I am just over 4 weeks post-op, and other than a bite of birthday cake and a dry bite of chicken, I have had no problems. I feel I have no restriction. I've only lost 10-12 pounds and I'm hungry like I was pre-band. My doctor laughed when I asked if he really but the band in (like I can tell that's MY stomach in the picture??!!) and assured me that my band was empty and when we started filling it up, and making my TOOL useful, all would be fine. Am I alone in this? My husband thinks I'm eating more now than before! (of course eating is more of a production now... of cutting tiny pieces, chewing.... but I'm not full!) But 15K and a month later.... with 2 weeks of liquids.... I am feeling like I am hopeless! Add to that the no smoking thing, and my teenagers should just feel lucky I let them in the house. :biggrin: I really pray that the swelling is gone and next week (1st fill) will start me down the scale.

You aren't alone. What you are saying doesn't seem too out of the norm. You are hungry until you get a fill. I've only had one and I still get a little hungry. I think my initial loss was the same as you. It's not like with bypass, we don't lose as fast. You are doing OK. Be sure to go to your support groups and ask questions at your fill.

I sure wish those closest to me... who know about the surgery.... understood more. I feel like they are watching me... and waiting. LOL

I know what you mean. I worry about eating anything questionable in from of my family for fear of judgment.

I understand completely. Sometimes I even go for seconds, even though I know I shouldn't. I'm scheduled for ANOTHER fill next week and I hope it does the trick. I've decided I need to rely more on my will power, than on the band! I have been exercising, but I really need to stop eating as much and eat more of the right things. AND drink more water. One of the reasons I chose the band was because it IS adjustable, and so we just have to wait till it's adjusted the way we need it to be.