I was banded on 8/29/14 . I have lost app 33 pounds since the two weeks post op diet and now. I feel it is a slow go, but keep being told that is a good thing. I have had three fills now. The first fill was 4 cc. Then .5 and he wasn't wanting to see me again until the end if January (this was in October). However, in November I requested another fill. then 1 cc was put in. I STILL do not feel restriction. I am struggling g a bit. I must put myself on a more restricted routine. I can eat most anything. I am wondering how other handle this. Do I need to eat like small every three hours? Or have breakfast lunch dinner. I do kit have anyone to speak with. The doctor is great, but they do not take time with you to discuss...

3 meals. 2 snacks. Lots of protein and lots of water!

Hmmmm…not sure I like your doctor. You can always switch.

But as far as the restriction goes, are you feeling satisfied after 3-4oz of Protein? If so then you are good. If you get hungry less than 3 hours later, then you may need more Fluid. If not, then you should feel blessed that you are not refluxing and gagging and all of the other stuff that can happen with the band. My surgeon just told me that this WLS is not supposed to feel like a punishment.

I'm not sure who said that you should not be able to eat anything. You should be able to. BUT, that doesn't mean you should eat it. You've still got to eat the right kinds of foods. Even the bands with the most restriction will let ice cream and pudding through.

I guess what I'm saying is, it sounds like you may be unnecessarily concerned. You're losing almost 10 lbs a month. That's pretty darn awesome!

Oh yeah…I see a nutritionist every visit too. She has really helped me figure out my eating. More so than the doc.

I was banded on the same date as you and I am down 37 pounds since surgery - 60 total since my pre-opt diet.

I have had one fill although I believe I will be getting a second fill on Monday since I am noticing that I can eat more than I could a month ago. I have found the less moist a food is, the less I can eat so I try to eat dryer foods (meats) and avoiding sauces and dressings.

My doctor wants me to eat a maximum of three meals and if I need to snack he says to have pickles.

If I don't make the conscious effort I can eat more than I should and things I shouldn't too. But it is a tool not our save all.

If you don't feel like your doctor is taking the time to answer questions or concerns that will help you be successful than I would look for a doctor or support group that does. A doctor should not make you feel rushed and should be trying to help you succeed.

My doctor had the surgery so I think that is why he makes sure that all my questions are answered.

Keep up the great work, 33 pounds is good for 3 months. Try not to compare your success to how fast others might be losing weight. Your body is not the same as everyone else's, so just look at where you started out at and where you are today.

Edited December 10, 201411 yr by walkinginfaith72

My surgeon's goal was for me to be satisfied with a tennis ball sized portion (his lingo) and not hungry again for 4-5 hours. I'd have one but not the other. I am a person who needed several fills. It took time but in hindsight I really needed the staged approach in order to learn how to slow down and chew really well. Love my band! The links in my signature below helped me understand how it all works -- those and being here on the forum. Good luck -- you're doing great!

Thank you all so much for the advise. I need it!