I was banded 12/28/11. I had a successful pre-op diet. I lost 12 pounds despite the holiday temptations. However, since the surgery I'm feeling like a complete failure. I've only lost 3 lbs. I'm feeling no restriction and have a tolerance of absolutely EVERYTHING. My appetite is out of conrol and I'm still able to and therefore am consuming large portions. I've had no regurgitation, or even stuck episodes (not that I want any...lol). I'm having NO self control (had 2 tacos and a Mexican pizza from Taco Bell a couple days ago). It's just as if I haven't even had the surgery. Reading most posts, this seems unusual. I have a follow-up with Dr. Hollis (my surgeon) on 1/24 and my 1st fill 1/26. I'm in hell, disappointed in myself and feeling like this band is offering no benefits. It's not "talking" to me. I know I shouldn't totally rely on the band but, I need it to offer some physical restraint until I can catch up mentally. Please someone give me some advise and/ or tell me this will change after my 1st fill.

I was banded one day after you and reading the posts here, this is normal. I am still on mushies till Thursday then onto solids. I don't have much restriction either, may still not have a lot even after our first fill. That is suppose to be normal too. I'll try not to offend you and if I do, I apologize, try to stay away from fast food, now is the time we should be practicing our healthy eating habits. I know it is sooo hard cause every time I see a fried chicken commercial I want to run to KFC (I live one block away). Be strong and we'll be healthy and gorgeous.

I'm soryy that u feel like that, if it helps any I felt the same way. I will probably take at least three fill or more befor u feel any restriction and when u do believe me u will know. Just hang in there and tell ur doctor everything even how you are feeling--dnt hold back becuz the more they know how u feel the more they can help you.

This is a will power diet right now. Buy yourself a digital scale. When your 3oz of protein (or 4 oz) is gone stop eating. Fill yourself the rest of the way with low fat/cal veggies. Even at restriction my band does'nt stop me from eating anything (well other than raw carrots). Don't expect the band will Stop you. Did you attend mindful eating therapy persurgery? If not go now. You need to develop a new relationship with food. Not to be mean spirited but Taco Bell? If you must eat fast food I recommend either chili from Wendy's or Grilled chicken from KFC (be sure to take the chicken skin off though!).

lillie this is very normal. the reason why you have no restriction is because after the surgery you are swollen so you feel some initial restriction but there is no saline in the band. I lost 6 lbs from the preop diet then in 4 weeks had only lost like 4 and 4 weeks after surgery i was eating like a champ. went to the dr got my first fill of 3 cc, didnt really notice any difference, was still eating like a champ, chinese meals, egg rolls pizza, no stuck episodes, nothing, went to the dr and he gave me another fill with 1 cc total of 4 cc in band, went 2 months through the holidays and still eating like a champ, trying to make better choices but still eating ALOT. went back to dr 2 weeks ago, he was not happy with mylack of progress over the holidays i had only lost 2 lbs in 2 months, he gave me my third fill another 1.5 cc with a total of 5.5 cc in my 10 cc band, I am now experiencing stuck episodes, smaller portions and no longer eating like a champ LOL I have to go slow, watch what i eat, no breads and i lost 4lbs last week. so dont get discouraged, it takes about 3-4 fills to get to your sweet spot where you actually feel restriction. you are moving along just fine, my dr told me the first 6 weeks after lapband is about healing not losing weight. a good surgeon will adjust you slowly to get you to where you need to be. you will get there, good luck.

Thanks for the replies of advise, validation, encouragement and even reprimands...lol. No offense taken from those that pointed that obviously bad choice out. I knew the Taco Bell wasn't a good decision but, that's what I had. Like I stated, I'm not at that mental place of self-control. There was a time that I would have had it once a week rather than the once a month that I've averaged the past 3 months. So, I am progressing...baby steps . If I (or most of us her for that matter) thought I could accomplish this weightloss battle purely off discipline and/or will power, I wouldn't have gotten the band. Right? THANKS again EVERYONE! The encouragement has made me feel better and the reprimand made me throw the Snicker away that I had in the pantry. I even took the wrapper off so I wouldn't retrieve it later...LMBO as I drink the Protein smoothie I just made!!!

Lord, give me strength and/or some restriction from this 1st fill!!!!!!!!

Unfortunately the first 3 to 4 months are the strictest, hardest diet you'll ever be on if you want to lose before restriction!

Also, remember that restriction is not about getting stuck, it's about having the feeling of satiety and not being physically hungry for 4 to 5 hours after earing.

Be patient, make good choices, and good luck! Everyone is rooting for you!

This is definitely a mind game initially; however, we are attempting to make this a lifestyle. Stay strong and think about the end results.

Good for you throwing away the candy bar. I think behavior changes are a major victory. As a slow loser it can depress me when I read about high/faster weight losses when I'm stalled. I think it's important to congratulate yourself when you do something today that you would'nt have done preband. My victories are often non scale but they are victories non the less.

I had my surgery 3 weeks ago and I know its rough. Im hungry all the time and have no restriction. My first fill is on feb 8th and I know i probably still wont feel restriction for a few more. just hang in there.. Try to get some boneless skinless chicken to fix and veggies that helps a lot..Its a battle and a very long cold war hun.. Stay strong thats why were all here to help and support each other <3

I had my surgery on 1/13 with Dr Hollis as well so therefore I am 9 days post op and am in to the "thicker liquids". I don't know about restriction but I can tell you the liquids (soup included) go down with nooo problem. Thank you so much for this posting though because i thought from day 1 i would feel some restriction. I appreciate knowing that I'm not the only one who has the feeling of being hungry all the time.

Funny, you went to taco bell. So did I. I gobbled down 2 burritos and felt very full but they went down no problem. I too am in bandster hell right now. Waiting for fill #2 and crossing my fingers I get some restriction with #2.

i was banded dec 13th, lost 6 lbs pre-op and about 5-6 lbs the week after. ive lost maybe 2 lbs since then and had my 1st fill jan 9th. i still have noooooo restriction and can tolerate just about anything. (this was a complete surprise ) im wishing i was loosing but not surprised as i was told this is normal until the fills find my sweet spot. i was told it can take between 1-6 fills for that to happen . my next fill is jan 30th. i think maybe youre expecting too much too soon ?? i do find that if i eat healthy when im hungry the bad craving go away 95%. then if im still craving something i find a bite or 2 of chocolate satifies me and i dont want anything else. hope this works for you. good luck !

I was banded on 12-29-11, I've seen the dr but he said I had alittle fill from the surgery and to start eating regular food. Is it normal to be able to eat 1 cup of semi-solid soups? Or 2 scrambled eggs for breakfast? Seems everyone is saying 1/2 cup of protein/veggies per meal. If the food is like listed above with alittle fill I'm wondering if that is why I can do 1 cup instead? Don't see him for a month & I average now 800-900 calories per day compared to 500-800 on liquid.

blondeblueyes - You will definately need to eat more than 1/2 c before you are in the green zone.

Blueeyed- I'm at a 800 calorie diet and i was banded on the 12/30. i can eat anywhere between 1/2 to a full cup of food depending on what it is. I dont have a fill yet. My doc won't give me one til Febuary 21 Boo for it being so far away! BUT i did have plication with my band. To kind of jump start the weightloss progress (Tho i haven't seen any pounds drop after that initial 20) Today however I felt like I could eat the world but after a few healthy snacks and some shaved oven roasted turkey breast i'm satisfied.

Some days I feel like i could eat more then i should but if i drink water first that feeling usually goes away.