I was banded on February 15th. I was able to lose 11.5lbs on the pre-op diet but have only lost 1lb since surgery. My surgeon allows you to go on solids on day 5 which I did with no problems. I have been very good about eating my protein and in the correct portions. I experienced hunger for the first time yesterday. My dietician told me to stay off the scale during this time for this very reason, but I think we all know how difficult that is. I am very proud of the success I have achieved so far, I am just ready for the scale to move just a little. Did anyone else experience this immediately after surgery and if so, how long did it take for the scale to move? I have an appointment on the 4th, and I'm not sure if they are doing a fill at that time or not. My band does have some fluid from surgery. Just curious what other bandsters have experienced during the newbie phase.

Time is your friend with the lap band. It may not seem like it at the moment but in time the pounds will start to come off. This is very typical after surgery. Some people even gain during this time. Don't get discouraged. It may take 2 to 3 fills before you really start to see the pounds come off consistently. Just keep doing what your doctor says. I think that is a great idea by your NUT to stay off the scale. I, for one, become obsessed with the scale and it plays terrible mind games with me. If I want to eat I can use the scale to influence me either way. If I'm down I think "okay, I can slide a little, I have room." If I'm up I can think "screw it, I'll eat what I want." The less I weigh myself the better, but I still have a hard time resisting that damn scale. Funny thing is this wasn't the case when I wasn't dieting (or banded). I wasn't in any rush to weigh myself but we want instant results when we go through this. My bariatric nurse tells me all the time "this is a marathon, not a sprint to the finish line" and she is 100% right.

Hi Elation!

I was just banded on 23 Feb 10 and have lost 8 lbs since my surgery date. The one big thing I've noticed between my doctor and a lot of others on this site is that mine won't allow me to have solid food until 6 weeks after surgery. The first week is strictly liquid (no protein shake), then the next 3 I can do my pre-op diet (liquids and protein shakes). Weeks 5 and 6 I can graduate to mushy foods , then after, regular food as tolerated. I think the reason he does this is so that the band is not dislodged during the healing phase. Do you think going on a liquid diet until you got your first fill would work out for you?

I really didn't start losing weight until I had my 3rd fill and I am now down 50lbs. Just be hang in there the weight will start to come off.

I gained weight until my first fill, since then I have lost 2 lbs a week! Use this time to learn to eat healthy, normal foods in smaller portions. This is the foundation for a lifetime of good eating habits.

Thanks everyone. I have been on LB Talk for months and months and I know the answer to my own question, I guess it is comforting to know that you're not alone.

As far as being on liquids until my first fill, I'm sure that would work because it certainly did on the pre-op. I just don't know if I should stray from what he told me to do. I want to do everything right so I can be successful.

The other thing that I think about a lot since surgery is, when does this new life become normal because at this stage, it takes a very conscious effort to follow the bandster rules (eat, wait, drink, drink, drink). This has been surprisingly easy to adjust to so far. I'm just excited to be banded and look forward to more progress.

Thanks everyone. I have been on LB Talk for months and months and I know the answer to my own question, I guess it is comforting to know that you're not alone.

As far as being on liquids until my first fill, I'm sure that would work because it certainly did on the pre-op. I just don't know if I should stray from what he told me to do. I want to do everything right so I can be successful.

The other thing that I think about a lot since surgery is, when does this new life become normal because at this stage, it takes a very conscious effort to follow the bandster rules (eat, wait, drink, drink, drink). This has been surprisingly easy to adjust to so far. I'm just excited to be banded and look forward to more progress.

It is tempting to stray, but there is a reason they progress you--at some point you have to eat like a normal person. Your body with so few calories and weight loss is holding on to everything--mine did the same. Don't worry and try to force it to lose weight fast--you will start losing again.:biggrin:

I was also banded Feb 15 th and like you I lost 10 lbs. during pre op and week after surgery. Now I am fighting to keep it off. I am hungry and can eat anything but trying not to. I don't get fill until the 16th. I am afraid of gaining what I lost. Good luck