PrincesaJenE

Thank you Kimmy! And - thank you to all of you finger waggers! Kimmy - I couldn't have said it better myself. I don't want to be on a diet! I want to eat what I want - the band helps me to do that but helps me to do it in moderation. THAT'S how I want to use my tool! As for the exercise - as I stated in my original post - you guys are right. Exercise would leave me better off! I did learn something new - I didn't know that it would affect the way my body would look afterwards. I just figured that I've been lugging around 200 extra lbs for the last 1O years - I've had plenty of weight training and there's at least a 6 pack under all this. I really wanted to see how effective the band itself is. In the last month - I've seen how effective it can be. So, I'm thrilled! Now that I'm all pysched - I think incorporating exercise will add additional intrigue and excitement to this journey! And even better, I now know, for sure, that my exercise it accentuating what the tool I paid $17,000 (through insurance) for is doing - and is not the reason for the weight loss on its on. I have a theory that in the end my plan will be very beneficial. You know how they say your body gets accustomed to dieting. Well, my body has spent the last 4 months getting accustomed to this band. Every fill, jumpstarts my body into losing weight again. When I incorporate exercise, another jump start, and when, and IF, I decide to modify my eating habits - another jump start! Good luck!

So, I'm a very bad bandster! I agree with all the people here that say watch what you eat and exercise BUT, I have done neither - Yes, I know, I'm a very bad bandster! My weightloss was slow as well! I lost 20lbs in the first month and then suddenly NOTHING! I felt like I had restriction but lost nothing. I had my first fill about 2 months after surgery - still nothing. Then my second about 2 months after that and suddenly dropped five lbs in one week! The next week another 5! The next week another 3! Got my 3rd fill - and simliar results the next week. I HOPE that I've found my sweet spot! I don't want to make it sound like you DON'T have to excercise and watch what you eat - but I think the band should work without those things. It limits the amount of food that you can eat and by that alone, in theory, you SHOULD lose weight. I think you just need to find your sweet spot. For me it seems like maybe it was 3, maybe 4, fills. I've heard many on here say it took 5 or 6. Just be patient. Now for all of your who are shaking your heads and wagging your fingers at me - I'd just like to say I KNOW I should be exercising and am doing myself a disservice by not. I could have probably lost MUCH more weight by now if I had. I really wanted to see what the band can do on its on. The thought of getting the band, and then working out all the time and counting calories kinda of defeats the purpose - how much of the weight loss is the band and how much is all of your hardwork? I wanna give it another couple of weeks to see what the band can do. Then I'm gonna incorporate the exercise and up what the band is doing if that makes any sense at all. If I'm losing 3-5lbs a week without exercise, maybe I can lose an additional 2-3 lbs by incorporating exercise. Good luck!

So Funny! I've only lost about 40 lbs but already mine if coming to the top. Can't quite yet "see" it but every once in a while my hanf brushes that area and I think, what is that hard spot? Yes, collar bone! Can't wait till it peaks out even more!

I got my second fill on Thursday May 14th. It was 2 days before I went on a week long vacation. I wish I had written beforehand but I didn't find the time. The fill went pretty well. The doc struggled a little more than last time to get the needle in the port and it again came out - but overall it was not that bad. He put in an additional 3 CCs for a total of 7 CCs in my 14 CC band. The good news is that all week I've been feeling very energetic. I attributed it to being on vacation and being well rested. I ate my BUTT off this week! Stuffed myself with lots of good food from fancy restaurants. I expected to scale explode! But, I just weighed myself and I lost about 5lbs this week! Yay! I've been fluntuating between the same 5lbs for 2 months now and FINALLY I've broken the 25lbs ceiling! I'm so excited. I'm expecting good things for this week since I'm back on the routine! I'm so excited. Now, if I can just start getting my fills on a regular basis! Wish me luck!:thumbup:

I got my second fill on Thursday May 14th. It was 2 days before I went on a week long vacation. I wish I had written beforehand but I didn't find the time. The fill went pretty well. The doc struggled a little more than last time to get the needle in the port and it again came out - but overall it was not that bad. He put in an additional 3 CCs for a total of 7 CCs in my 14 CC band. The good news is that all week I've been feeling very energetic. I attributed it to being on vacation and being well rested. I ate my BUTT off this week! Stuffed myself with lots of good food from fancy restaurants. I expected to scale explode! But, I just weighed myself and I lost about 5lbs this week! Yay! I've been fluntuating between the same 5lbs for 2 months now and FINALLY I've broken the 25lbs ceiling! I'm so excited. I'm expecting good things for this week since I'm back on the routine! I'm so excited. Now, if I can just start getting my fills on a regular basis! Wish me luck!:devil:

I have to agree with everyone else. It can take up to 14 days for a fill to really set in and that is why docs usually will not do a fill more than once every 4 weeks. It is not at all surprising that you feel nothing , Give it a full two weeks and then talk to your doc. That's one thing about this website. You get to experience vicariously everyone else's experience. I myself have been a little dissapointed with the first few months of this process but because I've read about the experiences of others I know that I have to be patient and that it may take several fills before I start seeing significant weightloss. Remember p this is a process. Let it run its course. Be patient. Good luck.

I've only had 2 fills thus far so I'm not the best person to tell you but I don't think that's normal. Fills tend to get tighter within the first 14 days after a fill so the fact that you just had the fill yesterday and your feel so tight is a little concerning. Did it feel this way when you left the doc's office. My doc usually has me drink a full cup of water before leaving his office. You may want to check with your doc and get their opinion on the situation,

I too was wondering how quickly people lost their weight. I need to lose 195lbs. I was banded on 2/13/09 and I've only lost about 25 lbs (Most of which I lost in the first month). Since then I've fluctuated between the same 5 lbs. I am being patient. I have spoken to others who have said it can take 3-5 fills before they start dramatically losing weight. Thus far I've had 2 - the second one was just a week ago. I'm dissapointed that more people have not responded to this post. I'd really like to know - I thought by now that I would have lost about 60 lbs.

Well for me - full feels exactly the same as before the band it just happens longer and I stay full faster. I've never vomited. I've eaten 2-3 bites past what I think is full but I've never been in any excruciating or unbearable pain. Well, actually, now that I think about it - there was this one time about 4 weeks after being banded that I had a little too much to eat - I did feel as If I was full to the brim and got a little bit of a headache but that was it. One person mentioned that it feels like the top part of their stomach is full - mine feels like my whole stomach. I honestly can't differentiate between the top and bottom part of my stomach. I actually feel the exact same way that I did before surgery. The only thing different is that I eat less and that I stay full longer. I definitely think about Snacks sometimes but either they don't have the SAME excitement as they once held or you don't want the snack because you know you may eating in and hour or so and if you eat the snack now you'll be unable to eat later because you'll be fulll. If anything, I find myself making sure I have space in my stomach so that I can eat at meals. I do occasionally snack. I am usually full for 3-4 hours. Hope this info helps.

I totally feel you! That is my biggest fear! I'm 3 months out and have lolst 25 ish lbs. (I lost 20 the first month) and have just yo yo'd the same 5 lbs since then. I'm guess I'm in bandster hell - whatever that means. I remain confident though. I have only had one fill and I can feel that I can eat more now. I know there is also a lot more that I can do to help with the process. I'm not exercising like I should and am not making healthy choices. I'm a tester - I like to see how much I'm losing on the band alone, how much with excersise but eating the same, how much with eating right, how much with all 3. Keep your head yo!

I understand what you mean. I chose not to tell my coworkers. Not sure why - just kind of a private person and wanted to do this without everyone looking on waiting for results. When I get some significant results I will share with a couple of people but until then I have my fam and the couple of friends I chose to tell to support me. I do understand what you mean by feeling the need to eat. I find that when I eat the most its with my coworkers. I have a girl at work that luckily I've recently started splitting meals with - but honestly I can't really eat a whole half a meal. But since my coworkers KNOW that I used to could easily eat the whole meal plus dessert - if after only having a half plate of food I don't even eat all that I know they'll notice. They still comment - "you hardly ate anything". My friends/coworkers would never pressure me to eat but they have noticed the change in my eating habits. You can always tell them that you ate a heavy/ late breakfast/lunch etc. Or that you're stomach doesn't feel very well, or that you really don't have an appetite, or that you really aren't lking the food for some reason. This sometimes helps in explaining away your lack of hunger. Another thing is a half truth - let them know that you've been going to the doctor and the doc has been telling you to lay off. That's what I used to explain why I was no longer drinking soda and am laying off the juice. Good luck - but HEY don't let some whiney brat of a girl make you eat her food!

congrats! For me the gas was the worse part. For the first few dats didnt know it was gas. When i finally figured it out i grabbed some gax x and never had a problem since. Actually i think i only took the gasx 3 or 4 times. goodluck babt girl:thumbup:

I have a doc's appt tomorrow and I think I'm gonna get a fill. I think I lost some restriction this past week. I was eating and I realized that I ate a whole sandwhich. I went from eating about a cup to and cup and a half 2 weeks ago to eating probably 2-3 cups this week. I have been hungrier after 2-3 hours as opposed to 3-4. Think I'm ready for a fill. Haven't gotten on the scale yet this week so don't know if I've lost any this week. Hopefully I'll have a fill tomorrow, even though I'm a little nervous because I've spent the week hearing about PBing and sliming, etc, etc. I don't want those experiences. I think I'm lucky because I've ALWAYS eaten slow. Before the band I was always the last to finish my food - people would always comment on how slow I eat. I chew my food really well already and take fairly small sized bites - so I haven't had a problem thus far with the band and haven't had to make adjustments to the way I eat my food. We'll see how I feel tomorrow. One thing I noticed this week is that I don't feel the energy that I felt the first 6 weeks. Admittedly though I've had a VERY stressful work week. I am proud of myself because I am better monitoring stress eating. Before the band I think I would have left every day this week and gotten some type of chocolaty fix - I only splurged one day this week and had a 1 scoop sundae for baskin robbins which was very satisfying. I used to get the 3 scoop sundae. What's funny is that it takes me the same amount of time yo eat the one scoop sundae as I would have taken to eat the 3 scoop. One thing I noticed is that I was often before the band consumed with food. Now, I'll start to eat something, set it aside, come back an hour later, and think - I didn't finish this and into the trash it will go. Today I went out to eat and left my doggie bag sitting on the table. Before I would have ran back to get it knowing that an hr or two from now I was gonna scarf it down. Today I didn't even bother going back. Wish me luck on my fill - no PBing or sliming or any of the that crap! Just smooth sailing! :thumbup:

I have a doc's appt tomorrow and I think I'm gonna get a fill. I think I lost some restriction this past week. I was eating and I realized that I ate a whole sandwhich. I went from eating about a cup to and cup and a half 2 weeks ago to eating probably 2-3 cups this week. I have been hungrier after 2-3 hours as opposed to 3-4. Think I'm ready for a fill. Haven't gotten on the scale yet this week so don't know if I've lost any this week. Hopefully I'll have a fill tomorrow, even though I'm a little nervous because I've spent the week hearing about PBing and sliming, etc, etc. I don't want those experiences. I think I'm lucky because I've ALWAYS eaten slow. Before the band I was always the last to finish my food - people would always comment on how slow I eat. I chew my food really well already and take fairly small sized bites - so I haven't had a problem thus far with the band and haven't had to make adjustments to the way I eat my food. We'll see how I feel tomorrow. One thing I noticed this week is that I don't feel the energy that I felt the first 6 weeks. Admittedly though I've had a VERY stressful work week. I am proud of myself because I am better monitoring stress eating. Before the band I think I would have left every day this week and gotten some type of chocolaty fix - I only splurged one day this week and had a 1 scoop sundae for baskin robbins which was very satisfying. I used to get the 3 scoop sundae. What's funny is that it takes me the same amount of time yo eat the one scoop sundae as I would have taken to eat the 3 scoop. One thing I noticed is that I was often before the band consumed with food. Now, I'll start to eat something, set it aside, come back an hour later, and think - I didn't finish this and into the trash it will go. Today I went out to eat and left my doggie bag sitting on the table. Before I would have ran back to get it knowing that an hr or two from now I was gonna scarf it down. Today I didn't even bother going back. Wish me luck on my fill - no PBing or sliming or any of the that crap! Just smooth sailing! :thumbup:

I once blenderized some chunky chicken soup with chunks of real chicken. I ate a couple of bites - it tasted alright but looked a mess. I decided from that point on that for 2 weeks I could live without meat. I ate cottage cheese, hot cereals, refried beens were the bomb. I also ate a lot of broiled salmon when I got to the real food stage. I'm about 10 weeks out now and I've NEVER had a problem eating any foods. Had a steak today!

What does PB stand for? I keep asking but no one is answering.

Please SOMEONE what is a PB? I've asked the question before and no one has answered. Details please.

You know you are a bandster when . . . . You drink a sip of water/ice tea just because its sitting there and think - damn, another 30 minutes before I can eat!

WHAT IS PB? I've heard that term quite few times and I don't know what it is?

Pick Me! Pick Me! I'm 29 years old, no children and I too live in southern Cali - well central Cali - Depends on who you ask. I live in Kern County about 2 hrs north of LA. I was banded on 2/13/09. So just 11 days before you. I've only lost 20 lbs so far and am a little frustrated as well. I have had one fill - I think I'm ready for another - but my Doc wouldn't give me one when I went in this past weekend. I would LOVE to befriend you - I want someone to share this process with too. :wub:

1 (Baby Goal) - After losing 40 lbs pull out that box of super cute clothes that I packed away two years ago because they were just too tight. :wub: 2 (Teenage Goal) - Not have to buy 2 plane tickets when flying :eek: 3. (Adult Goal) - Play outside with my nieces and not worry about getting tired. I'll be the best Auntie Ever!:wub: (I'm gonna add 4th though I know its breaking the rules - Wear my shirt tucked in!)

I actually JUST stumbled upon MyFitnessPal.com about 3 days ago. I have never gone more than a day of food journaling and even that may have been inaccurate. It was too much work writing everything done, finding the nutrition facts and having it all total up. MyFitnessPal does ALL THE WORK for you. I am AMAZED. They have so many different foods in their database. I have yet to run into anything they dont have (its only been 3 days though). Another feature I LOVE is the fact that you can save a meal. For instance I often premake crab salad with baby greens, avocado and cheese. I can add all these ingredients and amounts and save it as a meal. That way, next time I don't have to find the ingredients, just click on the meal. Its awesome. I give it FIVE THUMBS UP. I'm at a computer all day so its no problem going in an adding things throughout the day. You gotta try it.

Wow Luchay, Did you share this attitude with your doctor before getting the band? Sorry to burst your bubble but you HAVE to have SOME commitment to this process. I don't mean to sound harsh but I can't beleive your doctor even banded you without this committment. I liked what one bandster said earlier about finding a balance. You gotta give somewhere - either diet or exercise or somewhere. The band only assists you with your efforts. You HAVE to be committed to this process in some way if you can't be then honestly you shouldn't have even bothered. They do say that people who like sugar atruggle most with the band. I like what you said about eating less. Go with that. Eat less and less. I'm a sugar person too. What I did was suck on a piece of hard candy like a jolly rancher after some meals. This really helped with my need for sugar after a meal but didn't pack on a BUNCH of calories. But was the sweet treat I needed. I've also tried things like Tea. Sweet Tea (Sweetened with Splenda) seems to curb that sugar cry. I also liked the idea of taking it day by day and trying not to eat sugar for a day. You can then maybe up it to 2 days, 3 days, etc. What you have to be sure of is to not BINGE on sweet during the end between time. Remember this process is about moderation. You"ve got to be willing to make concessions somewhere. A bunch of small concessions are what make a big difference. You gotta be committed to DOING something - this band isn't a cure all by any means I wish it was. Good Luck To Ya!

I'm kinda having a similiar experience. I was banded on 2/13/09 - exactly 2 months ago today. I lost 20 lbs the first month (Yay). I felt fabulous. My goal is to lose 3-5 lbs per month. I felt like I was on a roll. I was a little surpised at how much I could eat. There is a model of a stomach with the lap band in my Doc's office and it looks like the stomach is the size of a walnut. I had also been warned that my stomach could accomodate about 6 grapes worth of food. I could easily eat a cup - a cup and a half of food. What I could eat was definitely less than the gobs of food I could eat before but I had this idea in my head that I would take 2 bites of a sandwhich and be about to burst. Au Contraire. I was supposed to get my first fill at 4 weeks out but because of some complications with finding my port we decided to wait 2 more weeks. When I returned 2 weeks later I had GAINED FOUR LBS. I was devastated. My Doc said it was okay - that the band before your first fill is open and attributed the weight gain to this. I received 4 ccs. I felt like a I got full a TAD bit faster but not much. Since then I have become scale obsessed and weigh myself 3-5 times a day (ok - maybe more - basically every time I go by the scale) Week 7 according to my home scale, which can be a little capricious, I lost about 9 lbs. Week 8 I shot back up like 6 lbs and pretty much stayed the same all week. I returned to the doc this past saturday for what I thought would be another fill. I had lost 3 lbs. So basically I was at a total weight loss of 19 lbs (1 lbs less than I was a month ago). The doc asked me how much I could eat, I told him a cup or so, he said that sounds perfect. He said I should be losing about 1-2 lbs a week - no more. I told him that I stay full for 3-4 hours. He said I was doing fine and would not give me a fill. I was so excited about getting a fill because I want to see steady and substantial weight loss - which I feel I'm not getting right now. But my doc insisted I was doing well. I felt a little discouraged yesterday but now I'm feeling okay. I looked through some of the before and after pics on one of the posts and I saw so many people with dramatic weight loss. It was then that I realized that I probably am right on track. One girl lost 100 lbs in nine months. If you break that down that is 10 -12 lbs a month. I've lost 20 in 2 months which would mean 100 lbs in 10 months. To lose 100 lbs in 10 months would be AWESOME. So I'm gonna give it some time and see how it goes.

Ugggghhhh, I'm a little frustrated. I went to the Doc yesterday for what I thought would be a fill. My Doc wasn't in and I had to see another Doc. He wouldn't give me a fill! I lost 3 lbs in 2 weeks. THREE POUNDS! My goal is to lose 3-5 lbs each week. The doc asked me how much I was eating each meal - I said 1-1 1/2 cups of food. He said that's perfect. If I can eat a half a sandwhich and be full then that's exactly where I need to be. He asked how long before I felt hungry. I said I feel full for 3-4 hrs. He again said great! He didn't want to fill me and I start to vomit and feel sick and then have to unfill me. He said that things seem good and we shouldn't mess with it. The thing is - everything he said sounded right but my weight has been yo yoing over the last month and I've lost no weight this month really. After a month I was at 20 lbs lost. 6 weeks out I was at 16 lbs lost (gained 4), 7 weeks out 25 lbs lost (lost 9 in a week), and now I'm right back to 20 lbs lost (gained 5 in a week). I don't get it. Though I expect there to be weeks where I lost nothing I did not expect there to be weeks that I GAINED. I'm a little frustrated - okay a lot. But I'm trying to tell myself that its gonna be okay. I just need to see some progress soon. Well honestly - there are things I can do to improve. I REALLY need to incorporate exercise. I have for walks and stuff but no real exercise. One thing these past 20 lbs has given me is energy and I feelt antsy. I'm going to go renew my gym membership on Monday. GOAL 3lbs this week!!!!!