cheryllm63

I am so HAPPY, I was really starting to doubt whether the band was going to be a useful tool, for me personally. FINALLY, after reading about a lot of my fellow bandsters eating smaller portions and having lost weight, I can say I am there too. What a great feeling to have restriction. I have been at the 20lb mark basically since 1 week post-op, (first week of June) but since last Tuesday when I got my 2nd fill, I have lost 3 lbs. Woo Hoo. Just posting this to give everyone that has been banded but haven't reached restriction yet, HOPE that the time WILL COME and it makes it all worth it. I put on a pair of shorts yesterday that I faithfully wore everywhere for the past year and 1/2 because they were the only ones that fit. Size 18, they fell off of me. So the scale says I've lost between 23-24 lbs, but my body has lost inches!!! My husband couldnt believe his eyes. I was jumping up and down with joy. Not because I've lost weight as much as it is about that now I know this CAN and WILL help me to reach my goals!!!

for those that started out not in the green zone and then got to it. was it a gradual process or just that 3rd or 4th fill or whichever and then it hit? The reason I ask is that after a couple of fills, while I definitely fill up faster I can still eat a pretty large amount of food. I can eat a six inch sub and chips with no problem but I probably could not eat a foot long. I dont really have to eat slowly or chew my food that well. i try to, but i dont really have to. I have never felt like been at risk of sliming, pb'ing, or throwing up. the most feeling ill get is maybe my first bite or two of a meal I'll feel pressure like i have to burp, and then i'll burp, and then I can eat fine after that.
im hoping that the next fill gets me there. last time i was there there they actually put in 2 cc's but when i drank Water it felt like it was just sitting there so they took 1 cc out. maybe i need another .5

I am a self pay and I must agree with you all. My surgeon did not stress the importance of the eating guidelines. I had to learn about it here on this site! Hopefully others will do the same.

I am always saddened and concerned when i read threads like this. Do surgeons really not explain to people about restriction and fills, what will happen post - op, when it will happen and why etc.
Post - op is a time to heal, concentrate on what and how u should be eating, you may not feel any restrictions at all for another 4 to 5 fills some feel it earlier some feel it after 6 to 7 fills there is no set pattern here other than patience is the best thing to do right now, after all how long have u been too heavy, these few months it will take for u to get what u need from the band are nothing compared to the years most of us have been heavy.. good luck and any weight loss now is a bonus not the usual

The reason you're not losing anymore is because you're not supposed to be losing much at this point. The 1st 6 weeks are for HEALING, not LOSING . Your body has had a shock (surgery) , now its in recovery mode. This is all completely normal, and you're right on track for a healthy body, with a healthy weight loss. Big restriction wont come in until you start getting fills. I had steady and slow weight loss since getting banded last December, then I hit the Green Zone with my 3rd fill, that lasted about 12 days. The Tech said that was completely normal, sometimes that happens. I had no restriction with the 4th or 5th fill, but with the 6th ? Muuuuuuuch better !!!! Now i eat smaller amounts, track everything on Myfitnesspal.com, exercise 3x a week, and the weight is coming off, again. Down 45 lbs so far ! I was patient, followed the rules 95 % of the time, got regular fills and watched myself go from 225 lbs to 180, size 18-1x to a size 14. So be patient, and hang in there !

I am just 10 days PO so not much experience yet. I do have a hard time drinking enough water and remembering to do my protein drink.

Sometimes overeating without realizing it that causes pressure in the chest is a negative. Also, the daily fear that something will happen to my band is overwhelming. I am self pay so things could get pretty expensive!