Thats All Folks

Congratulations!

It will come. Just be patient

You're not necessarily doing anything wrong. You're only a month post op. The first 4-6 weeks are for healing, not losing. Your body has been through a lot and needs time to heal and adjust. If you're counting calories and measuring your portions, the weight loss will come, just be patient.

I've had a lot of goals through this journey. My first goal was to weigh under 400 pounds, then too lose 100 pounds, then to weigh under 300 pounds. My current goal is to lose 200 pounds, which I'm only a couple pounds from reaching. After this one, my next will be to weigh under 200 pounds by my 40th birthday in June.

Here's some much more thorough information about the band and the Green Zone from one of the top Bariatric surgeons, explaining what to expect and what not to expect when you have adequate Fluid in your band. Note that hunger is expected with the band because it's your body's natural signal it needs energy (just far less often) and that the band isn't supposed to restrict your portions, you are: ____________________________________________ "Adjustments to the band are made to allow the band to suppress appetite for a prolonged period of time. Adjustments are not meant to make you stop eating. The band is a guide, it is not a collar. We do not like "hard stops," that is, where you eat until you "feel full." We do not use the word "restriction," except when we illustrate a diagram, such as above. Otherwise, restriction would be a "feeling," and we do not subscribe to that. The band does not work by "feeling restricted," and those who seek that term do not lose the weight they should. You know you need a fill when a small amount of food is not lasting you an appropriate period of time. When you find yourself looking for food -- and feel as if you are dieting. ........... It typically takes 3-6 fills to reach the "sweet spot" where a small amount of food keeps you satisfied for a long period of time -- and where you don't need to come in monthly for an adjustment. But you will have this sweet spot along the journey. Use this time to reinforce measuring your portions, eating slowly, and small bites. You can drink small swallows of non carbonated fluids while eating. Drinking this way will moisten food and may help to avoid food sticking in your band." for the entire article: http://drsimpson.net/fills/fill_factors/lap-band_fill_factors.htm

I agree with the above poster, who said you can't eat again? Or go out with friends and eat socially?

When your hunger is satiated for at least 4 hours on a cup or less of food.

Unfortunately, no body shaper or girdle is going to reduce your waist line. The only way you're going to do that is via diet and exercise. Now, for a temporary illusion of a smaller waist under clothes, Spanx has a lot of different shapers to choose from in various degrees of control.

I don't believe in deprivation, I believe in moderation. If I want Mac & cheese or pizza, I have them, just in moderation and I'm sure to count them in my daily calorie allowance.

Actually, that's not true. Long term data is promising, in fact there was a very large study that took place over 15 years. The results are very promising: http://www.futurity.org/health-medicine/weight-stays-off-long-after-lap-band-surgery/

Excellent article as always, Jean. I really appreciated this part: "The Green Zone is the bandster’s Promised Land, where the patient and his/her band work in tandem to achieve weight loss or weight maintenance. It isn’t a worry-free or work-free zone – like many other good things, it needs attention, consistency, and plenty of work – but it’s a wonderful place to live." Too often I see people expecting the Geen Zone to be some magical place where they don't have to do any work. Worse, I see people (including veteran bandsters) actually perpetuating this myth based on their own horrible habits (band too tight, soft calorie syndrome, etc). I am SO glad you posted this. I hope everyone reads this and takes it to heart.

It's easy to gain weight when suddenly unfilled because the hunger comes back with a vengeance. I know I was STARVING hungry constantly when I had my total unfill. But, I was determined to not gain and keep losing so I just sort of toughed through it.

If you stick to band sized portions and stay within your daily calories, you will continue to lose weight despite having a band unfilled or replaced. Remember, the band has nothing to do with weight loss. The band controls your hunger, your weight loss is 100% dependent on how many calories you consume versus the amount you burn. I had to have my band totally unfilled in August for an emergency surgery (not band related). I wasn't back in the Green Zone again until October but I still lost weight even though my band was empty.

Carbonation is the only absolute no ...though swallowing glass would probably be frowned upon too.

Yes, some people have a tougher time in the beginning than others. I would just sip Water almost constantly to stay hydrated. In the coming days, you'll find yourself feeling a lot better. Best wishes

If it's allowed on whatever post op diet phase you're on, sure. Just be sure to include both the crackers and the cheese in your daily calorie allowance.

Did an ER doctor do an X-ray or did a bariatric surgeon do a barium swallow? Unless you saw a bariatric surgeon in the ER, you need to get into your own surgeon ASAP.

May I offer some advice as a long time forum member who's dealt with my fair share of idiots PM me stupid and rude things? Just ignore them and move on. They aren't worth your effort or your time. In the future, don't make like posts like this thread either. I understand you're upset, but by making threads like this you're just throwing gasoline on the fire. It may be negative attention but you're still giving them attention regardless. The better option is no attention whatsoever. Just my opinion based on my own experience.

Yeah then by basic math, honestly, the weight has to start coming off. It's only a matter of time. Are you measuring your inches? Like your waist, hips, thighs, arms, etc? I have a strong hunch you have likely already dropped inches despite the scale being difficult.

There really is no right or wrong answer for this one. Everyone's metabolism is unique. Personally, I simply can't eat after about 7pm and still lose weight. Other people can eat as late they want without issue. It all depends on how it effects you.

About how many calories a day are you eating? Are you getting enough Protein?

I'm sure a big part of it is your body trying to both recover from surgery and adjust to the drastically changed daily diet. Perhaps a visit with your nutritionist can ease your mind? If you're counting calories and eating healthy, the weight WILL come off. I know that probably doesn't make you feel much better right now, but it will. Sometimes the body can be really stubborn about letting it go though. Keep doing what you're doing and the scale will start moving- and I'm guessing sooner than later.

How long have you been bouncing between the same 3 pounds? And how much have you lost since surgery?

You are doing simply amazing, you should be so proud of yourself!

Yes, in fact vomiting is one of the worst things you can do with the band. By making yourself vomit you're putting yourself at high risk for a slip. Talk to your doctor, either you're eating too big of a bite and too fast or your band is too tight. Either way, let your doctor help you resolve the situation. You don't want to wind up with a slip.