I was banded a little over 4 weeks ago. I am down about 16 pounds and now I feel that I have no restriction at all. I get my first fill in 2 weeks. Does that usually provide some restriction? I lost 10 pounds the first 2 weeks and my weight loss has really slowed since then. I guess I am a little nervous now that I can eat and eat quite a bit. I think I could eat as much as I wanted if I did not stop myself. Is this normal? :confused::confused::confused:

Yes, totally normal. I'm just a little farther out than you are, and have had my first fill. I did get some restriction, but my stomach still empties faster than I'd like. (I find it easy enough to limit myself to the portion size my doctor recommends, though I'm not really FULL-full; it doesn't stick with me until the next meal time, though.)

Some people experience more restriction, and others, less. It's hard to predict what will be your experience, but it never hurts to be hopeful!

Don't panic. It is totally normal to not feel any restriction at the point you are at as the swelling is probably almost gone now.

I just had my first fill yesterday and am not feeling any restriction yet. I have to admit I did panic and was really upset. However, after to talking to many others i know realize that this is probably going to be a bit of a slower process than I thought. It seems that for most people it can take several fills until they hit that "sweet" zone of good restriction. Generally the docs are very cautious with the fills as getting overfilled is not a good situation and can cause vomitting etc. which can result in a slippage.

Just hang in there and try to be patient. I am trying to use this time as practice time for learning to eat slower and chew well etc.

Hope my experience is helpful to you.

Take care.

cristina

I was banded Jan 13 and go for my first fill next week - can't wait! Like everyone else, I also have no restriction now. I hit a plateau after 2 weeks of rapid weight loss post-surgery and then was flat for 2 weeks. I took a hard look at my food diary I keep on thedailyplate.com and realized that I had bumped up from about 800 calories to 1200-1400 calories. So I made a new pact to really eat well, reduced carbs, watched calories, and increased exercise which felt good to do since I was feeling more like myself again. I am pleased to say I have lost another 6 pounds over the past 2 weeks - but it has been pure will power and grit and nothing to do with the band right now.

I am really thinking of this as a long-term thing - like most of us, I have lost weight before so I know I can do it. The issue is keeping it off - I was the biggest yo-yo around! I am hoping the band will help me minimize the yo!