Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Finding The Lap Band Green Zone



Recommended Posts

I realize this is an old thread, however, something I have been wanting to know is how long did it take most people before they starting losing consitantly. I am 3 weeks post. I lost a pound a day in the first week and 10 during pre-opt. Then once mussy foods started and I healed my hunger increased. I am following the rules and eating 3/4 cup of food slowly. I just get hungry quickly. I am also logging my food daily and staying betweek 1000 - 1200 calories but I stopped losing weight. I know this is "banster hell" I would just like to know how long it lasts.

I see people post statements like - banded 6 months and down 70 lbs. I just wonder if the 70 (for example) was paced out or after hitting green zone.

Thanks.

Katy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for the GREAT information!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've lost 82 pounds and mine was paced out as I was banded in December 21, 2010... Gradual as I got fills. My most recent fill to 5.5 cc dropped 17 pounds from February to May. It was the most substantial loss going into my second year from a size 24 to size 14... And now almost size 12. Inches are coming off now more so than weight because I an walking 3x week, Water aerobics one night, Pilates one night, and weights/cardio 3x week. I don't focus on scale so much anymore.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You are in the red zone - too tight. It is hurting to eat so you are choosing high cal sliders. These do not fill you up so you are hungry again soon afterwards. This also means that you are not losing weight. Also the time taken to eat a meal is too long and another indicator that you are too tight. Most Dr's recommend that you take 20min but not more than 30 to eat. After this your band has already started emptying so it is easy to fit more in and overeat.

Anyone want to help me what Zone I might be in? I'm confused.

1-discomfort when eating 75% of the time.

2-still hungry so choose wrong foods to eat to fill me up, ice cream, Snacks, etc.

this is where I get confused

3-only have spit up (sorry, gross) Water mucousy stuff once since banded in June AND

4-have only loss 28 lbs total since banded in June (start was 243 and now 215).

Seem to be stuck and not loosing any more weight!

I can eat but it takes me about 45 minutes to eat a meal. I feel hungry and I can eat but it takes me a long time and I think sometimes I might not be banded enough b/c of not loosing any more weight but it usually hurts to eat. So where am I???? I am still hungry after some meals so I will eat bad foods for me, ice cream or milk and Cookies. Being honest here. lol I definately couldn't imagine getting a fill since it hurts so much to eat now but I'm not loosing weight either.

Thanks and thanks for posting the chart Alex!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Alex something that might make an interesting article is how to maintain the loss after a couple of years. For many of us we find that the restriction we once had has to a large degree worn off and we are able to eat more than previously and foods that we could not eat previously. This is something that cannot necessarily be fixed with a fill as the Dr feels that we are correctly filled and further fills bring issues such as reflux. Also the initial motivation has dimmed somewhat as we are no longer in the honeymoon period. To track every mouthful for the rest of our lives is unrealistic - most of us got banded so that we could give up dieting.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Alex something that might make an interesting article is how to maintain the loss after a couple of years. For many of us we find that the restriction we once had has to a large degree worn off and we are able to eat more than previously and foods that we could not eat previously. This is something that cannot necessarily be fixed with a fill as the Dr feels that we are correctly filled and further fills bring issues such as reflux. Also the initial motivation has dimmed somewhat as we are no longer in the honeymoon period. To track every mouthful for the rest of our lives is unrealistic - most of us got banded so that we could give up dieting.

What a great suggestion. What are you doing to maintain besides having an optimal fill ? Personally for me, it's about working out and eating (mostly) the right food.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Still trying to get back to an optimal fill after a partial unfill after a horrendous stuck episode earlier this year. I try to make good food choices, my main issue is with getting hungry sooner than I should which is when my old bad snacking habits start creeping in.

I think it's an issue for quite a lot of us. There have been a couple of threads where others 3 years or so out have also been struggling. It seems that the restriction definitely does wear off to a certain extent.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Great article, Alex. Some possible topics for future articles would be:

  • The importance of support on this journey
  • Discussing lapband surgery with others
  • Whether to tell or not tell

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There is no green zone. I'm 2.5 years post surgery, and while the first year I never found the green zone, the second year and a half, even if I can eat during the day, I'm coughing until I throw up at night. There's no logic. Over time, it gets more and more useless. That is why there is only a year-long success rate. It's kind of a scam. I'm going at it on my own again with no Fluid in the band.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There is no green zone. I'm 2.5 years post surgery' date=' and while the first year I never found the green zone, the second year and a half, even if I can eat during the day, I'm coughing until I throw up at night. There's no logic. Over time, it gets more and more useless. That is why there is only a year-long success rate. It's kind of a scam. I'm going at it on my own again with no Fluid in the band.[/quote']

When was the last time you sat down and discussed these issues with your surgeon ? It sounds like you're not getting great advice. I can totally relate to your frustration! IMHO you should do something about this!

Where are you getting your one year success rate from ? I've had my lap band since 2003 with great success. Look around this site, there are many many others like me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Alex, I can't believe I didn't come across this sooner! I am still able to eat rice and Pasta, and I have been twice denied now for a fill, because the P.A. @ my WL surgeon's office felt that since I wasn't really losing weight, I needed to learn to eat better. Which I agree with, but I'm NOT LOSING WEIGHT! It is all so very frustrating :-(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just banded and I understand what the green zone is just ready to feel it out!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I love the charts.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just to comment on this my nutritionist told me that Hair loss is a result of not getting enough protien. Aim for a minimum of 64 grams a day

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello!! New here!! I am looking for answers, so I hope someone can help me. I have had 3 fills. Fill #1 was great, I felt restriction the first time around. It lasted for a week and then the restriction went away. So I had another fill. Fill # 2 was even better, more restriction, but it only lasted 9 days. So I had another fill. Fill # 3, I was sure would be my green zone fill at 6 cc's in my 10 cc band. The restriction was even greater and I had 100% signs of being in my green zone according to the chart above. BUT.... 2 WEEKS to the day after my fill, my restriction went away!! I am not restricted at all again. Why is this happening? I am worried my band is leaking. I know restriction can vary day to day or hour to hour... but it has been 2 days now, and I dont think my restriction will be coming back. I dont see my doc for another week. This mystery is driving me crazy and I have been doing so great. I dont want to fall off track and lose control of my portions. Is this normal for my restriction to subside like this. i though your fills last longer than a week or two. - Amber

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×