. I'm not
sure if anyone else experiences this. Frankly, I have never had the chance
before, since the first go we aggressive followed by small adjustments.

What happened was that on Monday last week, I got a 3cc fill in an empty band.
I was instructed to take only fluids the first day and not do full solids until
Wednesday. I tried to follow the directions, but by dinner time I was starving,
so I tried to eat. I felt no effect from the fill at all, and Tuesday morning I
was on the phone with Dr. Malley's office complaining and asking for more fluid.

At some point between Wednesday and Friday, the band started to feel tighter. I
can't explain why or how that happens. I clearly was able to eat whatever I
wanted Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday, I had some tightening, but I put it off
to not chewing enough, maybe. Friday, I had a hotdog from Quick Trip, and had
to chuck up about half of it (and I chewed the heck out of the sucker)! By
yesterday, I was being really cautious about eating even small portions of food.

The other odd sensation is that I always remember feeling "full" immediately
before. However, now it creeps up on me too late. Perhaps I don't remember how
to eat. Part of that problem might be that I never went instantly from eating
what I wanted to having restriction. I had surgery, and then was very cautious
about my band from day one until I understood the effects. This time, I may
have been so upset by the lack of immediate effects that I forgot caution.

I also noticed what feels like a little heartburn. What I think has happened
there is accidental overeating and regurgitation has caused a little irritation.
It doesn't feel clearly like I remember when I had problems, however, I am
REALLY fearful of causing acid problems! I took some chewables, and didn't
really settle down the feeling, so I believe it is just irritation, and I need
to be gentle. Nothing this morning yet, so I think being cautious is all I
need.

The final effect, is not being very regular. Sorry, if that's TMI, but folks
may want to know. However, I do remember that one! until things started to
really get into a rhythm with eating, I remember having to use a little help
from Phillip's to move things along. I'm right back there.

If this gradual effect is a normal thing (does anyone else have the gradual fill
effects creeping up on you?), then I think that the doctor's office needs to
mention that the effects of a fill may take some time to be felt, and may come
on gradually. I hadn't felt or heard of that before, so I was completely
unprepared.

So, in closing, I have dropped some weight. Maybe 5 to 7 pounds already. I was
265 at home before the doctor's visit, and 268 at Malley's (clothed). My home
scale now has me between 258 and 260. I won't look for that massive of a loss
to continue (I expect more like 2 pounds a week until I hit a plateau). This
morning it's 258. My scale is kind to me.
---Bob

Banded: 4/3/2007
By: Dr. "Rock Star" Malley
Started/Current/Goal: 310/258/180