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I know that for me, my band is constantly teaching me how to be a compliant bandster. I have years of unhealthy eating habits to unlearn. It takes time and patience and I try and not be too hard on myself during this process. It's for a lifetime.

Congrats on your weight loss! Try and not be so hard on yourself. You sound very aware of your actions and determination to stay on course. I hope I can say the same once I reach goal!

Hello Lola,

Yeah, it's hard not to get discouraged. I try and keep myself occupied so I don't dwell on it. And I try and stay positive. This is for me, so whatever timeframe that takes has to be ok with me. Even if I am a slow loser (which I am) and my fills are conservative I'm determined to look on the bright side and consider it time to learn my new lifetime habits. Chewing slowly, small bites and eating more thoughtfully. It's going to be for my lifetime and I want to be successful.

all over the place. I lost about 10 but I think it was mostly Water weight.

Congratulations on your weight loss and good luck on your surgery!

I remember not being able to sleep on my side. I used pillows to keep from rolling over. Had to sleep on my back and it was tough to get used to. It eventually goes away though. It was a couple of weeks before I could sleep normally. But it will soon be a distant memory!

I was banded in August and I remember the pain of getting in and out of the bed. The first few days were painful, but I took the pain meds and rode it out. Eventually the pain subsided and I switched to Tylenol for the pain. It gets better! Treat yourself well and baby yourself for the first few days. Keep walking and sipping Water. that helped a lot!

I eat instant oatmeal every morning just about. I love it sticky and gooey, but that's just me! I noticed also that I can no longer eat salads. Get stuck every time. I used to love salads! Just one of the many changes that came along with the lap band and my new way of life! Cheers!

I've had four fills and still no green zone. Each fill was very conservative and I didn't always feel the effects right away. I'm scheduled for my 5th one next week. Hoping it will do the trick!

I was banded in August 2014 and have had 4 fills now. That feeling you are describing was me to a T. I felt ravenous and ate the same way. But 4 fills out, the hunger beast has been dimmed somewhat and I can eat more slowly and thoughtfully. Have hope! You will overcome this, and I would have eaten the watermelon too! Have a great day!

wonderful!

I've had 3 fills and no green zone yet. I'm hoping the fourth one will do the trick. Still feel hungry and able to eat too much. Working on learning to eat slower and chew more.

my first fill was a little pinch and some pressure. not much restriction. my second fill was painless, not much restriction. my third fill was ouch! and I feel some restriction now. going for my fourth fill next week under fluoroscopy. still feeling mighty hungry and we are working on that.

I'm so glad you wrote this. I am a sloooow loser as well. I've lost about 15 pounds in 7 weeks? Seems awfully slow to me. I'm trying to be patient and tell myself that I'm learning new habits that will last a lifetime, but I also want to lose the weight faster. oh well...

Congratulations and welcome to the Loser's Bench!!! lol The pain will subside as time goes on, keep walking and sipping. This is the best decision you could make for your health!

I agree with you. It's a life long journey and it should be moderation not abstinence. I occasionally enjoy a glass of wine, or a slice of pizza (oh no!) it's just real life and I want to re learn my eating habits and not restrict any one food that I might have enjoyed pre surgery. I'm only 1 month post surgery so I am still learning about the band and how to live with it.

I go to Dr. Esquivel in Austin. Not sure of the cost, insurance pays for mine. Hope this helps.

Good luck to you as you begin your weight loss journey! See you on the other side!

I didn't feel a whole lot after the first fill, but after my second it really seemed to quiet the hunger. Plus I have to eat very slowly or I get stuck. It's a learning process for me. Slower eating and smaller bites.

I took two weeks off of work and I was glad I was able to. It gave my body a chance to heal and get my strength back. I hope you are able to get some rest soon. Take care of yourself. I got off the pain meds and onto Tylenol also.

I've had two fills now. The first hurt just a little going in, kinda of like giving blood, then I just felt pressure. The second one I didn't feel a thing. They should check your stomach before hand, mine felt around with her fingers first to make sure she was on the port. It will be ok..

amazing is right!

waiting is the hardest part! have patience and good luck!

I'm anxiously awaiting my first fill tomorrow. My appetite has been ravenous. I'm ready for the green zone.

I seem to be in bandster hell right now. I was banded on 8/5 and my first fill is tomorrow Lately I've been starving and trying like hell not to over eat or wolf down my food. I know this is a practice run for when I hit my green zone, I just hope I don't gain weight back right now. eek.