Hey guys, so, I'm wondering if anyone else is struggling like I am? I was banded May 3rd, and so far have lost 40 pounds, which I'm absolutely thrilled about, but I haven't lost any weight in over a month. I've had 3 fills, and I know I have resriction, but I'm still able to eat WAY too much. I catch myself eating portions about the size I had pre-surgery. I'm getting so frustrated with myself that I'm making poor food decisions. I feel as if mentally I'm back to how I was pre-surgery. Any words of encouragement? I think it'll make me feel better knowing I'm not the only one that has had this problem... Although I don't wish it on to anyone! I just get so mad at myself...

I am a little confused. You say you have restriction but also say you can eat large amounts at one sitting. Sounds like maybe you need a fill. Also, just a plug for working out. Start if your not already doing it. If you are, try and increase the duration/intensity of your workouts. Best wishes.

I am a little confused. You say you have restriction but also say you can eat large amounts at one sitting. Sounds like maybe you need a fill. Also, just a plug for working out. Start if your not already doing it. If you are, try and increase the duration/intensity of your workouts. Best wishes.

I had my third fill last week. I'm not sure... I'm just feeling really disappointed in myself. I am working out and everything too. Just frustrated I suppose. I'm in a rutt.

Put your 3oz of Protein and 1/2 cup of veggies (or whatever way your doc says to measure your meals) on your plate, do NOT put serving bowls on the table...

Eat your meal, then get up from the table and get busy doing something for at least 20 minutes. If you are truly still hungry after 20 minutes, have more (non starchy) veggies.

Basic bandster guidelines: (your doc may vary some in their ideas...if so, go by what your doc says)

No liquid calories (except 2 servings of non-fat milk).

No soft foods.

Two 3-4 ounce servings of protein every day.

Always eat the protein first, then the produce.

Avoid bread, Pasta, rice, potatoes, and other starchy foods.

Consume 20-25 grams of Fiber every day.

Eat only three small meals a day.

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.

Stop eating as soon as you feel full.

Do not drink while you are eating.

Do not eat between meals.

Eat only good quality foods.

Avoid fibrous food.

Drink enough fluids during the day.

Drink only low or no calorie liquids.

Avoid carbonated beverages.

Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

Thanks for all the guidelines! That's pretty much everything I've been told, and have been doing. I know everything I'm supposed to do, I just think mentally I'm stuck. Does that even make sense? Ugh. Just rambling my frustrations I suppose...

Hey! This post was extremely helpful because I now know that I'm not the only one out there with this problem. I was banded on May 18 and have lost a good portion of weight also (down 60lbs). I was doing so well with my diet and then all of a sudden I just didn't feel like doing it anymore. The band doesn't seem tight enough because I can eat everything (including the things I was told I wouldn't be able to post-op). I actually gained - on purpose - 3 lbs and then started drinking 70oz of water per day. Now I'm back down 2lbs in 2 days so I think I might continue that. Do remember to drink your water because it will semi-fill you up and will help you shed fat. Good luck!

Oh my goodness! That makes me feel better too! Not that we're both struggling, but that I'm not the only one going thru this! Keep up your fantastic work!

I'm confused, u say that you are doing everything that ur Dr tells u to do, yet u can eat "same size portions pre-band" ???? If u r measuring out your protein and veggie portions then how would u know that u can eat the larger volumes of food?? If you are still hungry 30 mins after u eat, then drink some water. And I would call the Dr and discuss this with him. Also if your office has a nutritionist on hand may discuss with her exactly what you are eating and go from there. Also you can have a sf popsicle if you are still hungry. Good Luck.

And I know that if i "wanted to" right now I'm sure that I could eat larger portions because I do not have any liquid in my band yet. I am only on Post op Day #13. but i measure my foods as instructed and thats all I have. An hour after meals, i drink my 16 oz water and that's it. I also have my milk 30 mins before my meals. not sure if this helps me to stay full, but I am NEVER hungry. And I eat my 3 meals approx every 4- 5 hours. Hope this helps.

It's very easy to "follow the rules" so soon after surgery, I wasn't even allowed solid food until post-op day 21. I'm now 3+ months post-op, and it's just not that easy anymore. Maybe, subconciously, the "thrill" is gone and that's why I'm struggling. I've spoken with the nurse practioner that does my fills, and she said what I'm going thru is completely "normal" and I'm not the first person to have this problem falling out of my diet and re-adjusting. I didn't get overweight over night, I have a lifetime a bad food habits to overcome, which I was doing really well on up until about a month ago. I know everything that I need to physically be doing, but I'm struggling with it emotionally. More2Love posted earlier that she had the same problem, but got herself out of that funk, so that gives me hopenthat I will too, and soon!

Maddie Lynn, I can see how you feel this way. I was banded on June 1st and I think I am doing well as far as the weight loss goes and better than most with the exercise. I have had sort of a set back as well...but like you said it is all about my mindset. My body tells me I am full but I will continue to eat since I don't get sick. I went through some pictures and found 2 of myself at my highest and that was a GREAT wake up call to get back to being strict as far as measuring and writing everything that goes into my mouth...Not necessarily advice just letting ya know I was there too and you CAN overcome this!

Thanks! I'm actually attending my first Zumba class tonight, rather than just my normal work-out. Hopefully this will be one of the nudges I need to get myself back on track.

I am in the same postion as you are right now. I was banded May 27th and having really been doing what I need to do. I have felt like I have been on a diet for the past few months and I am just burnt out. I thought that this 'tool' would help me to not over eat but it really doen't. It is all mental for me. If I am in the right mind set I can do well and lose weight but if I am not in the right mind set my band is basically non-exisitng. The only thing that is different for me is the fact that I can not eat breads. I am very frustrated with myself. I feel like I have felt most of my life. If I diet (which I stink at hence the band) I will lose weight or If I don't diet than I don't lose anything. Good luck!! Hope everything works out for both of us.

My nurse that does my fills says that it's normal to feel hungry when you work out a lot. Maybe spreading out your meals might help. Just remember to not go over the calories you are allowed for the day.

Sadly the band does not take away the urge to eat badly . I was banded on May 25th and I have changed my whole life style. Eating healthy is a commitment and sometimes a chore. Sometimes when people are too strict with their lifestyle changes, they get burned out. Be realistic with yourself and compromise and treat yourself at intervals. Some days my band gives me better restriction that other days but I try to hold on and get through the day. I probably need a fill but I will get one once I plateau. Get back in the right mindset and seek out help. I see a nutritionist an she gives helpful advice. Do you attend monthly support groups? Try really hard not to go backwards on this journey. I feel great where I am right now. I don't want to pack back on 32lbs. Good luck and take one day at a time.