I know this has been asked here before, but it's hard sometimes to figure out what a thread is about by the title.

As you've likely guessed, I am in that in between state. I had my first fill last week, but I don't feel any difference at all. I have 3.5 cc in a 10cc band. I am only five weeks post op, so I am not expecting miracles either I do miss the still-swollen restriction though - I lost 6 pounds in the first month and then bam! You can eat solids again! Now its a daily struggle to stay at that 1000 to 1200 calorie mark each day. I get hungry about an hour after I eat what feels like itty bitty meals lol. I have pretty good eating habits, low fat mostly, vegetarian, whole grain etc. But I am a volume eater and always have been. Too much good for you food is still too much!

So, how many fills did it take for each of you? I need inspiration here. At what point did you go, oh hey, I see how this thing works!

Christmas has me worried................................

need to eat more protein....it keeps you full longer

You're in "Bandster Hell" right now. Gotta keep to that one cup servings until you get enough restriction and that could take a few fills to accomplish.

CG is right and you need to eat more protein to keep you full. Right now veggies won't do it.

I had my first fill 2wks ago and I'm right where you are. We can do this! I have the want to, do you?

Fill or no fill if you eat the following portions Three times every single day... You will lose weight. However you will know that you need a fill because those portions will not keep you satisfied for 4/5 hrs at a time

3 oz of protien

1/2 c veggies

1/4 c startch

I agree with all of the above. Plus be sure to drink lots of water. Bandster hell is just that, hell! What got me through it was drinking lots of water between meals (I drink 64-80 ozs a day).

You will make it through this!

Oh I am doing the protein thing okay, though its harder for a vegetarian. I eat a lot of beans and legumes, cheese, eggs etc. My problem is not what I eat, it's how I feel an hour later lol. (Hungry and watching the clock to see if the next meal is any closer)! I haven't lost any more weight going back to real food, but I haven't gained (yet) either. Christmas has me worried though, all that good food and all that time off!

So... the question was, how many fills did it take before you had an "aha" moment.? I am not trying to shortcut, or complaining, I am just hungry and curious how long it took other bandsters.

So... the question was, how many fills did it take before you had an "aha" moment.? I am not trying to shortcut, or complaining, I am just hungry and curious how long it took other bandsters.

Tell you when I get there! My Dr said on average it takes between 4 cc- 7.5cc.

I drink Chai tea and SF hot chocolate to get between meals and also have cleaned every closet, dresser, painted laundry room, clean cabinets anything to keep busy enough to not watch the clock.

Best Wishes

So... the question was, how many fills did it take before you had an "aha" moment.? I am not trying to shortcut, or complaining, I am just hungry and curious how long it took other bandsters.

for me i felt restriction on the first fill but becaus ei was losing so well they just didn't last.... So it took me about 3-4 fills to find what the green zone meant

But remember you must keep up with fills and know your band. Just because you are in the green zone today doesn't mean you will be next month...which I yield to my original post.

I am 3 years post op and I'm the first to admit, that until recently I didn't have anything done with my band. I initially lost the weight, and now 3 years later it coming back on. I had my band filled to 5 cc and for the first time in 3 years I feel like YES, I finally get what this is suppose to be like! My suggestion would be to see your doctor regularly (once a month, until you have your ahhh haa moment!) to find your green zone and eat more protein!

Thanks for the replies ---- I am one of those people who didn't tell anyone about my band, so sometimes it feels like I have no-one to talk to

Thanks for the replies ---- I am one of those people who didn't tell anyone about my band, so sometimes it feels like I have no-one to talk to

Well you have us!

I'm at 7.8 in my 14cc band, it took about six to eight fills to get there ( don't remember exactly but mine were all teeny fills. As I loose more and more I drop out of the greenzone and I get a small top up to get me back there.

Until you get to the point where your band is helping you, no amount of Protein, drinking, etc is going to make you less hungry. You will be hungry a short time after your meals and going insane till your next meal. It's all will power now. As others have suggested keep busy busy busy, if you're at home all day get out of the house, find distractions.

It's going to be a rough ride till you get your band tweaked and when you do it will be like FINALLY!!!

Hang in there it's worth it.

I am 3 years post op and I'm the first to admit' date=' that until recently I didn't have anything done with my band. I initially lost the weight, and now 3 years later it coming back on. I had my band filled to 5 cc and for the first time in 3 years I feel like YES, I finally get what this is suppose to be like! My suggestion would be to see your doctor regularly (once a month, until you have your ahhh haa moment!) to find your green zone and eat more protein![/quote']

Hello...I just wanted to share...I have had the band 2 years ...lost 60 the first year...then was at a stand still...time/family/ everything got away from me ...until this November...I made an appt figured I should go try a fill since the HCG diet was tempting me...I had another fill bringing my band to 7.5 cc and I lost 10 lbs last week and still going...so stoked wish I would not have waited so long to go back to the Dr. !!!

Oh that's all good to hear. I actually work during the day, and its easier there to stick to plan (no fridge in the office)! When I am home is a different story.

Now another (related) question....when you all say "protein" are you actually meaning meat or solid Protein like that? Because I can't figure out how my band can tell the difference between chicken broth (4 g) and tea (0), or greek yogurt (18g) and pudding (2 g). How can the protein rich food keep you full longer if its the same amount of food and the same density?

Oh that's all good to hear. I actually work during the day, and its easier there to stick to plan (no fridge in the office)! When I am home is a different story.

Now another (related) question....when you all say "protein" are you actually meaning meat or solid Protein like that? Because I can't figure out how my band can tell the difference between chicken broth (4 g) and tea (0), or greek yogurt (18g) and pudding (2 g). How can the protein rich food keep you full longer if its the same amount of food and the same density?

Yes, meat, fish, eggs. All the food you're eating is more like slider food. Aren't you allowed solid foods yet?