I was banded about three and a half weeks ago (on May 17th). At first the weight was dropping off quickly--I was losing one to two pounds per DAY. But then after about 10 days, my weight loss sort of just halted. I think part of it was due to the fact that I went out of town and several times I ate milkshakes (b/c there was nothing else on the menu I could "eat"). Part of it is probably also because I haven't been walking as much as I probably should. All in all, I've dropped something like 12 pounds (most of which was lost in the first 10 days or so). It's still pretty good to lose 12 pounds in less than a month, but I feel like I'm not doing very well compared to other bandsters.

I probably just need to exercise more but I'm so darn tired of walking around my neighborhood. I want to start going to the gym but I'm not sure how long I need to wait before I can start doing the eliptical machine and/or swimming. Does anybody know how long after surgery one should wait before starting a more vigorous exercise routine?

Thanks for any tips/opinions/words of encouragement!

Hi Angela,

You are doing excellent right now. Remember that any weight loss before you are properly restricted is bonus weight. Now is a time for your stomach to heal, not to focus on losing weight(though I know that is VERY hard!!) I went thru the exact same feelings as you are, feeling like I wasn't losing as much weight as other bandsters....Usually there will be a fast loss at the beginning and then the weight loss will slow to 1-2 lbs a week AFTER you are properly restricted. This is the hard part, I won't lie. I couldn't wait till I had restriction b/c I was basically wide open and was able to eat anything and everything. Just try to focus your best on eating lean Protein and veggies once you are able to and off of mushies. You may be one of the lucky ones and experience restriction right off of the bat or with only one fill. It took me 2 big ones to feel anything. Patience is key with this band. I am still working on it!!

About the working out, I was able to 2 weeks after my surgery. I was SO sick of simply walking as well so I got the OK from my surgeon to proceed. A lot of people will wait 6 weeks on the weights, it is up to you though. I was fine on everything but situps because of the pain in my port area and stitches I waited.

Congrats on your awesome weight loss so far!!!

~Liz~

banded 03/10/06

Dr.Ortiz

241/199/150

5'7''

I agree 100% with Iulizbug. Forget about losing weight - just heal. When you get your 1st, 2nd or 3rd fill you will be restricted and the weight will start coming off again.

I lost 15 pounds right after surgery, then nothing until my first fill. Now the weight is coming off steadily.

Of course more exercise will probably be really good for you, but for me exercise doesn't lead directly to weight loss.