This is my first post on this site and look forward to getting your opinions. I had my band placed on 11/9/2012 along with having a severe hiatal hernia repaired. I have lost 28 pounds so far. I am wondering if my expectations were too high as I thought I would have lost more by now. Surgeon says I'm doing "alright" but really didn't give me any help on how to improve weight loss. I am keeping my calories to under 1200 per day and trying to watch fat intake as well. On top of the weight loss issue I cannot lay flat to sleep, cannot lay on my left side at all and cannot put my arms over my head without causing quite a bit of discomfort in my chest/diaphragm area. (Like to lay on your back and put an arm over your head while sleeping.) Is this normal? If so, what can I do to work towards laying flat? And what can I do to amp up my weight loss?

hello and welcome!

First, congratulations on your weight loss so far! 28 pounds is great! And yes, you're right where you should be. The average is 1-2 pounds per week, you've been banded about 18 weeks, so you're doing great!

Always remember, some lose really slow and others lose really fast. Some lose somewhere between the two. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how fast or slow the weight comes off, all that matters is that it IS coming off.

The pain/discomfort when laying down isn't normal, though. What does your doctor say about it? If I were in your shoes, I'd be requesting testing to find the cause.

Best wishes to you.

3 months post op I was down 29 pounds. I lost and still lose best when staying at 1,000 calories a day.

Hello and welcome! Are you exercising at all?

Hi there, Sorry to hear about your discomfort. These symptoms are not consistent w/ lapbanders and I would assume they are affiliated w/ your hiatal hernia repair. (See http://www.medicinenet.com/hernia/patient-comments-95.htm where are a woman had similar arm pain/problems).

As for weight loss, it's hard to not compare your results w/ others. The key is to focus on tuning into your own body. I know 1200 cals seems low, but in reality, it still may be high. I am 1000 cal person because any higher I won't lose a lb. I recommend (if you are not already) keeping a food journal specifically to look at how many cals you are taking in). If you are at 1200 and not losing adequately, drop to 1100 and so forth until your body responds. This is a helpful tool because if you know 1000 instead of 1200 is the key you'll be more mindful to not consuming excess calories you thought were harmless.

Also, it's difficult to know how to help you further without some insight into what foods you eat, portions, time of day, exercise levels etc. Some of the most minute details is where the answers lie

I'm 3 months out and have lost 33 lbs. I think.we are right on track! To lose more, incorporate exercise or more exercise. I'm about to turn it up a notch myself :-) I would ask your doc about your discomfort. I can lay on my stomach.with no problem, but occassionally I do have port pains. I think it is all a part of healing. Best of luck!

I am using an app to track food so I hope that will give me some insight. I'm also working out at Curves and alternating that with walking. Thanks to you all for your kind welcomes and replies. I will speak to doc on Wednesday again and will try to be more demanding on getting a response to the continuing discomfort and sleeping issues.