socalband

I can understand your frustration, I have had a similar experience. I am a year in and have lost 42 pounds. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for that and it is halfway to my goal. But 12 pounds was my pre-op and the other 30 was in the first six months. From Dec. until July I lost and gained the same 3 pounds several times.

Here's how it went:

I had immediate loss after surgery, but after the swelling went down I felt like I had NO restriction - at 6 weeks or so I had a 4 cc fill - was restricted for a few weeks then back to not feeling like any. However occasionally if I didn't chew well I would get stuck so I was really careful to eat slowly. Just slowing down and chewing more made a difference in my weight, and I was careful to NEVER take seconds. So I was losing. But I was hungry a lot. It is like BandRanger said above, it was just dieting. I had more incentive because I was afraid of getting stuck, but otherwise, just discipline. When I plateaued I got another fill but doc kept it small (because I mentioned getting stuck a few times and I really fear that). So after several months at a plateau I went back last week and got another fill and am at 8 cc's in an 11 cc band. NOW I FEEL RESTRICTION. The best part is, now I know the difference between restriction and just getting stuck (I also found out what sliming is - ick). I am NOT hungry (for the first time since banding) and I do have to be very careful what I eat. In fact it may be too tight, but I am using protein shakes and protein shots and so far I am back on a losing streak. I lost 5 pounds in 6 days.

The band seminars told us that if you have true fullness in the area above the band your brain receives a message that you are full and your metabolism in in high gear. If you are hungry, metabolism slows down. So, it does seem important to have the "fullness" in your stomach - it is not just for self-control...it is physiological.

Whether you get another fill or not, two essential keys to weight loss are:

1) exercise every day. At least a 30 minute fast paced walk or swim. Something every day.

2) get plenty of protein. I try to get 70 grams a day and still keep calories at 1000. This means protein shakes and shots. Tip: I put cottage cheese in soup.

Consider upping your exercise and protein (but not calories) for a week and see what happens. If nothing, then you need a fill.

I have had similar confusion, a bit more success, but still wonder how I haven't lost more. I lost 17 pre-op by eating low cal high protein. ( I was VERY committed to the "liver shrinking" and less worried about the weight loss...so maybe that is the key, to stick to the liver shrink diet.) I have finally started losing just in the last 6 weeks and have now lost 13 post op (July 6 surgery) but have been surprised how little I eat to get this far. And FAITHFULLY exercising 1 hour every day. Okay, so what I have figured out that might help you:

1) You need to get used to a different kind of full and figure out how to respond to it.

2) The band is restrictive or you would not have some throwing up. That's good. The tool is working. How can you use the tool to help yourself.

3) You have to be very honest with yourself about what you are eating.

4) Get at least 60 grams of protein. It will help you lose weight and keep your hair from falling out.

5) You have to exercise.

HOW TO DO THIS?

1) Drink a large glass of water at least 10 min. before eating. I keep water all the time because it is hard to get as much as is recommended. Then eat very slowly and chew a lot. When you start to be uncomfortable you have to stop. Uncomfortable does not feel the same as full but I think it is what full is supposed to feel like now. Don't sacrifice quality foods for things that "go down easier" - always start with protein and eat very slowly.

2) I was getting stuck and throwing up. Now I get stuck and stop...don't try to drink anything to wash it down. Just stop eating and let it pass if possible.

3) Try fitday.com for a food diary. I love it. I cannot believe how many calories I was getting when I thought I was at 800 calories. Record every pat of butter and every tsp of olive oil. The great thing is that if you eat a lot of the same things every day it is easy to add them to the food diary on subsequent days so it won't take too long. Then it tells you how much protein you get.

4) protein is easy. Buy those protein shots at costco and add to crystal light and take a long time to drink it. Add cottage cheese to soup. Hard boiled eggs (even deviled eggs) and fish are easy to eat.

5) Exercise every day. I like swimming and water aerobics, but I walk fast every day no matter what. You don't need special clothes to go walking. You can also record your fitness activities on fitday.com. Hold yourself accountable.

Final advice...I have been drinking that diet green tea from Lipton before lunch and I have a decaf hot green tea with lemon and stevia right before bedtime. I think they are helping. Don't forget vitamins. You'll see on fitday.com (nutrition is summarized based on your food log) which vitamins you are short on and it's a shocker.

So GOOD LUCK! I'll be watching for a post from you.

Hello "twdm"

I had my surgery one day before you and had almost the exact same starting weight and loss (although my last 2 days there has been no additional weight loss after steady success). I have a lot of swelling also, and clothes are not any looser, but I can really see the difference in my face and arms and, thankfully, my rear.

As for your question, it could be a side-effect of the pain medication from the surgery and the 2 days postop. You might try taking a stool softener every day, and walking regularly. Also, calcium/magnesium supplement helps.