I was banded 10/2. I knew going into it that my Dr. is very conservative about fills and that he doesn't do the first fill for 3 months. I was ok with that, thinking I wouldn't have to worry about it until after the holidays and that with the new year I would be on track. I'm down 22 lbs and that's great but I feel like I am eating SO much! The only thing I have pretty much eliminated from my diet is soft bread and soft drinks. I have had only sips of Diet Coke since banding and it just doesn't taste the same to me anymore. But tonight I ate 3 pieces of thin crust pizza. That's what I ate before I was banded! I know once I have my fill the "real" work will start. I guess I am just ready to get on with it.. I am tied of waiting and I still have another month! My appointment isn't until January 17th!

Do you think your doctor will reconsider and book you in before Christmas? Call and see.

I hope you are feeling better now. I had my surgery 10/3 and my first fill Nov 19, and I have only a little restriction once in a while. I have a 10 cc band, dr left 4 cc in and I got 2cc at my 1st fill. The worse thing is that my job is so stressful and if there is any food near me I will eat it without thinking. I did go out and stock up on low calorie snacks so that is helping some. My next fill is in Jan, which is ok, since that's the next time I can get off to go to the dr. I have been able to manage most holiday parties by going in when they are half over (less food remaining!) and leaving as soon as I can politely do so. But I am still a little depressed about the whole banding. I wanted it before the holiday so I could get used to eating less. Well, I guess all I can do is take a deep breath and keep on plugging. good luck :)Laura

I have one fill appx. a week ago, and I don't feel any fifferently at all. I don't have another fill until Jan 10th. I am eating more now than I did befor the fill. I am dissappointed, of course, but I need HELP!!

I was afraid I was the only one. Today's my first day on the forum and I thought I'd better do something before I go crazy. I've tried every diet and diet pill in the book before getting the band on Nov. 1. I guess I was hoping it would be a miracle of some sort. Instead I've only lost about five pounds and I've already had one fill. Like someone else said, I'm eating like I did before I had this done (and insurance wouldn't cover this so I'm out-of-pocket $15,000). Does it get better? My doctor said it usually takes 4 to 6 fills before the "sweet spot" is found - meanwhile I'm eating like I used to and it's scaring me. I'm thinking about trying Phentermine diet pills again. They're the only thing that worked - somewhat. Any suggestions? Will it get better? Thanks for any help or advice anyone has. :help:

AZSadie, From what I have read on the Forum, it will get better for us. My dr said that some people reach the "sweet spot" after 3-4 fills, others take a little longer. I'm hoping that's true because I'm making myself sick. I eat, then scold myself because I ate. I try to eat 1/2 to 1 cup then wait a while before I eat anything else.

I don't think you've wasted the money, just hang in there a little longer. There's lots of hints on this Forum to help you, and everybody is very sympathetic with some good advice. Keep your chin up. Laura