I was banded 1/26/2010. I think after surgery I had restriction for about 2 weeks. Since then I have not really had any restriction and don't have a problem eating any foods at all. I have been doing weight watchers to try and stay on track but I'm just so sick of doing it. I get a fill on Monday and I'm hoping SO much that maybe this will help. I got banded for the purpose of not having to be counting points all day and feeling hungry now stop. Is the way I'm feeling now banster Hell? I hope so. I'm starting to get scared that this is not going to work. Will things be a lot different once I get my fills? Is it totally normal that I don't have restriction right now?

I was told this is what Bandster Hell is. But look, you still lost 23 lbs!! I was banded Dec 21, 2009 and did not have my first fill (4.6 in a 10. band) untill Feb 17th. I have limited restriction but feel I'm going more on will power not "bandpower". I feel as you do. I went through this whole procedure because I could not lose the weight and keep it off on my own. But we need to keep in mind that this is a life long change, not an overnight fix. It takes a while to get the band filled just right. We will still have good and bad days. And we are all different. We all experience our journey differently. I try to take the first of each month to look back and see how I did for the month. This past month I only lost 6 lbs. But I did lose and am proud of it. So try to be patient. We will all reach our goals.

I did not get restriction until my third fill.

I did not get restriction until my third fill.

How much was your 3rd fill?

I had my first fill on Tuesday and I swear I am more HUNGRY! I want more and more often. I have been trying to stay on my docs plan of eating no more than 3oz. of food each meal but I am starting to feel really hungry. Did I mention that I am hungry? I think he may have taken some out instead of putting some in! I just try to keep up with tracking on myfitnesspal.com (LOVE IT!) and stay abut 1000cl and within my protein goal. I will not get another fill until April 1st.

I was banded 1/26/2010. I think after surgery I had restriction for about 2 weeks. Since then I have not really had any restriction and don't have a problem eating any foods at all. I have been doing weight watchers to try and stay on track but I'm just so sick of doing it. I get a fill on Monday and I'm hoping SO much that maybe this will help. I got banded for the purpose of not having to be counting points all day and feeling hungry now stop. Is the way I'm feeling now banster Hell? I hope so. I'm starting to get scared that this is not going to work. Will things be a lot different once I get my fills? Is it totally normal that I don't have restriction right now?

Yes, you are totally normal! I too was afraid the band I paid so much money for (not to mention going through surgery) was never going to work. However, once I had my third fill I felt great restriction. Everybody is different that way. Hang in there! It will work!

I had the band installed on 1/27 with 3.5 CCs. My first fill last Friday up to 5.5 CCs and I have not really felt much of a change. I go in for a second fill on March 12th. Most folks I have read about take 2-3 fills to find the sweet spot. Hang in there and keep doing the WW. Sometimes people just keep eating like they did before. Sounds like you are doing great. Keep up the good work and choices.

How much was your 3rd fill?

Due to complications I started with an empty band. My first fill was 3 ccs. Second fill I asked for an "aggerssive fill" and got 2 more ccs. My third fill was 1 cc. So I'm at 6 ccs in a 10 band. I did get some restriction with the second fill but the third one did the trick!

I was banded 1/26/2010. I have been doing weight watchers to try and stay on track but I'm just so sick of doing it.

Stick with Weight Watchers as long as possible. It will mean the difference between being successful in this period and just waiting for the band to provide assistance. I lost a lot a weight before I had restriction simply because I followed WW. In fact, when I'm using WW tools is the only time I can really lose weight. The band helps but no matter what, you will have to make considerable effort to lose weight, at any restriction. Get ready to work hard.

It took me 5 fills before I felt real restriction. Be patient.

Don't get discouraged. I didn't get good restriction until my 4th fill but have not had one since and that was in August.

Don't get discouraged. I didn't get good restriction until my 4th fill but have not had one since and that was in August.

This is good information for me, at least. I've been debating if I should get another adjustment on Monday but I really feel I'm at my sweet spot. Now I know why they call it that...because it's sweet to be there!!!

I understand, I'm really hungry too (banded 2/12/10) and first fill is 4/1. I feel like I could eat anything, and was for the past week. I am so disappointed with myself, but realize that today was a new day and I took a few steps backwards and got back on the wagon. We know that it works...look at the pictures...it's still going to take time. I feel like if I could lose weight without restriction, then I wouldn't have gotten the band. So eating 1/2 cup of food 3 times a day is torture, but today I wrote down the time that I finished drinking and when I could eat and made sure I waited at least 30-45 min to start drinking after eating and it did help. If I want something sweet then I have a sugar free popscicle and that really helps too. We can do this! Hang in there.

I am so glad that I read this today. I have been facing so many of these same issues. I am going to go back to using the WW program until I hit that "sweet spot" that everyone is talking about. Thanks so much to all that share :smile2:

So glad to read this post! It's nice knowing I'm not the only one feeling this way~ I was banded on 2-04-2010 and felt like I was doing great...until about a week ago. I CAN'T WAIT for my first fill on 3/24...Hoping it helps control the feeling of hunger!...Thanks everyone for the encouragement!