I'm just shy of 2-weeks post-op and am feeling pretty well, infact maybe too well. I cheated throughout the weekend and although I haven't gained any weight, I've stopped losing. I won't disclose what I've done, just a word of advice - the band will not keep you from eating what you want, you have to make the right decisions about what to put into your body.

Perhaps my first fill will give me the restrictions I need, but for now I can eat whatever I want and that's not good. It's my fault, but I'm back on the wagon. I guess losing 15lbs. in a week gave me a little bit too much confidence, I should be in onederland right now but I gave in to too many tempations over the weekend.

Here is to doing it right.

We've all been there. And restriction will make things much better for you I bet. Also, while weight loss is of course good, your focus right now should be healing. It's hard to make all of the right decisions regarding what you eat when your band isn't really turned on yet.

I hate to tell you this, but the band's job isn't to physically stop you from eating anything. You say you can "eat whatever you want" and that's not likely to change. If you want to over eat, you will, band or no band.

The band is there to control your hunger. Once you have adequate Fluid in it it'll allow you to go much longer periods of time without hunger after eating much less food. It's not there to make food choices for you- that will always be your job.

Have a look at this link: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

I have to add that everyone's experience w/ the band is different. My band indeed restricts what I can and cannot eat. For example, heavy breads like pizza are impossibles for me. I have hard times with pasta and rices too...and I'm not complaining. I no longer crave it and it's helped me tremendously in the carb reduction department. Some meats can be problems like thick cut meats or dry meats so I take precautions and make slim cuts, marinate and ensure I don't over cook them. The band will NEVER prevent you from eating sliders and of course those are the culprits (ie milkshakes, icecream, cookies, cake etc) they dissolve readily and slide right past the band with some serious ramifications in the end (weight gain!). You still need to exercise self control. The plus side (for me) is that when you are in green the band does help limit the quantity you can eat and thus cheat days don't have near the damage it use to have

We've all been there. And restriction will make things much better for you I bet. Also, while weight loss is of course good, your focus right now should be healing. It's hard to make all of the right decisions regarding what you eat when your band isn't really turned on yet.

I love the way you phrased it: the band isn't turned on yet. You have made me feel so much better already!!!!

Me too... I'm over 2 weeks out and feeling great. I "cheated" as we'll over the last couple of days bc I became too complacent with my 15 lb. weight loss and, quite frankly, I wanted to eat. Two weeks of nasty protein shakes and mush will do that to a girl. I think I just needed to get it out of my system to get back on track. Started walking today and making better decisions with what I put in my mouth. I know this is definitely going to be a struggle but ready for the fight! Good luck!!!

Ask yourself this, Whats more satisfying ? The taste of that food for a minute or the loss of another 15 pounds forever! It's ok though....its tough! I know you can do this!!! One day at a time my friend!

Same here. Had my 1st fill and hungry!! I'm 1 mth out almost, lost 21lbs.... Cheated over weekend and gained 3. Any healthy food tips for a low budget? I def need another fill cause I don't get full quick at all and afraid I will give into temptation. This site helps me stay motivated. For the record, the crap I ate wasn't even good anymore!

What does the green zone mean?

Nothing tastes as good as restriction feels. Oh, no, one more bloody weight loss saying! I too can eat what ever I want and in some pretty good sizeable amounts. I have had 2 fills post surgery with 2cc at surgery for a total of 5cc and sort of looking at lime green zone. Oh, were is the forest green? Getting back on the wagon asap is the best thing you can do. If I have a day of too much food, I start the next day on protein shakes and that helps get me back on track.

Do some searches for "bandster hell" ... Most of us have been there... It's a tough period but lifestyle change is required for long term success.

Brad