I was banded about 4 weeks ago. I was doing great the first two weeks. Lost about 15 pounds. Then I guess the swelling went down an di can't really tell I have the band. I can eat what I want but still limit to about 1400 calories. High protien low carb. I have gained and lost the same 3 pounds for the last two weeks. What is going on? Suggestions to move forward again. I don't have an appointment for a couple of weeks still and I never feel full. I eat small portions out of self control but am hungry alot.

Thoughts???

You have only been banded for four weeks so you are doing just fine! Your body needs to adjust to the band and the new phases you are going through with foods. Keep up the good work!

You are in what is known as bandster hell. The time inbetween surgery and when you get restriction. You lost a lot of weight the first 2 weeks, your body may be compensating. Overal your looking at about 3.5 pounds a week, which is awsome! Once your cleared by your surgeon to excersise I highly reccomend it. Start out slow and gradually increase your duration/intensity. There are so many benefits to working out, not just that it speeds up weight loss. It is so tough to get started, took me about 3-4 months postop. Now it's a matter of routine, although I haven't grown to love it. You are doing great! Keep up the good work.

My doctor said if you're going to count calories which he does'nt really support to stay around 1200. Personally for protein I stick to chicken/turkey, fish. I would avoid high fat choices like beef, pork.

It is just very frustrating to go from actively losing to it standing still. I appreciate all the support from people here and will keep moving one day at a time

Are you getting any sort of exercise? Doesn't have to be strenuous, just move your body more than you did before surgery. Walking is an excellent choice. And mild, gentle exercise will also cut down a little on hunger. At least it did for me.

You don't mention your Fluid intake. Are you getting at least 64oz daily? Preferably Water, but other very low calorie drinks count too. I try to keep mine at no more than 10 cal/16 oz, which is almost nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Hang in there, the first weeks are really about healing. If any weight loss occurs, that's a bonus, but right now.. recover and heal. Yes, I know it's frustrating, esp. if you had to do a pre-op diet and saw the weight fall off during that time. The weight loss will happen.

I only lost about 2lbs the first month, then it started coming off pretty fast.

I'm not loosing weight either. I have been banded for 3 weeks. My doc says it is normal. The firsts weeks are for healing.

I feel your frustration...

It is very frustrating I know!. I am 4months out and cant get the weight to come off to save my life. But after reading all of the posts and knowing people that have had the surgery, I must be patient.

The weight will come off..

So, just hang in there.. There is life at the end of the tunnel!

You aren't supposed to be losing the first 6 weeks post surgery ---- it is time to let your body heal and adjust to the band.....don't worry about weight, instead focus on eating healthy and getting a lot of good Protein. You will feel like you are on a diet since you probably will be getting hungry in between meals..it is the pits, "bandster hell".

Hang in there!

Colorado, I did the same thing and when I visited my doctor for the first time, a month post op, he said that they generally expect people to gain a pound or two the 3rd or 4th week. Would have been nice to know in advance, but anywho, it is what it is. I personally had to throw my scales in the closet and stop looking and just move forward doing everything they said to do. I am down 39 lbs now wince feb 23 and I just try to stay as busy as I can. I know I am doing everything I can. Remember it is ok, for us to feel good about ourselves too. Have faith that it will work and just get up and turn some music on and giggle that we are going to make it this time.

I was banded on 4/18......and from what I've learned on here....do the low carb, high protein and don't stand on the scale. I'd get frustrated if I were a scale junkie at this point. Everyone tells me it is about healing and not losing at this point until we get our "fill." My clothes fit differently and people have asked me if I've lost weight....so I know something is happening. I'm sticking with that. I watch what I eat and how much I eat. I treat myself on occassion and I refuse to step on a scale.....that is what I have to do and that is just my two cents. Good luck and 15 pounds is great in 4 weeks! I'm going to be happy with 1 or 2 pounds per week so you are doing more awesome than my expectations....