After surgery, I went back monthly to have my band filled a little each time until I felt it doing its job. This went on for about 5 months then my weight loss really kicked in. Within 12 months I had lost 40 kg. I know of people that had too much too soon then panicked and had fluid then taken out. And people that just never went back for filling both resulting in minimal weight loss. So fill small amount regularly until you comfortably notice the weight loss. Make it work for you.

Thank you for posting this today. I just returned from a fill and only got 1/2 cc and wondered if that would even help (?)

I had lap band surgery on April 9th and am still seeking the Green Zone. So, I am also about 5 months out and getting frustrated with S-L-O-W weight loss.

Thanks for podting this. I completely agree. It took about 6 months and about 8 fills for me to get to the green zone AND a lot of lessons how MY band worked. Slow is good! We didn't gain the weight overnight so it's not going to drop off overnight either.

I understand your frustration but trust me, gradual fills helped my stomach adjust along with my thoughts and I found the results I wanted without the problems I saw others going through in their haste.

I think I am going to be able to deal with the slow weight loss . . . but the comments I am getting about it from co-workers, friends and family members is getting OLD. I do believe that they thought I would wake up magically "skinny" after surgery.

Hahaha don't worry about them. Worry about you. You will get there if you learn to make it work for you. They will eat humble pie over the next 12 months

I'm really glad soccerbluej mentioned the comments from coworkers. I myself am having that problem. At my job, there were quite a few nurses who opted for the bypass surgery therefore resulting in a large amount of wt dropped in a small amount of time. I am the only one in my dept who chose the lapband but now my coworkers are steady comparing my wt loss to those around me. IM OVER IT! I try to be gracious and explain that my process is a lot different and that I am losing slower but that I am indeed making my band "work" for me. I've done a great job of being at peace with the slow wt loss but it makes me a lot more anxious when surrounded by everyone's constant commenting. So basically, how do I politely tell my coworkers "butt out, I got this!!"

You will catch them. We each have our own journey. It is no one else's business! So stop explaining yourself Use their criticism as character building. It's amazing how many people close to us are so willing to anticipate our downfall. They may be criticizing your slower progress, but you are making progress, and that's the positive. Keep up the great work.....with a smile!

Thank you so much! So far I've had great support which I am very thankful for. I figure as long as I'm losing and not gaining and my doctor doesn't have any concerns then I'm doing ok!

What I do, is tell people that whatever road gets them to a healthy place, is great--for them. And this is your road, and your journey, and if it is getting you to a healthy place, then thats all that matters. Honestly, sometimes people need a little snark to put them in their place, and it can be done tactfully-- for example, if someone is comparing the weight loss, maybe a comment like "good news is were not in a competition" might do the trick depending on your relationship with them.

With my family (grandparents especially) I had to tell them to stop asking me my weight loss number every time I saw them. I explained that this is a lifetime of a journey and there may be times where you've gained, or lost, but 1) that can't be all life is about, and 2) no one needs to feel like they need to lie or explain a bump in the road should one occur. My answer is they will know when they see it, and otherwise we don't need to analyze it at every function.

Thank you too SP1587 I find that some people do get excited for me therefore ask every single time about the numbers. I will keep in mind why you said about tactful snark! Lol I am committed to this lifelong journey and don't want to become fixated on numbers alone, it will drive me crazy!

I'm the slow turtle too...but still winning the race. Surgery Dec, 2011... 268 size 24. Now I'm size 12...down to 175. Yes very slow but my second year of fills have been the most successful to me.