I've just joined. Had band 2 wks ago, couldn't do 2 wks fluid so started soft diet early. Lost some weight but can 't keep it off, even had some chocolate the other day - please tell me it's easier after the fill ?

There's this period people around here tend to call "bandster hell" - I didn't experience this - but it's basically where you're banded and not necessarily losing, still hungry, etc..

I've found that high Protein foods and drinks/smoothies helped me avoid this. If you're eating your Proteins first and then moving on to veggies and starches you should stay fuller longer.

The fills aren't how you lose the weight or really curb hunger, it's how you eat. The band just provides you the restriction needed to not overeat at one setting. It's a tool.

If you're not making proper food choices you will gain weight, just the same as prior to surgery.

If you've moved to soft foods early that's fine as long as you can tolerate them. But you must be careful as to what soft foods you're eating. If you're eating slider foods and softs such as mac n' cheese, ice cream and other things like that you will gain.

I'm sure you know most of the above, just putting it out there incase you didn't or for anyone else who may not know.

Welcome to Bandster Hell! It's completely different after you get a decent fill (which may take one or more fills). Hang in there and watch what you eat. I gained 5 pounds during Bandster Hell (for me it fell during Thanksgiving 2008).

What a difference 15 months with the band has made!! Cut to this morning, and now I only have 5.2 to go.

Hang in there!

Catherine