Hey gang! I have just begun my soft food stage and am trying to stick too my 6-8 oz meals. I am chewing well and everything is going down fine. Did everyone else have no restriction before their first fill?? I've been told that people plateau or even gain during the first 4-6 weeks before the first fill, I've managed to drop about 7 pounds. Is this good? Opinions? I was just anticipating a feeling to let me know the band is there.... But not sure what I should feel.

Rambling a of a newbie

Hey gang! I have just begun my soft food stage and am trying to stick too my 6-8 oz meals. I am chewing well and everything is going down fine. Did everyone else have no restriction before their first fill?? I've been told that people plateau or even gain during the first 4-6 weeks before the first fill, I've managed to drop about 7 pounds. Is this good? Opinions? I was just anticipating a feeling to let me know the band is there.... But not sure what I should feel.

Rambling a of a newbie

I'm five months post banded so long enough to have a bit of experience but not so long that I can't remember when I was a newbie. I have never felt restriction...I've never felt anything to tell me the band is there...except...and this is a big except.....I lose my hunger on a fraction of the amount of food I used to eat. I am never full...that is not the goal. The goal is to be satisfied.

I have the same amount of food each time I have dinner...three ounces Protein, half cup veggies, quarter cup carbs. I have been doing this since leaving the mushie stage behind and it's working for me. Breakfast and lunch...less food usually but not always. I never go over though and I use Myfitnesspal to track it all.

I've lost 65 lbs. including the pre-surgical diet. I can't give you any insight in terms of fills though...I haven't had one yet but most folks have had several and you can read plenty about those experiences on this forum.

Good luck on your journey.

I am four weeks post op on Wednesday, I have no restriction what so ever and can eat anything and any amount. And I did it once. But after my pig out episode I've made sure to be really strict with myself. I have lost 15 lbs so far. Until I get a good enough fill, it is all me and self discipline at work. Needless to say I'm looking forward to the fills and hitting the green zone.

Thanks for the information I appreciate the input.

@hockeymom- I feel ya on the bender... I'm fighting a good fight for the most part. Had a few

Rough munchie days lol.

I'm finding that I am getting hungry every 2.5-3 hours so I'm gonna assume when I am ready I can get a fill since I should be hungry every 4 or so hours.

Loving this journey

I'm 10 days post op and I'm starving... I'm hoping once I get my first few fills this will subside... Also does anyone with polycystic ovaries still have a hard time losing the weight? That was always my problem and the medication that was given to me for this is also suppose to help lose weight becuz of the insulin resistance but this medication has awful side effects and I hate taking it... Ugh I hope there's light at the end of my tunnel.....

Until the fill you may experience hunger... we call it bandster hell for a reason. Keep following your meal instructions. This too will pass. You can do it!