I had my surgery on Sept. 12, 2012, and have breezed through the recovery with no issues at all. (I have fibromyalgia, so pain is the norm anyway.) During the first 2 weeks, I lost 13 pounds, but have stalled this third week. I have done everything the doctor has advised as far as eating, exercising, etc. I could eat whatever I want as often as I want as I am not feeling full ever, but I am limiting myself to "legal" foods and amounts. I will have to admit, I'm a bit discouraged. From past experience I know that my willpower will wane. I get my first fill on October 24, and am hopeful that things will change then. I just hope that I don't blow it before then!

Hi

Don't get discouraged.

Many people don't lose until their first fill. You may be losing in inches? Did you take your measurements?

Here are somethings you might find helpful.

I’ve been banded just over 6 years and have talked about this here a couple of time but I think it’s worth repeating for new bandsters.

Back when I was banded my doctor suggested something called the “Egg Timer Distraction”. It’s kind of difficult to explain here but I’d be happy to email you the .pdf document. It REALLY helped me with “head hunger. I can’t tell you the number of people in my lapband coffee groups over the years that have said how helpful this “trick” has been in dealing with their head hunger.

Also, I’m not really a “diet” book type person but I recommend you pick up two books.

Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle – by Dr. Michelle May

I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. May speak at a conference when she came to Toronto and her book and guidelines really work well with the lapband journey.

The second book is:

The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite – by David L. Kessler

Try and take it one day at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t go into this journey saying “I’ll never be able to eat this or that ever again.” I can eat ANYTHING except rice and apple skins and no carbonated beverages. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor. Take tiny bites and remember to finish what you have in your mouth before you take your next bite.

When I was losing weight I checked in every month with my family doctor to get weighed and measured. (I don’t own scales) I also attended two coffee groups for people that were banded. These things really kept me motivated and on track. I still check in every month with my family doctor to get weighed-in and I host two coffee groups. For me support from fellow bandsters plays a big part in this journey.

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and also if you would like a copy of the “Egg Timer Distraction Document”.

It does get better !!!!

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

I had my surgery September 11 & I'm in the same predicament. I've lost 14 lbs since surgery but have stalled as well. Get my first fill October 23rd. People around here say its normal though, so ill just sit here impatiently waiting. :/

Has anyone been banded at CIBO?

I wasn't banded at CIBO but I've met a few people that were banded there and have met the owner.

People from CIBO have come out the the monthly coffee groups I host.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

tomander@bell.net

Where do hold the groups? I work in Barrie

We all get a liltle discouraged along the way!

Learning to live with your band is just that! LEARNING! I was banded Nov 21, 2011 and still learning about it and how funny it can be at times!

Take a day at a time..

.Follow doctors orders...

Drink your Water and Exercise and YOU WILL SUCCEED!

Best of luck!

I host groups in Toronto, Richmond Hill, Burlington, Brampton and Durham... I used to host a group in Barrie.

Where were you banded ?

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs