katiejane

I'm not Elfie, but hope you don't mind if I respond.

I've been banded for well over a year and I still have good appetite control. I think the year window you've heard mentioned for good appetite dimming and weight loss is more applicable to RNY (bypass) patients. I had a WLS nurse who kept telling me I was past the "honeymoon" stage. I vehemently disagree with her. I don't believe in the honeymoon stage when it comes to banding.

JMO.. YMMV.

I have more energy and am ready to start each new day. I now have lots of clothes that fit....or are too big yay!!!!! so choosing what to wear is so much easier

Brilliant...well done. My current aim is onederland lol....got 12lb to go

Great food ideas...can u tell me what a garden burger is pls?

Here is some of what I eat. Try the less-soft stuff slowly, as tolerated, and chew very well.

scrambled eggs with Tomato and cheese

blueberries and yogurt (w/ wheat germ)

strawberries + ricotta

Protein shake

kefir

tuna

hummus with veggie sticks

deli sliced turkey

garden burger w/ avocado and tomato

special yummy salad dressing:

I mix dry Ranch dressing mix with Greek yogurt

instead of sour cream. It's delicious! I have it with

baby spinach, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, etc

roasted salmon

chicken fajita filling

Trader Joe's vegetarian chili -add tomatoes

snacks:

cheese stick

hard boiled egg

yogurt

Protein Bar

hummus and veggie sticks

mandarin oranges

cottage cheese

nuts

edamame

orange slices

I have only lost 3pounds in the last 4 weeks, I mentioned it to my doctor at my fill this morning and he said not to worry as the weight loss was not the important thing at this stage. I was starting to feel it wasn't going to work because although I haven't been physically hungry over the last 2 weeks I have been struggling with head hunger, sfter this fill I feel much more optomistic. Hang in there it does get better:)

I haven't had a fill yet and I'm starving, depressed, and stressed out. I look at everyone's else's weightloss tickers and feel horrible because I'm not losing and I feel like a big fat failure less than one month after being banded.

Hi I had my first fill this morning(7 weeks post op). I wasn't really hungry before but struggled a bit with head hunger. I don't really feel any restriction but I am physically unable to eat the same quantity as before. I was full at about 2oz. This might wear off as the fill settles. I am booked in Dec 31st for my second fill....what a great start to the new year!!!!!!! It's like a new beginning.

I can't say i am hungry because I'm really not but the mental is saying I am.... My down fall was sweets and still are. I am post 2 weeks today and I do not feel I am advancing. I get my fill on 12/14/10 but I am not sure it will matter much because it hurts for me to eat food now. How far apart do you have to wait bwtween fills?

My first fill tomorrow, apparently my doctor gives 5cc for the first fill. I was there 2 weeks ago but didnt get a fill and another patient had her first fill but felt nauseous after drinking some Water. I am happy to get a fill but a little apprehensive.

Yes its gonna get easier lol:)

I was banded Oct15th and get my first fill tomorrow. I was really hungry around weeks 3/4 but since then I don't feel particularly hungry, it's just head hunger I have to cope with. I am eating 3main meals and 2 small Snacks and when I stick to this I lose weight steadily.

Hello

I was banded last week on Nov 24/10 and am trying to remain positive during this difficult period. To be honest, I kinda feel like I lost a best friend, albeit a "frenemie" and yes, I'm talking about food! I've been a little depressed but mostly I think it's because I've been so hungry during this 'liquid' phase. I'm back to work and that has helped occupy my mind but, boy oh boy, it's hard! That said, I don't regret my decision to get the lapband at all. I am excited & ready for a change & know it's gonna get easier! (it's gotta get easier, right?!?!) LOL!

Hi Calico

I am eating about the same....3 small meals and 2 Snacks. If I stick to this I can lose weight steadily.

I am like you, Katie. I have no real physical hunger but have to battle head hunger daily. I a feeling very satisfied on 3 small meals and 2 even smaller Snacks, about 900-1000 caps a day. I am still a month away from first fill. I need to worry more about establishing an exercise routine. I do hope this state of diminished hunger and cravings lasts. My dr says sometimes it does for awhile. He said he has patients go several months before needing a fill.

Hi Elfie

I think I read somewhere that this effect lasts about a year...do you know if this is right? I am 7 weeks out and get my first fill tomorrow. I am not really hungry but am fighting head hunger. I could probably manage without a fill but maybe need the physical restriction.

Yes. The band puts pressure on the vagus nerves which in turn shut off the ghrelin (hormone that makes us hungry). Some people (a rare few) get enough pressure just from the band. The rest of us need fills...some a little...some a lot.

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I just got my first email notification since the upgrade. I don't have aol tho

As far as I am aware AOL has no impact on my mail. I have a gmail account and I am not receiving the notifications. It worked perfectly prior to the upgrade.

I have changed my settings to receive email notifications but I am not receiving any, they are not going to my junk mail. I would appreciate any help in fixing this please

good luck with your surgery, let us know how it goes. Do you know when you will get your first fill?

I was banded on october 6th...including preop i have lost 26 lbs. Not bad...i went for my first fill 2 weeks ago and they said my port has flipped...I must have overdone it in the first few weeks and tore the stitches...so bk in for surgery this thursday...nothing but clear liquids after that! So hopefully the scale will start moving again, since I haven't had much of a weight loss since the first week post op....wish luck!

Hi elikis

just wondered how your fill went, hope it was all ok.

Getting my first fill tomorrow! So nervous....... Will share my experience!

Hi My weight loss has stalled too after starting to eat regular food but at least I haven't gained. Everything I have read on this site suggests that the first 6 weeks aren't about weight loss but healing. I can understand this perfectly but I know I still think about losing. I have my first fill on Dec 3rd and hope this may help. I will be weighed then so that helps me make good choices. Have you had any fills yet?

Hi everyone. I was banded the 19th of Oct. Originally I lost 30 lbs in about three weeks but when i started eating real foods I gained about 10 back. Very discouraging for me and I'm having a rough time trying to lose again. I really need some kind of overhall but I dont know what to do. I could really use some accountability and support right now.

Great job to everyone that is having success right now!