:scared2:I am 4 weeks post op tomorrow 4/17. I am really having a hard time and feel like i am going to go nuts. I can eat whatever i want. (I try not to) I have no restriction and I have 2 MORE WEEKS until a fill. I know this is not going to be all the band that help me lose weight, it has to be me too but its like I am getting hungrier and can eat a little more and a little more. My weight loss has stopped. (10 pounds before surgery and 14 after) Has anyone else felt this way and what did you do.:crying:

DIDDO!!!! I WAS HOPING I COULD KEEP GOING WITH THE SMALL APPETITE AND THE SCALE WOULD KEEP GOING DOWN. Its not happening. I can't wait for my fill. I am just hanging on and trying to go over board on the calories.

:scared2:I am 4 weeks post op tomorrow 4/17. I am really having a hard time and feel like i am going to go nuts. I can eat whatever i want. (I try not to) I have no restriction and I have 2 MORE WEEKS until a fill. I know this is not going to be all the band that help me lose weight, it has to be me too but its like I am getting hungrier and can eat a little more and a little more. My weight loss has stopped. (10 pounds before surgery and 14 after) Has anyone else felt this way and what did you do.:rolleyes2:

Hopefull

You are in Bandster Hell - We have all been there.

No is NOT going to be ALL BAND that helps you lose weight even once you have proper restriction. IMHO you will do the majority of the work by choosing to eat healthy and adding exercise into your life.

The band is not the cure all fix to our issues with food but a tool to make the job easier.

Only you decide what to eat - You can eat around your band - the crap (chips Cookies candy ice cream) goes Thur real easily even with restriction - hard Proteins don't - you will become full alot faster and on a smaller amount of food

You do still need will power with the band - to make this a lifetime lifestyle change in your eating and exercise routine.

I fight with myself almost daily about getting to the gym - but I know if I quit going - I am not going to lose any more and will gain - and if I choose to eat cookies & candy - I will be defeating the whole purpose of getting banded.

You can do it - just continue to eat as your doc recommends - hungers not going to kill you but being obese will - The band is not the easy way out - it does take alot of work.

Good Luck.......

Hi there,

You are indeed entering bandster hell, the period between surgery and 1st fill when the pain & swelling of surgery is gone and you are ready to eat, but can't! A couple of things. Most bandsters expect their first fill to make them suddenly eating the portions of anorexic models...it doesn't always work. There are tons of threads on here where your first fill barely allows you to feel any difference at all in how much you consume...I'm just trying to warn you so that you can mentally prepare for this. That being said, my advice is simple. Squeaky wheel gets the grease! Most docs will be happy to fill you early if you are eager and cautious enough to communicate that in the right way. Call and beg to get in for a fill. If the receptionist doesn't budge, call again and get someone else on the phone. Chances are, if you're at least 4 weeks out and not having bad symptoms or recovery, your doc will try to accomodate you. Especially effective if you tell him you're having cravings for bad food, or you find it hard to stick to your workout regime if you're constantly hungry. LOTS of us had to resort to being the annoying person who was begging for the first cancellation on the schedule to get filled. Don't feel badly about doing it or standing up for yourself. Surgery and treatment is not 1 size fits all. Its ok to ask for what you need. Good luck!

Good for you, I couldn't have said it better. I think exercise actually lower my eating, and I feel full sooner. I walk 16-20 kms weekly, and work out with a trainer (you don't want to know what I call him) and I'm feeling great. Before banding I didn't even walk to the mail box, this tool has given me a new lease on life, and I'm working so hard with it and really enjoying it.

Good luck, and I loved your post.

I read a lot of the "band is not working", people have to realize you have to work with it.