Is it normal to feel this way?

[kirbymom02 0]

Hello, I was just banded on Dec 14th. I already feel like there is no change from before the surgery. I know I definitly can't eat as much as I used to but I also don't feel any restriction. I am due for my first fill on the 19th and I hope that makes a differance. I have read some peoples post that talk about the band being pre-filled before surgery and I'm not sure whether mine was or not (guess I better ask that next time I'm there). I've been fluctuating between 17 and 20 lbs since the 2 week pre op liquid diet and it feels like I'm stuck in a rut already......any advice????

[mattie7632 24]

I was banded 12/27 and I'm starting to feel the same way. I heard getting the first fill will make a difference since right now while the swelling has gone down we don't have anything restricting our appetites.

[annieM 2]

Yes, that's normal. It requires a lot of patience to lose weight with the band and this period of "bandster hell" as it's called, the period before you have any restriction, is part of that. What I always recommend is following the South Beach Diet. It does a great job of controlling hunger pangs and is very band - friendly. You can even lose some weight before you have restriction which is something most people can't do. (Do try to avoid gaining, that's a real downer) Also it's a good time to add in other non-food related activities like crafts, cleaning out closets, writing letters, etc. to occupy yourself so you don't think about food so much. Distraction makes the time go a lot faster.

Good luck on your journey!

[vlp1968 83]

I totally agree about the South Beach diet. It's very healthy and works. Sounds like you have a little restriction since you say you can't eat as much as you used to. 17-20 pounds is great! Sounds like you are right on track. Your first fill may or may not do the trick- everyone is different. It took me 3 fills to get there. Best wishes!

[CheckYes 46]

Someone posted something I really loved about the time period before the diet fill: basically, your band is in but it hasn't been turned on yet. Be patient. It may take several fills before you feel restriction. Until then, you need to police yourself.

[G-Ma 0]

Hello, I was just banded on Dec 14th. I already feel like there is no change from before the surgery. I know I definitly can't eat as much as I used to but I also don't feel any restriction. I am due for my first fill on the 19th and I hope that makes a differance. I have read some peoples post that talk about the band being pre-filled before surgery and I'm not sure whether mine was or not (guess I better ask that next time I'm there). I've been fluctuating between 17 and 20 lbs since the 2 week pre op liquid diet and it feels like I'm stuck in a rut already......any advice????

I feel the exact same way. same amount of weight loss and everything. and I am very frustrated by it. They wont do my first fill for another 6 weeks or more and it is so frustrating!!!

[mattie7632 24]

Thanks for that tip! I am just on full liquids which as you many know has a little bit of "food" like Soup and grits, Protein drinks. I know I'm not even consuming 1000 calories a day, yet I've GAINED 2 pounds back! That has me very scared about what will happen when I'm eating real food!

Yes, that's normal. It requires a lot of patience to lose weight with the band and this period of "bandster hell" as it's called, the period before you have any restriction, is part of that. What I always recommend is following the South Beach Diet. It does a great job of controlling hunger pangs and is very band - friendly. You can even lose some weight before you have restriction which is something most people can't do. (Do try to avoid gaining, that's a real downer) Also it's a good time to add in other non-food related activities like crafts, cleaning out closets, writing letters, etc. to occupy yourself so you don't think about food so much. Distraction makes the time go a lot faster.

Good luck on your journey!

[Nicole74 4]

very normal....I was the exact same way....took me 3 fills to feel like I finally had the band!...when I was where you are I was posting too and I remember someone told me its like buying a car and not being able to put gas in it for 3 months..lol...that always stuck with me!

[kirbymom02 0]

My doctors office said the same thing about it taking several fills before I may feel the effects of it.

I totally agree about the South Beach diet. It's very healthy and works. Sounds like you have a little restriction since you say you can't eat as much as you used to. 17-20 pounds is great! Sounds like you are right on track. Your first fill may or may not do the trick- everyone is different. It took me 3 fills to get there. Best wishes!

[kirbymom02 0]

LOL...thats a funny way of putting it but very true!!

very normal....I was the exact same way....took me 3 fills to feel like I finally had the band!...when I was where you are I was posting too and I remember someone told me its like buying a car and not being able to put gas in it for 3 months..lol...that always stuck with me!

[kirbymom02 0]

Someone posted something I really loved about the time period before the diet fill: basically, your band is in but it hasn't been turned on yet. Be patient. It may take several fills before you feel restriction. Until then, you need to police yourself.

Very good point...thank you!!

[TracyNYC 4]

I was banded 10/09 and it took me 4 fills (may/2010) for things to really pick up. I did lose in the time in between but since that fill in May things have been moving along. Be patient. I just bought a size 14 jeans yesterday in the "Normal" department. Slow and steady wins the race.

[ChopswyfT 1]

I wonder if focusing on exercise and consuming meals that are high Protein and low carbs help you get through the 6 weeks of "Bandster Hell?" At least maybe the scale might move .

My doc told me he "pre-filled" my band with 3cc of Fluid during surgery but, not to expect to "feel" a lot restriction with 3cc's...go figure ?? To me 3cc's is better than nothing.