Hi. I am brand new to this site and was banded on Jan. 2nd. I lost 9 lbs after 1st week (only on liquids then), went for check up yesterday and gained back 5. Doctor told me not to worry cause fluctuation can happen and scheduled me for my first fill for 2 weeks. I am getting discouraged and I feel like I can eat anything. Can someone tell me when I will see the weight loss really happen. I don't even feel the band at all.

Welcome!

You have to remember that weight loss has nothing to do with fills. Weight loss occurs when you're eating less calories than you burn. Where the band comes in is helping to control hunger, allowing you to be satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. It's not supposed to stop you from eating. It will always be your job to limit portions to a cup or less per meal and to make healthy food choices, not the band's job.

Have a look at this link, I think it may help you considerably: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Best wishes.

Thank you Ms. 73! I will take a look. But, let me just clarify, I just feel like the band is really doing nothing. I guess my question is, must I have a fill in order to feel any restriction? I feel like I did before the band was placed, but I am thinking it is because it has not been filled at all yet.

Yes it is normal to feel the way you are feeling. It will take a few months for fills to kick in

Thank you Ms. 73! I will take a look. But, let me just clarify, I just feel like the band is really doing nothing. I guess my question is, must I have a fill in order to feel any restriction? I feel like I did before the band was placed, but I am thinking it is because it has not been filled at all yet.

That's normal, it takes most people multiple fills before they have adequate Fluid in their band.

I still don't feel like I am I'm the green zone and I had a fill yesterday. I have discomfort when I eat but it's not pain. Is it normal?

Having fills is not meant to cause pain when you eat. Truly, it is just for you to be able to go 3-5 hours without feeling hungry but you shouldn't have pain. Most people will likely not feel much restriction or feel like the band is "there" until after 2-3 fills (give or take). Some people never need a fill; however, most require a few fills before they start feeling it. Until then, it's very important to make good food choices even though the band isn't fully optimized yet.

You can do this!!