I was banded on October 12th and have lost 8 pre op and 21 post op, however, now I am at a sudden stop and worried I'll start gaining before my first fill on November 17th. Is this normal? And, how do I put a weight loss ticker at the bottom of my profile, those are cool?

Normal, normal, normal, normal, normal. Normal. Most people lose relatively quickly on the liquid postop diet and then stop when they reintroduce solid food. A bit of regain before the first fill is also very common. Not to worry--this will not mean a whit in the long run.

As for the ticker, there are a couple of different sites where you can set one up. Click on anyone's ticker and it should take you there. Once you've created your ticker, copy the UBB code you get into your signature here (done through Control Panel).

I was banded on 10/20 and have lost only 4 pounds so your weight loss sounds great to me! I had lost 6 pounds and have regained 2. My doctor did not require liquids as long as many of them I have read about on here. I only did clear liquids for 2 days, then full liquids for a few days quickly progressing to mushies and regular food at 2 weeks. I wish I actually had done liquids longer to get a jump start on the weight loss. I am not able to eat as much as before banding, but close. I can't wait for my first fill (the day before Thanksgiving) so I can get going on this weight loss. I think I will go back to protein drinks for awhile. It is depressing to read these entries on here and see the phenomenal weight losses some people have had so soon after surgery.

So keep up the good work. You are doing great. I am sure after our first fill, the weight loss will improve. In the mean time I am slowly learning to eat slower, chew longer, order less food when eating out and trying very hard to not drink with my meals which is so hard for me - but getting easier!

Thank you for the words of optimism. I really wanted to lose more before my fill, but I guess I should stop complaining and start walking more to try and get atleast 3 more off before I go back. I know it is different for everyone, but I (like everyone else) wanted a drastic change before Christmas, when my sister comes in and sees me for the first time post op. I really don't see huge change in my clothes yet, but I guess I will with the next 29 pounds.

Candice

LB-10/12/05

Perfectly normal.You are in the healing phase and while I know it is easier said than done...LOL, you should just worry about healing and not weight loss right now. Once you are healed and on solid foods AND have your first fill, that's when things start working they should. Right now, you band is in place but not doing anything because it isn't filled yet. Any weight loss in the pre-fill stage is just a bonus. So be glad that when you get your fill and your band starts to work for you, you will already have a jump start!!!!

As Alexandra pointed out this is normal.

I lost pretty quickly right after surgery, but the minute I introduced solids I gained 5lbs!!

Not to worry this time is about healing and you will lose weight after you get fills.

Congrats on your banding!