I had surgery on Dec. 21, so I am about a month out. I lost about 5-7 lbs after the operation but I have gained it back. I feel like I have no restriction right now, I can eat pretty much anything I want, the amount of food I can consume really is upsetting (although still not as bad as before the operation). I have started exercising and feel good about that but I feel like a big loser that there are no results so far. I am hoping this is pretty common and when I get a fill it will help. Any advise or silmilar stories I really need any inspiration I can get.

Corinne

I had surgery on Dec. 21, so I am about a month out. I lost about 5-7 lbs after the operation but I have gained it back. I feel like I have no restriction right now, I can eat pretty much anything I want, the amount of food I can consume really is upsetting (although still not as bad as before the operation). I have started exercising and feel good about that but I feel like a big loser that there are no results so far. I am hoping this is pretty common and when I get a fill it will help. Any advise or silmilar stories I really need any inspiration I can get.

Corinne

I know this is a REALLY frustrating time, there's a reason the phrase "bandster hell" was coined for it.

This is VERY common. It was drummed into my head by my doctor and his staff that the first 6 weeks were all about healing and getting set up to use my band. That if I happened to loose any weight, that was great but not expected.

Think of it this way, you have a tool now, it's just not plugged in yet. Once it is(via one or more fills) you'll be on your way.

I hear that this is not unusual so you are definitely not alone. What does your diet consist of right now. Are you consuming a lot of carbs? (you shouldn't be) Are you eating your protein first then your veggies? Good job on the exercise! Keep it up! Just keep making good food choices.

I am two months out and don't have restriction, so I understand completely. I have avoided gaining weight by tracking my calories and Protein. Yeah, I know we didn't have surgery to continue to diet and track calories, but until we get restriction, I think it's what we have to do to avoid gaining back what we lost.

Some weeks, I do one or two days of 800 calorie days and then stick to under 1200 the rest of the days. Your amount of daily calories needed to lsoe or not gain, will vary based on your current weight and level of exercise.

There are lots of us on the forum that have yet to reach our first level of restriction.

Hang in there!