Dec.20 till first fill. When is this supost to get easy? Will a fill make that big of a differance? I starting to think I'll aways be fat!

You have it right...band hell until the fills begin to do the work. I feel to a degree I will have to work at this always and forever....however, fills do assist and make it easier! Good luck in your journey! YES....you can!

It does get easier... hang it there.

Once you get your first fill you will notice a difference.

Do you feel any restriction at all now?

I actually felt some restriction before my first fill. I had 4 fills in total.

Try and drink Water and make sure your eating lots of Protein that will help you feel full and also include a snack. I snack on chunks of turkey with a great dip made with Miracle Whip light.

Hang in there !!

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

tomander@bell.net

Like Tom says, water & protein. I don't want to be a down, but it could take a few fills before you get enough restriction.

I've had 1 fill and I am satisfied with smaller amounts, but still not in green zone. Most Drs don't spend enough time on this part of journey. Its rough, but doable.

Hang in there! You'll be so happy you did, promise!

My doctor was great he did spend time with me... but I agree most doctors and their staff don't have the time to spend with each person so in a lot of case you are left on your own to figure it out.

If you don't have a support group in your area your can always try and start one. I host two groups a month. I placed a free in my local community newspaper under community events for a lapband coffee group and I was really surprise and the response I got.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

tomander@bell.net

You will be fine, it is a journey not a sprint. Had my first fill, no difference, second fill no difference........they say it could take up to 6 months and in that time you just have to be diligent as to what and how much you eat and the exercise you get in. Band Hell - unfortunatly, this is it.

Good luck to you.

Personally I don't think it ever gets easy. Easier but not easy. No matter your restriction level you can always eat high cal/ fat sliders like candy and ice cream. Did take me six months to get restriction.

I had 4cc n a 10 cc band the day of surgery but didn't get band help until 3rd fill which put me at 6.5 cc and that is wonderful I am reminded every bit to eat slowly and chew chew chew. I don't remember them telling me I could come back every 2 wks until I felt that it was right and I waited a month and was miserable so be sure to ask and if u need it get in there. it great when you let the band work with you.

Dec.20 till first fill. When is this supost to get easy? Will a fill make that big of a differance? I starting to think I'll aways be fat!

Hang in there!! Fact that you realize this is bandster hell is good. Like others have said it will get better but how long that takes is based on the individual. Some few are lucky and get restriction right away without a fill then there are people like me who took 5 fills and 6 months to get in to the zone. I will admit I had my ups and downs and often times I wondered if I would have been better off with gastric bypass. You see I was 488lbs when I started this journey. I stuck with the folks on this site and attended support meetings and that got me through some difficult times. You're not alone but I promise you if you follow through and use the guidelines and resources it can be worth it.

I have much weight to lose yet but I am living proof this can work but you cannot expect the band to do all the work. If this comes across as lecturing it is not my intent. State of mind plays a big factor in how successful you will be.

All the best,, Jim

Yes, the Bandster HE** is the worst part of it! I am at 8 months and still seeking the elusive green zone. I really had NO idea it would take this long to get to a decent restriction ~ WHEW ~!