I've read alot of posts today, but I still think I need someone to tell me personally that it's going to be okay.

I was banded on 2/23/07. I had lost about 8 pounds doing a low carb liquid preop diet. Since then I have only lost about 5 pounds, and nothing in the last 3 weeks. I am having a hard time. I just have no restriction and feel like I spent $18,000 for nothing. If I could do this on my own I wouldn't have well over 100 pounds to lose. I'm reading the February thread and so many people have lost 25-30 pounds or more and here I am gaining back what little I lost. I can eat almost anything and have been forgetting I even have the band. I am feeling humiliated having to go into the office today for a post op visit. I do have a fill set up for 4/10, but I am so discouraged right now.

Any words of encouragement. I just feel all the hope I had is slowly disappearing and I am having such a depressing miserable day:think

Gretchen

banded 2/23/07

Gretchen,

First please remember that you cannot compare your results to anyone else. Some people lose fast, some slower. Plus, you were only banded one month ago. I was banded back in September and probably had a lot of the same feelings you are now, but once I got my fourth fill (yes FOURTH fill - because my doctor will only fill .6 cc at a time) things FINALLY fell into place and I felt that I really only then knew what the purpose of the band was for.

The first few weeks really are tough, because it really is for healing only, but also for one to keep practicing the bandsters way of eating, because when you do get those fills and get that awesome restriction you WILL have to change your ways or else you will vomit, PB and all that other fun stuff people talk about.

Please remember that it is a not a journey of who can get the weight off the quickest!

Good luck!

Don't even worry about the scales. Everyone loses differently. Take this time to prepare for the way your life is going to change with the fills. You are just in the beginning of a long process. The weightloss will come. I know how frustrating it is not to have restriction, but with the 1st or 2nd fill it will happen. In the meantime enjoy your place in this process (because there is no turning back) and don't worry about weight, we let it controll our lives before, don't let it control you now.

Good luck,

Ginger

I would go to the doctor and check your band. You may need a fill. If you don't feel any restriction, sounds like you are ready for a fill.

You really aren't expected to make much weight loss progress before you get a fill. I know some people do, but I didn't. I have been banded since June 5 and have lost 90 pounds. I didn't really start losing until after my first fill so, see it can be done. I'm not going to lie to you, though. I have been exercising faithfully since two weeks after my surgery. Started off doing 10 minutes on the treadmill and I am now up to 60 minutes 6 days a week and 15 minutes of upper body weights. It does take work, for me anyway, but the work has paid off and I have had the energy and willingness to do the work when I do see results. Hang in there and don't compare yourself to others. Find what works for you.

Linda

Gretchen my dear. I understand how you feel. Right now you are still in the healing stage. You will not have restriction until you start getting fills. Even then you may need several. Do you know what size band you have? I have good restriction now but it took me 5 fills to get it. Also, keep in mind you may gain a few lbs before your fill. That is completely normal. I gained 8 lbs but lost it pretty quickly after a fill. Also keep in mind the average weight loss is 1-2 lbs per week. I am down 49 lbs in 10 months which is exactly 1.1 lbs per week. You need to hang in there. The weight loss will come. Hang on tight. and BTW, if you are on solids make sure you are getting enough solid protein, ie. meat/chicken breasts. You will not be as hungry. I found out the hard way.

Thank you all so much. I do feel better now. I went to my 2nd post-op appt. and I hadn't gained weight (which I thought would be the case). I will have my first fill on 4/10. My doctor's office is very flexible with the fills. They do the first one in radiology with the fluoroscopy (sp?) and fill the band while you drink until they get it to an optimal spot for you personally. I thought everyone just got the same fill. The nurse also said that it is very typical after 10-14 days to lose restriction and that I could come back again and get it filled more. I have the vanguard band (I think 11c). It doesn't mean much to me, but the nurse said she had some people great after 1-2 fills, and some that were up to 9cc's. I appreciate the information. It is reasurring to see that some of you were in the same spot and have still been successful after the fill. On the plus side, I'm still down 13 pounds in 5 weeks, so still on track overall.

Thanks again!

Gretchen

Gretchen, great news. Keep us posted on your progress.

I could have written this myself soon after surgery. I had no restrcition what so ever until my 3rd fill. I could eat whatever Iwanted until then plus was hungry. This is normal. You will get there it will just take time. I promise!!!