I want to know if what I am experiencing is normal. I got banded on 1/18/10. I have had 2 fills in my 10cc band. The first was 2.5cc and the second was 1.5cc. I try not to weigh myself everyday because it is depressing. I am still yo-yo-ing like I did prior to my band. I can eat anything. Food only got stuck 2 times. I am not seeing the progress of the people in the pictures. What am I doing wrong? What do people eat? What protein shakes are tolerable?

Hi Darth. My dear, give yourself time. One thing I have learned through this forum is that we are all different. You have only been banded for a couple of months, so give yourself time. It took me a long time to get things right food wise. It took a long time for your weight to go on, didn't it? You didn't just wake up one morning and find that you'd gained 75 lbs overnight! Well, allow yourself the time to lose that weight. Some of the before and after photos were taken 2 years or more apart. My own after photos don't even begin until 18 months after I was banded and I lost 75 lbs before having the band fitted.

Talk to your practitioner, talk to your dietician, talk to your GP and give yourself the space and time you need tto adjust and change your lifestyle.

The biggest appetite suppressant I have ever found was an hour (at least) of vigorous exercise, every day.

Take a deep breath and take it easy. You have the rest of your life. There is no hurry.

All the best.

As usual, I agree with Ohm!!!. I didn't start getting restriction for 3 -4 months when I got to 5cc. I gained about 12 pounds!!!

Hang in there. Also journaling every bite and sip you take is helpful to see what your true calorie intake is.

Best wishes,

Mimi

I just got my first fill two days ago, and feel no difference. However, my nurse practitioner said that the first fill gets you to the neighborhood, the second gets you to your street, and the third-fourth should get you home. I'm trying to be patient also - everyone is different and there's no "set" amount of fluid or number of fills that works for everyone. Hang in there! We can do this!!

I would like to add that, despite not having restriction, it's not a given that you will must gain or yo-yo during this period. You can choose to restrict what you eat, and begin the losing process. Did your surgeon give you a good eating plan to help guide you during this limbo period?

You won't have to struggle indefinitely! But you only have 4 ccs in your band--your doctor is taking it slow. There are benefits to this, even though it's frustrating. You will get there...it just takes time.

As for your question about Protein shakes, I really like the Inspire brand from bariatriceating.com.

Restriction takes time, be patient. I know that you're anxious to get losing, but no one knows when they will get restriction so keep getting your fills.

Personally I took forever to get restriction (7 fills, 9.5cc's in an 11 band), but I tried to eat small portions and high Protein Snacks during that time and still lost.

Good luck! It does get better.