:cry help, I had my band oct.3, 2006 and I've had my second fill and the weight is not comming off, I've lost only 9 lbs. I had lost 11 lbs the first week after the banding, but soon as I started soft foods @ 3ozs. I gained 2 lbs and gained another 2 when I started solids @ 4ozs. My first fill I felt some restriction for a little while then it went away. The second fill I feel no restriction at all. I discuessed this with my Dr. and he said something about evaporation of the fill and checked it, there was some and said that by the 3 or 4th fill it will catch up. I'm feeling like a failure again and I'm failing at this too. I thought by now I would have lost 15 or 20 lbs.

I would be frustrated too based on what you are describing. But I don't think it has anything to do with you being a "failure." From reading the board it seems clear that sometimes it takes a while for the band to start working. Some people get restriction sooner than others. Some people lose weight faster than others. People say that the first six weeks are for healing, not losing weight, and some people even gain weight during this time. Everyone says this is normal.

I feel like a failure all the time about my weight, but we all have to put our attention on other things now. We have to find a way to make this band work for us. Keep posting about your experiences here and get people's feedback on how to move forward. Talk to your doctor. Keep your focus on solving the problems and making the band work for you. You know how the song goes. "Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again." You are way too early in the game here to even think about words like failure.

Keep posting on this board. I know that's going to help me.

What are you eating, Alyssah? Maybe some hidden calories that you may not be aware of? Also, have you ever had your thyroid checked? That could be the culprit.

Kat.

:cry help, I had my band oct.3, 2006 and I've had my second fill and the weight is not comming off, I've lost only 9 lbs. I had lost 11 lbs the first week after the banding, but soon as I started soft foods @ 3ozs. I gained 2 lbs and gained another 2 when I started solids @ 4ozs. My first fill I felt some restriction for a little while then it went away. The second fill I feel no restriction at all. I discuessed this with my Dr. and he said something about evaporation of the fill and checked it, there was some and said that by the 3 or 4th fill it will catch up. I'm feeling like a failure again and I'm failing at this too. I thought by now I would have lost 15 or 20 lbs.

thank you, I will have better thoughts. I'm trying

Alyssa, don't be too hard on yourself. Getting the right fill level makes all the difference in the world. I would just try and cut your portions down until you can get another fill. Keep the faith and use the fills as a tool. I'm on #4 and I'm not sure if I need another one or not. Keep the faith. You can do this. Good luck.

Hi,

Hang in there. Keep working on your exercise, drinking Water (but not while eating!), eating small portions 5-6 times a day. I have to say that it took me quite a few fills to really have LASTING restriction. I would get a fill and be OK for a while, but it would feel like it "went away." Time for another! I am now at 2.9 cc fill and am having steady restriction feelings. That has been over 2 years! Hang in there. It will all come together for you! The band is the best and you have NOT failed at ONE thing!!! In fact, you're a WINNER because you have the band!!! It WILL work for you. I'm the QUEEN of slow losers and I love my band.

Good luck!

Have you mentioned this to your doctor? I mean are you in close communication with him? What does he say. I gained 2-3 lbs after starting soft foods too and have now finally after about 2-3 weeks taken that off. I'd call him and see what they say! Cheer up. Im sure it will work!

Look at my fill history and you will see that sometimes we have problems with getting the right restriction. I have never felt "restriction", but I have gotten into problems 6-10 days after a fill if it was too much. For me it isn't the amount in the band, its the amount they fill me at any given time. Also, I've had 2 fills evaporate on me later than the first or second or even third. I'm now on the heavier solution called omnipaque.

I would log your food into www.fitday and see what you are eating. You might be having too much of something that is setting you off. Also, are you on solids? Having hard Proteins first, then veggies, then a carb if you must, is the preferred method.

Working with the band and how it works with you, is a learning curve. Don't get frustrated. Just see what is working and what isn't and take corrective action. Increase your Water intake and stay away from empty calories.

Above all, don't compare yourself with others. That's the trap we all fall into. I always look at others at my time and think why haven't I lost 75 instead of 45.

Good luck

I have had my bad a year and am still working on finding my "sweet spot" I just happen to have a tempermental band. Be patient it will work out!

It took me 5 fills before I felt real restriction. Give it time.