I've had my band since November 24th. I've had 4 fills and have had some restriction, but not enough. I've only lost 20lbs. I go back to my surgeon next week and I know he'll be disappointed cause he really seams to care. If you lost more later in your band experience; please post a story here. In the meantime, I'll keep hanging on. I really don't want to give up. I didn't spend 17k for 20lbs.

Much love!

Susie

Sweetheart, almost nobody's band "works" at first. Until appropriate restriction is achieved, any loss that occurs is the result of dieting and willpower.

I'm just at 5 months out--have pretty good (but not quite ideal) restriction, and have lost 56 pounds. Until the last 8 weeks or so, each and every one of those pounds was due to eating less and exercising more--even when I was starving.

I think it's grossly unfair that many doctors do not prepare their patients for this reality. So many of us are wheeled into the OR thinking that once we have the band, the battle will be over.

In fact, it's just beginning. The first half of the battle is getting restriction. Is your doctor willing to be a bit more aggressive? Larger or more frequent fills?

The second half of the battle is eating EXACTLY as though you have restriction, even when you don't.

What are you eating? What does your exercise look like?

Lots of people including myself thought the pounds would melt away without exercise and effort. I am now maybe losing 4 pounds a month after 5 fills - am scheduled for another fill in 2 weeks. But it looks like you're making progress so that is awesome!