Sherlock1969

Do not expect to feel 'restriction' or get to the 'green zone' after one fill. It is not unheard of, but it is not the norm. Until you get to the green zone you have to fake it til you make it...measure, measure, measure. It is not easy, but neither was having surgery. Best wishes!

You didn't jump through all of those hoops and go through surgery to give up now. Minute by minute, hour by hour, be your own best cheerleader; only you can make the changes. Remember how good you feel mentally when you conquer a craving or handle stress by doing something other than eating, by not going to bed with a full tummy and THAT will help you do it again and again. And when the scale starts to follow, well, that makes it even easier to make good choices!

Oscar meyer carving board turkey, tomato slices, lettuce slice, low fat mayo, slice of thin toast...open faced sandwich, cut up in small bites. My current fav. Chili...when I make it I measure one cup portions in freezer bags.

Call your doctor and let him/her know what you are experiencing.

@ Countryheart...hang in there. You had a set back due to the hernia, but that is all it is...a bump in the road. Stay the course, keep getting fills and it WILL happen!!! Good luck and keep us posted.

I have been banded over a year. My doctor is conservative with fills every month. I have had approximately 13 fills. I am just now entering the green zone. It can take time. For some no fills, others one or two and yet some that are totally filled. Also, You probably had some saline put in the band the day of surgery. When your doc/NP put more saline in they draw a bit out first to make sure they hit the port before injecting the predetermined amount they are putting in. I think that is rather standard practice. Hang in there!

I have had approximately 13 fills over the course of 16 months. I 'think' (HOPE!) I am finally in the green zone. (Noticing a real difference in this last fill...hoping it lasts). Anyway, my point is, while it can be frustrating not to get there immediately, I have to say because it took so long, I learned a lot along the way and have not had such a hard time with the rules of eating with the band. I have had over a year to adjust and I think that is a good thing. Since January of this year I was only losing a pound/pound and a half a month, But with this last fill I have dropped 3 lbs in 10 days. Be a patient. I am up to a little over 9 in a 14 cc band. Don't panic, relax and practice the rules of eating...you'll get there. And remember EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT!

A good reminder...thanks. Hope you are feeling better and can get a fill soon...

The green zone...I am praying I am in the green zone at last; where smaller amounts of food satisfy you and last 3-4 hours and your appetite is dimmed.

Please, please, please....I know I am close but so want to be THERE! My doc fills very slowly and I am good with that, but so ready to get there and have it last! Fingers crossed!!!

Thank you!!!! One last thing, NEVER compare yourself and your journey to anyone else!! You should only compete with who you were yesterday. LOVE this^^^^ And needed this reminder today.

Perfectly normal...at least for me....it takes time to find consistent restriction...you'll get there.

I do not have an open diary on MFP because I am afraid I wouldn't be as honest if I knew people could look at it....that said I really don't look at anyone else's open diary either. They know what they are eating good or bad; I mean it is RIGHT there for them to see and maybe that will eventually be their wake up call. Maybe not. People berating me wouldn't help me change...it has never been a motivator, at least for me. Then again they DO have an open diary, so maybe they want you to comment? And yep, 2muchfun, sometimes life would be much simpler if we were guys. LOL

Just curious if you can get the recommended amount of protein per day using these meals...?

Congratulations of EVERYTHING!