Hello all,

I was banded at the end of Dec. I lost 22 lbs in the 4 weeks of being on liquids. I got my first fill, and I still didn't lose any more weight. It did teach

me to slow down and chew the heck out of my food though.

Recently I got another fill, and I lost 3 more lbs. I was again on liquids for 2 days after the fill, and that's when I lost the 3 lbs. Since then, I haven't lost anything. I am so afraid I am going to be on another long plateau.

I drink over 64 oz of Water, but most days close to 100 oz per day.

I follow the bandster rules by eating Protein first and a little bit of veggies.

I wait an hour before drinking.

I exercise 6 days a week. I started exercising 3 years ago in my last attempt to lose weight. Even though I was exercising, I wasn't losing. That's when I decided to get banded. I am very happy that I have lost some weight, but I keep reading on here of how much everyone else is losing.

What does restriction feel like? Is it that you are full after a couple of bites? I have 2.0 in my 4cc band, and if you can offer any advice, I would sure appreciate it. I am not sure if I should get any more fill or what.

I see that people have viewed this, but I sure wish someone would offer me some advice. I am getting depressed after paying all that money and afraid that I am going to be stuck on another plateau. How do I know if I need another fill? Somebody please help me!

Are you getting hungry between meals?

Did you portions increase? If so you proberly need a fill. What does your Dr. say about it?

Are you getting enough protein in everyday? Not getting enough protein a day will stop weight loss. I take Liquid Whey Protein if I notice I didn't get enough that day. Hope this helps.

How lean is the protein you are eating? Any sauces or gravy? Could you be eating hidden fats?

Are you tracking your calories? I use www.fitday.com and it really helps keep me on track. Also I know chips and crunchy stuff goes down alot easier then the "good for me" foods - so you really have to watch what you are eating. I don't do protein drinks - gag me - but I do eat Zone protein bars almost everyday. They stick to my ribs, I was hesitant to use 200 calories on a protein bar but now I know they keep me full alot longer. Lastly I walk for 30 minutes everyday, when I'm in a rut I think the walking keeps me on track. Good luck.

Everyone loses weight at different paces, and it depends on what you weigh, your stats are not included. The heavier you are, usually the quicker you lose. Also, the yournger you are the quicker you lose.

You can only do what is right for your body, if you are eating the 800 to 1200 calories a day, or 6 - 8 oz of food, (good quality food, no junk), exercising at least 30 min per day (I see you are doing that), and not eating but 3 meals a day, you have to accept what your body is willing to lose.

I know it is not what you want to hear, but its the truth. Sometimes you have to take your measuremets and judge by those. Here is an article about scales http://www.carbsmart.com/outout.html

I was losing really fast, now I've slowed down to 5 lbs a month or so, very slow for me. However, I know it might take me awhile to get to my goal, but I will get there. So don't get depressed, just continue to eat right and exercise. Also, success is not always measured by the scales, how do you feel? Is your energy level coming back up? Do you feel skinnier? These are great ways to measure your progress as well.

I wish you the best!

Any chance you are not eating enough? I know that sounds crazy, but if you eat too little, your metabolism slows down because it thinks you are starving your body, and will hold on to every calorie. I agree that Fitday.com is a great way to track your calories. What about other liquids? Are you getting any extra calories there? It's amazing sometimes where we get hidden calories from. What kind of exercise are you doing? You might try changing the type of exercise you are doing to give yourself a jump start. Good luck

We were banded near the same time and I guess I've been successful so far - what I do is simple, there's no magic. Just work!

I track calories occasionally so I make sure I'm in check, but not every day. I repeat meals a lot so I know that on the days I'm not tracking, I'm still very close on calories. Some days are as low as 600 (which isn't a preference), very very rarely am I over 1000. Most days are 700-800 calories. Focus on Protein & low non-produce carbs since once I have carbs I want MORE!

I work out pretty hard, usually 5-6 days a week. On an average workout day, I do 30-40 minutes at a good clip on the elliptical, then weights (pretty heavy) for another 30, then another 30 min usually on the bike. Some days it's just cardio, 1 hour 15 minutes is typical there.

So overall, nothing magic. I just told myself this is my #1 priority this year. So I follow the rules almost all the time. No, I'm not perfect, but this is a higher priority than other things!

Honestly, watch the kinds of food you eat and also the portions... Remember, weight loss is purely calories in to calories out.

Honestly, watch the kinds of food you eat and also the portions... Remember, weight loss is purely calories in to calories out.

Very true!!!!!!!!

As for a fill:

http://www.tracyslapband.com/fill.htm

I feel your frustration. I have just started to lose weight and that is by lowering my calories to under 600 a day. Even when I ate 1200 or less AND exercised 4-7 days a week - NOTHING. now i don't exercise really - just walk to work and back and well I did start back at the gym but it is very minor - 20-30 minutes of light weight lifting - now it works.

Tried everything prior with no results - have had many fills but it is extremem low calories that work - sad, but true.

How much of a portion are we supposed to eat at one time. My doctor had nothing to say, other than I needed a fill.<br /> <br /> My weight and age probbly does have something to do with it.<br /> <br /> I started out at 212 and I weigh 188 right now. I am 5'2". I don't use a lot of sauces, except a little bit of ketchup on my ground turkey meatloaf. I am afraid it's because I take Hormone Relacement Therapy.<br /> I have heard people can't lose weiht if you take those. I am 43 years old.

How much of a portion are we supposed to eat at one time?

I dont' use a lot of sauces, except for a little ketchup on my ground turkey meat loaf.

I am 5'2'' tall and I am at 188 right now. I started at 212. I am 54 years old

and I am afraid it's because I take hormone replacement therapy. I have heard that people just can't lose if they take hormones, but I don't how that can be true.

I do track my calories at Spark People. I avereage about 1,000

My doctor has nothing to say about this other than it's harder as we get older. I am afraid to get another fill because I do get full fast, and I have to eat really slowly because food gets stuck . I don't pb though. thanks again.

Sorry about the double post. I looked and it looked like it didn't post. I tried to edit to add something and I thought I lost the whole post.

How much of a portion are we supposed to eat at one time. My doctor had nothing to say, other than I needed a fill.

My weight and age probbly does have something to do with it.

I started out at 212 and I weigh 188 right now. I am 5'2". I don't use a lot of sauces, except a little bit of ketchup on my ground turkey meatloaf. I am afraid it's because I take Hormone Relacement Therapy.

I have heard people can't lose weiht if you take those. I am 43 years old.

Would you provide a daily (typical) menu that you might consume? Brands, portion sizes, and include all sauces. Everything that goes in your mouth for a typical day.

Hi Denise - we are close in height, weight and fairly close in age - i am on birth control pills - don't know how that affects my weight. Your fill sounds right cuz you don't want to pb and not be able to eat some solids -you may just be eating too much for your body to lose weight - even if it seems like nothing! so, yes, please share a few days of what you are eating - that will help for others to make suggestions. here is what I tend to eat

B: V-8 juice or Protein shake

L: Soup w/2 tbls of cottage cheese; a low fat yogurt with a few spoons of cottage cheese or a Protein Shake

D: I use a saucer (cup and saucer plate) that holds about 1/4-1/2 cup and put in a few spoons of food to fill it - protein (whatever works) and a vege - if i can i eat 2 spoons of a carb

that totals 600 or less calories

not much fun, not much food, still a bit hungry esp in the morning

any more calories will result in no loss but no gain.

on the weekends i have a glass or two of wine and then my weight goes up only to go back down during the week.

i know its frustrating but if you feel your fill is right you'll have to play around with your calories until it works.