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.

LillieB, I know how you feel. I was banded on Oct 21st. But, for the 3 months prior I was working on eating healthy, and watching what I ate. I took it upon myself to work the diet, before even getting the band. I lost 30+ pounds just on diet and pre-op diet alone. Since then I have lost only 13 pounds, and not really sure what is going on. I am drinking 2 protein shakes a day (breakfast & lunch) and trying to eat healthy at dinner. But, I have NO restirction and can eat whatever I want, which is why I am not really losing. It is hard to not snack on un-healthy things, or eat more than you should. It is just plain will-power that you need. You can either do it yourself, or wait till you get a couple of fills, and throw up when you eat the wrong things. I know I don't want to be in that situation, but it is hard! :-)

LillieB...100% normal this is called Bandster hell...until you get your band at least half full (5cc in a 10cc band) you would be a very rare person to be having any restriction at all...if you can just not gain you are doing better than most...good luck I hope your doc isnt too stingy with fills. Mine got me to 6cc in three fills and that was green zone for me! (but before that, Hell!)

Elmo, my doctor says once you are healed you should no longer drink protein shakes for meals. I am also a slow loser post banding. I had lost 80 pounds prebanding so all my water weight etc was already gone. Eat solid protein 3 times a day it will help keep you full longer.

Even with the band there is a lot of self-control and self-discipline needed. You got the band for a reason so the time has come to start acting like you have one. Sorry if I sound harsh, I do not mean to be I am just one of those to the point people. When I was at the beginning of my journey I counted calories and from the beginning I lost weight from the start. Right now I need a fill and am eating more, so I exercise more. ( We have been getting a lot of snow so a trip over the mountains for my fill has to wait). This is not an easy road to follow, but if you really want it you can make it happen!

Remember that its a cup of CHEWED food, not whole food...or at least thats what my surgeon says. And you should never drink your protein if you can eat it. Only resort to protein drinks if you're still on liquids. If you need extra protein, you can always do protein shots if you can tolerate the taste.

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.

So glad to know that I'm not the only one eating up to 1 cup per meal. Was really concerned that I was hurting the band by putting too much food in my stomach. My fill was scheduled for the 23rd but today it was changed to the 16th since he'll be out of town. So till then 1 cup & lots of willpower. Done that a million times before on every diet!