It's been a while since I've been on. I've been feeling kind of disconnected from the whole surgery, and it's hard to believe at this moment that I'm going to be successful with my band.

My surgery was Jan 3rd and my first fill isn't until next Monday due to scheduling issues at my doctors office. I have long since felt healed and can eat pretty much whatever I want. I know I have gained back some of the weight that I lost post op, but heck if I know how much since my scale is back to saying "ERR" (It had just stopped saying that about 2 weeks after surgery).

I am tried of people looking at me like something should have changed by now (I told very few people but there is one person that I had to tell that didn't realize I wasn't advertising and she told many people), so I'm feeling the pressure.

Right after surgery I felt so gung ho and was so happy with the weight I had lost, and now it just feels like I'm back to the same old thing.

So, come Monday what are my chances of having this life altering experience I've been waiting for???

The time period before your first follow up is supposed to be your healing time. At this point a lot of us had no restriction at all. At this point a lot of it is will power. You should start getting restriction as you get fills. Dont beat yourself up. Look at what you have lost and you HAVE made a big decision just having the surgery. Good Luck and take care.

I know the feeling. Im long since over surgery and 7 fills later. I get the same looks at times. I gained to 237 from 205 after having a discectomy in my lower back. It took a year to heal my leg so i can get back to my running. I took off 50 lbs and is been gone since but everything else I have to work for. Yeah, exercise every week and still watch what I eat. If you dont follow the rules sometimes the band can be difficult. Drink then eat and then dont drink. Very important detail.

It will happen once you are filled and the weights coming off. You will see. After years go by though if you arent where you want you have to do the right things. I wished I hadnt told anyone to be honest. I thought like you Id wither away to nothing. This body will fight for its fat content. Make no mistake, its a fight. Good luck and be patient. I wouldnt take anything for my band after all these years!

I guess what none of us realize when we get banded is that the surgery it's self isn't what makes us thin. There is nothing there untill after we get enough fills to give good restriction. For some, that's just 1. For others it's several. Just hang in there and be patient and follow the rulses and your day will come! HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Yes, patience is key. It may take a while for you to feel restriction; keep going back for fills until you are at your sweet-spot. Even then, the weight loss is slow and steady and won't be that easily seen by others. You can speed up the process by getting to the gym. I didn't tell anyone I had the operation until I lost 40 lbs, and then it wasn't too evident.

Good luck!

My surgery was Jan 3rd and my first fill isn't until next Monday due to scheduling issues at my doctors office. I have long since felt healed and can eat pretty much whatever I want. I know I have gained back some of the weight that I lost post op, but heck if I know how much since my scale is back to saying "ERR" (It had just stopped saying that about 2 weeks after surgery).

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Right after surgery I felt so gung ho and was so happy with the weight I had lost, and now it just feels like I'm back to the same old thing.

So, come Monday what are my chances of having this life altering experience I've been waiting for???

It's not a news flash, but the band cannot do its job until it is able to restrict. Until that point, it's all on you and for many people, that's the same as not having a band.

You probably won't have a lot of restriction after your first fill, so you will need additional patience. It's very, very early in the process to have feelings of failure.

I am tried of people looking at me like something should have changed by now (I told very few people but there is one person that I had to tell that didn't realize I wasn't advertising and she told many people), so I'm feeling the pressure.

Why? If someone looks at you, and you perceive their look to be saying "something should have changed" - so what? What does that mean to you, and why does it matter? Maybe they're looking at you and thinking "cute shirt" or "I can't believe you betrayed my trust" or "what's your name?" or "I need to get milk, eggs, broccoli..." Never assume you know what's on someone's mind, it just makes you paranoid and messes with your self-esteem. If you really need to know what others think (do question this need, a lot), then why not just ask them?

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Unfortunately, if you want to lose weight during the time period between surgery and getting the right fill to get to restriction, you'll have to use your old dieting skills. Yeah, I know, BUMMER!

During this time, you should also be practicing the band rules, of small bites, well chewed and no drinking one hour after a meal. Also this a good time to listen to your body and your head and decide which one is asking to eat. Listen only to your body and not your head! This will help prepare you for when you do get restriction.

There's a lot of us ( like me) currently in this stage and it sucks!

Just remember getting overfilled is not the answer either, you want to be at a place where you can eat good solid (healthly) food slowly, that will stay in your pouch and keep you full.

Long term success should be the goal, not reaching goal as fast as you can.

Hang in there!