I had my surgery Sept. 12, 2012. I've had 2 fills and it feels like I haven't even had surgery. I've only lost 13 pounds and I lost that right after surgery. The difference I do notice is I'm not hungry all the time like before surgery which. That is a good feeling. I am exercising, but obviously I'm NOT doing something right because I'm not losing weight. I was doing the 30/30 rule of no liquids, but I can't tell a difference when I don't drink for 30 minutes before and after eating so sometimes I don't follow the rule.

Please share if you had this happen to you. Thank you.

Annette

13 pounds in two months is great! Follow the rules and stick with the plan.

Hi and welcome!

That's good that you're not hungry all the time- that's exactly what the band is supposed to do.

How many calories a day are you eating?

Are you sticking to a cup or less of food per meal?

Are you exercising?

It's very normal. I lost 12 lbs the first 2 weeks and then nothing the next 3.4 months.

I am exercising. I wasn't doing so on regular basis at first, but I am now. I do it first thing in the morning. I found directions on line how to work up to running 3 miles. I am exercising every other day and trying to walk on the in between days. I am eating more than 1 cup of food. When I talk to the PA, when I get my fills, she says it may take several fills before I see results, but that could be as much at 10 more months. She will only give me a fill every 4 weeks. She told me the goal is to get to 1 cup of food, but I'm not there yet. I use to eat sugar daily, and since my surgery, I've only had sugar a few times and was very much in control when I did. I don't eat starch hardly anymore. I may have a 1/2 of a sandwich on 15 grain bread, but that is only a couple times a week.

Thanks for helping me.

Annette

I haven't been counting calories, but I can start doing that. I put the fit pal app on my phone. I don't feel as discouraged since y'all replied. Thanks!

Annette

Yes, I think counting calories will help you a lot. Most people who don't count calories are shocked how much they're actually consuming once they start. The phone app will help make it really simple, too.

I know it's not easy, but it's best to start keeping to a cup or less of food now. You have to remember, the band won't physically stop you from eating more than a cup of food even when you do have restriction. In fact, it's not supposed to stop you from eating anything. It will, however, allow you to go without hunger much longer on a cup of food. So, it's a very good habit to get into right away.

Best wishes to you.

I'll add my two cents in too. How long were you overweight? Two months? Point is: be patient.

All other replies touched on the calorie counting so I think you are in good hands there. Just remember that not only did you lose weight you also did not gain in two months so you are doing extra good!

Don't over think anything except how great you are and how powerful you are.

Use your whole support system, that is what they are there for ( dr, nut, friends, us)

Big hug!

I understand how aji feels. While we all know we did not put the weight on overnight we do expect certain results. When I look at some of the results, I become very sad. I am going for my 3rd fill and still do not feel like I should (restricted). When you finally do start losing do you suddenly experience a big drop in weight or was it all just gradual? I need to get off this plateau!!

Remember to not just to get fills to get fills. Practice the calorie counting just to see what you are really doing and adjust to the cup of food to see how long it is really taking til you get hungry. The smaller portion is hard to get used to. Don't eat until you are full. Just eat the cup and wait. You should not feel stuffed or actually "full" you should feel "satisfied." if your are not hungry for 4-5 hours, then you do not need a fill, just need to get used to the new portion size.

You sound like you are well on your way! You may want to try some strength training too. I used rubber bands at home at first. Time permitting I go o the gym. I can always fall back on the bands.

Wgbem, I have been pretty steady (2-3 pounds a week). I have had a couple weeks of gain and a couple weeks of maintaining. You just keep doing what you are supposed to do, change up your exercise a little and it starts again. I have really concentrated on more exercise, 1 to 1 1/2 hours each day.

SueBee01

Thank you so much. Where do you get the exercise bands from?

You can by them at any sporting goods store like Sports Academy or d**k's Sporting Goods. I picked up a couple from physical therapy, the plain rubber band and I tie knots on it to hold or put around my ankle. I also have a set with handles so I can stand on the rubber and do arm exercises. I also went online and Goolgled hip and leg exercises and found a couple good videos that shoe you some good stuff! Just do a little at a time to start.

I understand how aji feels. While we all know we did not put the weight on overnight we do expect certain results. When I look at some of the results, I become very sad. I am going for my 3rd fill and still do not feel like I should (restricted). When you finally do start losing do you suddenly experience a big drop in weight or was it all just gradual? I need to get off this plateau!!

Once you get enough restriction you will find the green zone(cross fingers). The weight seldom ever just falls off. It takes time and it's usually 3-8 lbs a month with occasional 2-3 week plateaus. But usually not until you find the green zone.

We all have to find our way with this band in our bodies. Some count calories, I choose not to. If you eat the right foods and you are in the green zone, you will naturally consume fewer calories. Exercising a lot helps too. I like to think of this process as if it's not a diet. Counting calories is a diet for me. Eating good healthy food in the right quantities and having enough restriction that you feel satiated after eating less food is what works for me and many others. But we're all different and find our own way through this maze.

tmf

This is a constant vigil. Don't get discouraged. We are all in the same boat. Some lose faster and others lose slower. It is not a race but a lifestyle change.

Hi guys!

I'm not banded yet, so all this is fascinating and scary/exciting!

Post op liquid and mushi stages aside, I've noticed a lot of people say that no matter what stage you are in fills that you should eat the 1 cup max of the right foods, drink your Water and get some exercise.... so in theory, whether you have no fills or 5 fills, you should lose at the same rate if you follow these rules? The difference with the fills being that when you are searching for the green zone, you no longer feel hungry with your portion... is that right?

I see why it is so important to eat the right amount and right food, cos you need to monitor how hungry you are getting between meals so when you do get more fills, you can identify when the band is at good restriction.

Thanks