Hi everyone

Looking for some words of encouragement. I was banded 9/27 and lost 23 lbs in the first three weeks of swollen stomach and generally feeling lousy. Since then I had a fill in nov of 5cc and 2days ago another 3 in my realize band which holds 11cc. I am starving!!! Trying to stick to soft foods just so mentally i will stay on track But I just ate some pretzels anddddd nothing! Little restriction. What? I'm already at 8?!?

I know I'm not supposed to worry about the number but really?!? I'm getting discouraged. I've gained 9 back. Seems like its the same old of not being able to control myself. Worried this won't work for me

If I go back for more will I ever get there?

Are you supposed to be on soft foods due to the fill? They don't do much for satiety. Neither do pretzels, really. But you say you are on soft foods just to stay mentally in the game.

Solid Proteins are what will help you to feel full. Once cleared for solids after the fill, eat plenty of solid proteins and complex carbs. Those are what will keep hungry at bay.

I did not get restriction until 10.6 CC's in a 11 CC band. Pretzels are a slider food! Anything that you chew and disolves in your mouth (pretzels, chips, cookies) are sliders. I agree with previous posters the two days after you should be on solids esp protein; that's what keeps you full. My doctor does'n really want me having protein shakes as anything liquid goes right through the band. Think of it as a funnel to your stomach. Liquids go right through the funnel!

Hi -

I agree with all of the info in the previous posts. Also, please try not to drink anything while eating or it will flush things right through and prevent you from feeling full. Anything that just crumbles up will go through also. You really need to focus on protein items. I know yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. isn't exciting but it stays with you longer. After awhile when you are eating regular foods you will notice that regular food items like potatoes, meats, breads, pasta will def fill you up and possibly get stuck so make sure that you don't forget and take big bites and not chew. The problem is that when you get these items stuck in there drinking will not flush them through, it will make them come back up. It is a learning game and it really takes awhile to learn all of the dos and don'ts. Don't give up!!!

I've learned that being banded is not the entire answer. I can still eat pretty much anything I like. I've lost right at 20lbs and have been stuck here through the holidays. (gained 3, lost 3) I will never give up. I exercise regularly and eat the right things almost every day. If I fall off the wagon, I get right back on.

food is my drug, so, I just cannot have goodies in the house. I have begun to weigh more often. I want to lose weight so badly. I have realized the band is a tool and I have to use it.

Whatever it takes is what I say. Make a plan and follow it. You can do this!