Kat225

It's normal. In fact, get used to the stand still unless you're willing to diet and exercise. You may not hit your sweet spot until after serveral fills. It could take a few months. It all depends on how many fills you will need, how frequent your doc will do fills, and how aggressive your doc is with the fills. It's not a cut and dry formula and everyone is so different. That's why this site is so great.

Doctors really need to be more informative. When the doctors don't explain how the band works and how long this process takes, it's sets us up for disappointment. Everyone is expecting major weight loss right away like having the bypass but the band is very different. I learned all my info from these sites and researching it for so long before I got it done. I expected to have obsticles so I wasn't too discouraged but I read about so many others struggling because they didn't know what to expect. Be patient guys...I'm in the same boat...waiting for that sweet spot!!

This is such an interesting thread. I have a soft stomach...very soft. I already know it's gonna be an issue as I lose more and more. I often wondered what causes one or the other. Maybe someone with a medical background can shed some light...

I think its kinda like water going down a drain...

Yeah that would piss me off too. We got the band to lose weight so if your not losing anymore, you need a fill. Three months!!! That's wrong!!! Is it a possibility you could go somewhere else?

My first fill was 4ccs too and I didn't notice a difference. My second fill was 2ccs. That puts me at a total of 6ccs. I have a little restriction now but not enough to make a difference. I go tomorrow for my 3rd fill. You can call your doc to see if you can go back this soon. It really depends on your doc. It seems they all do things a little differently. Patience is the name of the game as was stated before. I hope tomorrow this will be it for me or close to it. I want to start losing!!!!

When was your last fill? It could be that you're swollen still and could losen up. If not you may need a slight unfill because you should be able to eat solids if chewed correctly.

I used vacation days because I didn't tell my employer about the type of surgery I was having. Plus I knew I wouldn't need to be off that long. I had my surgery on a Wed and went back the following Wed so I only has to use five days since it ran into the weekend. But you could use sick time since it's surgery.

I had a similar experience. You will be fine and your body will work it's way back to a normal schedule.

Instead of saying...I love my band, I say I love me! I love myself for taking control of my life once and for all!!! Just wait until I finally get restriction!!! WOOO WHOOO!!!

Sounds like a plan...let me know how it tastes and what kind.

Yeah this gets me into trouble because I still like to order big like I used to. Because of my addiction to food and overeating, I'm always afraid I won't be full or my order won't be enough food. Then because I don't want to waste my money, I will force myself to eat more than I should and I know this is soooo wrong being a bandster. I really need to get this in check!

You need more fills that's all. I'm 3 months out and only lost a few more pounds than you. I get my 3rd fill on the 16th. I'm hoping to hit my "sweet spot". Depending on how your body responds and how aggressive your doc is with his or her fills, you should need at least 2-4 fills to get to the right restriction. Without restriction it's very much like being on your own. Be patient! I'm trying to do the same!:thumbup:

You've got some good advice on here...the bottom line is your doctor works for you! Demand an unfill if that's what you feell is needed. You know your body better than anyone else. I'm so tired of reading about these medical professionals not listening to their patients. Even if your doc was banded, everyone is different. He gave you really aggressive fills in the first place. Most docs go a little slower and it's for this reason. Your shouldn't have to feel sick all the time.

THis is something I've thought about for my future as well. I'm currently single but eventually I want to start dating. I'm pretty quiet about my decision to have surgery too. I just don't think its anyone's biz...ya know? I was kinda thinking if I'm close enough to the guy to allow him to see me naked then I will probably feel comfortable telling him about my band. I don't plan to be intimate with anyone I'm not dating on a serious level but sometimes things happen. Maybe you could just say casually "I'll tell ya later" and change the subject lol...

Eating around the band slows the process...solid protein is what makes us successful. I have the ice cream problem myself. Moderation is the key I guess.

I agree. It's a combination of both. Get your protein in but keep the calories at a reasonable level as well. I think under 1200 is what most recommend. Maybe adding protein to drinks etc is a way to get more in. I like to flavor up some boneless, skinless chicken for protein or eat tuna sensations. Everything else is fruit and veggies. I try to eat low glycemic...low sugar. It seems to help if I follow it like I'm supposed to. Maybe your nutritionis can help with suggestions to tweek your diet some. Maybe a slight fill will help?

This explains it very well...I would have to say the same thing! Fivebyfive, BTW, did they say why they had to have all their saline removed???

I was banded in MX and I set up my aftercare with a doc in my area. You should always set up who will do your fills before you go to have surgery in MX or you could set yourself up for failure. Not all docs will work with MX patients so it's important to find one before you go and spend all that money. I go to a nice doc who was also banded in MX. I have to drive about an hour and a half but it's worth it. THere are also Fill Centers USA all over the country that will fill MX patients.

Do you think you got some restricion now?

NO, NO, NO!!! Alcohol directly effects the liver and if it is the liver that is to be prepared for surgery then....well you know. You wanna make sure your body is in the best possible shape for surgery. It's important to take it seriously.

See that is what I was afraid of too. I pay for my fills and what if they miss my port? I'm paying $200 for a fill of nothing. I posted something on here about two weeks ago about this and others assured me that the docs know if they hit your port or not. I guess not.

Ok, so I was banded April 2nd and the weight loss has been slow but any loss is good before restriction so I can get over it...however, I was in a car accident a week and a half ago and I also am under a lot of stress at my job as well. I had some minor injuries from the accident but my car was totaled. It was the other persons fault and before yesterday his insurance was being very helpful. The bottom line is I have to replace my car with very little money and they haven't given me a check yet and they are not going to extend my rental etc, etc, etc! The point is the stress is getting the best of me and I'm eating like a PIG! I was doing so good and now I'm resorting back to my old patterns! Someone please help me with some kind, encouraging words. I'm telling on my behaviors in attempt to get back on track! Our secrets keep us sick!

I was told by my doc to not resume exercise until 4 weeks out. I was told just walking is allowed before that. So it sounds like your doing fine.

How much did your doc put in that day? Maybe he can just add a slight bit more to see how you react. It sounds like you have a very thin line between too tight and "sweet spot".