...and this is the way any weight loss program works for me. Just today started on Stage 2 foods but if smooth, creamy or liquid, really easy to get down. I feel I might be eating too much, and I find I don't really have to wait between swallows or wait very long before I have a beverage. I assume that will change after 1st fill. First few days, not hungry I assume due to swelling, but that has changed, now hungry, stomach growling. Most of all, not losing much has been my big concern since I never ate huge quantities of food, and cutting way down on calories + exercise did not result in weight loss. Always grew an early tolerance to whatever program I was or meds (i.e. fen/phen). Discouraged,

I only lost 3 pounds the first week- I was really surprised but didn't let it discourage me. I believe they put saline in the IV that makes you retain water. Unfortuanly you may have to accept the fact you are a bit of a slow looser. That being said, changing up your routines may help. Eat different foods and keep your calorie count variable. I mean eat 1000 cals one day, 1400 the next, 1200 the next. This may trick your body into burning more fat- keeps it guessing. Changing up your workouts (once you get the ok from your doc. to start working out) may help as well. Walk one day, swim another et... Good luck!

The first 6 weeks are NOT about weightloss. You need to put the scale away and focus on healing. You just underwent pretty invasive surgery 7 days ago. Your body needs at the least, a month to heal. Don't let yourself get down. Focus on feeling better, walking, getting in your Protein and your Water. Weightloss right now isn't the main goal. You're not going to lose much when your body is trying to heal.

Give it time. Put the scale away. Focus on resting and healing. The weight will come off in time. Don't let yourself get down. Self-defeatist attitudes lead to just that: defeat.

The first 6 weeks are NOT about weightloss. You need to put the scale away and focus on healing. You just underwent pretty invasive surgery 7 days ago. Your body needs at the least, a month to heal. Don't let yourself get down. Focus on feeling better, walking, getting in your Protein and your Water. Weightloss right now isn't the main goal. You're not going to lose much when your body is trying to heal.

Give it time. Put the scale away. Focus on resting and healing. The weight will come off in time. Don't let yourself get down. Self-defeatist attitudes lead to just that: defeat.

VERY WELL SAID^^^^ let the body heal, Don't let your Stomach control your mind, let your Mind control your appetite!!!!

I agree - it should be about healing for the first month. Wt. loss will come later. But just remember to make wise food choices and don't drink anything for at least 1 hr. after you eat to stay full for at least 4 hrs. till your next meal. And chew chew chew. Eat slowly - take at least 20 min. to eat your meals. Just a few tips that helped me. Take care and keep us posted. Good luck.

What day are you post surgery? I hit stage 2 at day 8. If that is the plan you are on you will not be full for 4 hours on tomato Soup. I would recommend spreading out your "food". I would have soup (usually tomato or tomato/sweet red pepper with MRS Dash chicken flavor non salt spice mix added before heating), and a hour later have the Protein shake. Another hint. Measure out your soup. I used a coffee cup, which was just that a cup. Measure how much fits in a mug you will be shocked usually more like 2 cups. You could well be getting much more soup than you're planning on.

This is a good time to retrain yourself about eating and food habits. And it is training. My mother used to say somewhat jokingly "What happened to the other half of my sandwich?" She had eaten so fast she did'nt even remember eating it. Presurgery I had to attend 3 sessions on eating habits where we discussed thinking about each bite and savoring it. Do you savor each bite? I did'nt.

If you have'nt done so I highly recommend getting a digital food scale (one that you can zero out the weight of the plate). I was using it once I moved into the mushie stage. My doctor calls for 3 oz of protein and you would be suprised how little that actually is! Until you get restriction you will need to measure out food (or at least protein)

The first week weeks are about healing but be sure to pick low cal/fat choices. There are a lot of nice Soups in the deli section of the grocery but some of them are super high in fat (anything with milk base). And, yes some of us are slow losers. Just had a huge talk about that at my PCP's office this morning!

So glad I saw this post. Thanks Reverie for your comments! I am also one week out and feeling hungry. I got on the scale this AM for the first time and it hasn't budged AT ALL!!! I need to remember using these next few weeks to heal and to start moving my body more. I am also experimenting with different brands of shakes/drinks to find which ones I like/dislike. Not digging the nectar ice tea at all...good thing I bought the variety pack.

I think we all want to see weight loss happen quickly but I need to remind myself that the process is slow. It's not magic and won't happen over night...I now I didn't gain it overnight.

Best of luck to all.

Ally

You're not going to lose much when your body is trying to heal.

Why?

Were you on liquid pre-op diet? Did you lose a pretty good amount during that time? If so, then this week has been a continuation of that diet plan. 2 pounds is a good loss.

Do keep in mind that band surgery is not mal-absorptive. 1-2 pounds per week is all you can expect. As Reverie said, you just went through major surgery. Your body is healing and adjusting.

I remember a similar post I made during my first couple of weeks. I was afraid it was not going to work for me. Give it time. Here I am 3 years later. For me, this was the easiest weight loss plan, ever. I've had to do my share, but the band has helped and I am maintaining my loss with ease.

I am a slow loser, I averaged 3/4 pound per week (yes 0.75 pounds). It was frustrating, but over the long term, I got the weight off and my blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol down.

You CAN do it. Don't give up.

...and this is the way any weight loss program works for me. Just today started on Stage 2 foods but if smooth, creamy or liquid, really easy to get down. I feel I might be eating too much, and I find I don't really have to wait between swallows or wait very long before I have a beverage. I assume that will change after 1st fill. First few days, not hungry I assume due to swelling, but that has changed, now hungry, stomach growling. Most of all, not losing much has been my big concern since I never ate huge quantities of food, and cutting way down on calories + exercise did not result in weight loss. Always grew an early tolerance to whatever program I was or meds (i.e. fen/phen). Discouraged,

I think patience is the hardest thing to grasp. When I went for my first fill 5 weeks post op, I had lost 1 lb. Since then, I have dropped 12 lbs. No appt until 3/8 for second fill and have been at same weight since 10 days after 1st fill. (I was scheduled for a fill on 2/4 but had to reschedule due to inclement weather in Houston...go figure:) ) I'm really not worried because I know the weight loss will resume. I keep telling myself that the band is a tool and as long as I am doing the right thing, Life is Good!

I'm sure you will do fine. It gets easier every day,