Hi all,

I was banded Oct. 21, 2005. Prior to surgery, I lost 20lbs (so I'd be in better shape for the surgery). I went to my post op appointment November 7, 2005 and had lost another 12lbs. But then I just felt so tired of all the work and hung back during the holidays. Of course, I've gained almost all of my weight back. By January, I was so embarrassed I was too afraid to go in for a fill. It's only gotten worse though I've finally scheduled a fill for March 17th (the earliest appointment they had) but I'm afraid to go in. I'm ashamed tha I went through all the pre-op work and the actual SURGERY and then just gained all this weight. Has anything like this EVER happened to anyone?

It's okay! You are not the only person to ever gain weight with the band. The real shame would be never going in for that fill. And if they give you a load of crap, find a new fill doctor. Yes, you will probably be a little embarrassed, but clearly you weren't ready. That's the beauty of the band - it's in there ready to work now that you've decided to go forward. Good luck to you.

You should not feel bad. I also gained back most of my weight after the surgery, and before my fill. That is a healing time. The fill is what is going to give you resistance... That is when the losing journey begins.

Don't feel too bad, in my experience, that just makes you eat more. I really didn't start feeling any restriction until after my first fill. Once I got that, there was no stopping the weight loss. My first 6 to 8 weeks, I had a lot of doubts and was very worried it wasn't going to work for me. Starting this journey around the holidays probably didn't help you much, either. Too much junk food around.

The important thing is to not look back ... just go forward and start today like it is the first day of your new journey.

Good luck!

Hang in there, I know we all struggle until we get a couple of fills in us.

I'm so embarassed of my weight loss that I took my ticker off my signature. I too was banded october 24th. I've finally had my first fill, feb 8th and I'm still waiting for it to give me a little restriction. I go back on March 10th for my 2nd fill.

Your not alone, I'm sure there are loads of people who are just like us. Struggling..... but we will get there, won't we.

Be strong, get to that doctor, get your fill and start the reason why you had surgery in the first place. While your at the doctors, make an appt for your 2nd fill before you leave... just incase. You can always cancel but if you need more, you'll have the appt and won't have to wait.

Good luck friend !!

We have the same doctor. My next appointment is 3/17. I'm hoping for my second fill.

Magirl, it's like you said.. you've worked too hard and gone thru so much already.. so don't give up now! You have your band in place, get it to start working for you so you don't have to do this on your own, which is basically what you're doing. Hold your head up, walk in there and look them in the eye and say, 'Let's get this party started!' Get your fill and then get back on your journey. It's all good. No shame necessary at all. We never fail until we stop trying. Yeah? *smiles*

Hi - I was banded 12/29/05, I didn't not lose any additional weight after surgery. I've had one fill, I could almost feel the difference with restriction, but not "there" yet. I am going on Friday for 2nd fill and I feel very hopeful (finally) that this band is going to be the answer for me. I too was feeling like maybe I had made a major mistake. I am ready to be ready! Get to that Dr with your head high and look everyone in the eye, you are great and are on your way! Remember you (we) are more than what the scale says!

Donna R / Northern Calif:clap2:

I'm so proud of you for posting this! It has taken a lot of courage on your part to come as far as you have. And it has taken a lot of courage to post your story. This is not an easy thing, espcially when we are used to failure.

Many people dont' lose anything before their first fill appointment. I actually gained 5 pounds before I could get my first fill. It happens, so don't you worry about it.

But for your band to work, you need to get a fill. So, you take that courage and strength of character you've already demonstrated, and go get that fill!

Like Capt'n Jack says "Courage! Strenght!"