Hi everyone!

I was banded on the 31st of July, lost 12 pounds during my liquid phase and then gained 5 pounds when I went into the mushy food stage. I know this is a time for healing, and I feel great, and feel some restriction. I'm finding that I can eat just about anything, but sometimes if I don't chew well enough, it catches up with me or that restriction in the chest will remind me to slow down, but no PBing. I'm drinking tons of Water and getting exercise in daily.

I can't get a fill until the middle of September, so do you all have any ideas on how to get through this without completely feeling like a failure? Has this happened to any of you? HELP!!!

Hello,

I have heard of this several times. Your not doing anything wrong but you won't start getting good restriction until you get your first fill. It might change a little when you get on solid Protein because that really makes you feel fuller longer. You'll get thru it and its perfectly normal. Make sure you aren't drinking after meals too. What are you eating at this stage? Best wishes, Teresa

Dr. Lopez

5/8/04

362/304.6/???

no fills

Tina, I'm curious what a daily menu is for you. Please don't get discouraged! Some days are great, others I seem like I'm starving to death. I don't think anyone has figured out the rhyme or reason yet. Please give yourself time to recover from the surgery. They say any weight lost before your first fill is a plus. So you're 12 lbs. ahead of the game!

Tina, as far as "being normal", I gave up on that one a long time ago.

It's VERY common to suddenly find yourself with no restriction and even gaining some of your initial weight back during the 'pre fill' phase.

Most of the initial weight loss is Water to begin with. Once your body catches up from Clear liquids, it's very easy to gain on full liquids. Full liquids are just not real weight loss oriented. This is why they say once you've moved onto solids NO LIQUID CALORIES.

It's tough during this time because your hunger kicks back in and your mind knows you have a band, but your body doesn't understand this band may not do a thing until it's actually set into motion. Even the first fill or two sometimes leaves you wide open. This band journey is a complicated one, but with patience and determination it works.

Try to focus on Protein, exercise and water. www.fitday.com might help you to see where most of your calories are coming from, just for reference. Most of the time on full liquids, the carbs could be your culprit.

Remember, any weight loss during this period is purely bonus.

We've all been there.