Hello,
I got my first fill on Nov. 1st, about 7 weks post-op. I had a local doctor do the fill with fluro, but no barium swallow. He was pretty agressive and got me up to 6cc on the first fill. The restriction was just about right. I had a couple problems last week, the restriction was correct, I just needed to chew my food better. Half way through the second week, I feel a bit less restricted, but still enough and I have learned how to eat with the band. I have been eating about 1,500 - 2,000 calories a day since the fill. No significant weight loss yet, but it will happen if I stay at this level of food intake.
The only food I have had a problem with is a bite of really tough pot roast. I have been able to eat everything else including bread as long as I chew it to mush.
The fill doctor said that I would probably end up with about 8cc eventually, but it is wise to work up to that. Having had a couple problems with food getting stuck last week, I agree that the first fill should be enough to teach me how to eat with the band, once I get that down without any problems, then I will get another fill if I need one.
I hope everybody else is having good luck with the VG band, let us know what level of fill you have so we can all compare notes.
Take Care
Phil