Hi, My name is Keri (Keri is already taken so I am now HKeri for this web site). I had my surgery last July and have had 4 fill's, I have not lost very much weight. I am able to eat a lot still. I had a large bagle for Breakfast with no trouble, I had a whole bag of pop corn yesterday and can eat almost as much as before the surgery.

I had the surgery because I have an eating problem...I STILL have an eating problem. Can anyone advise me. Should I get another fill, is there a trick to reducing my intake and not feel as if I'm starving. I am so depressed over this and would be very greatful for any guidance anyone could give me.

Hkeri

what do your doctor, nutritionist, and office staff tell you when you talk to them about your habits and your progress?

if you're not telling them what you've told us, you're not making them do what you're paying them for. that's why we pay them money for this tool--so they can help us.

The office is so backed up. I get my fill and then I speak with a nutrionilst who spends more time talking about herself, her kids, her husband and how busy she is than talking about me. She didn't even look at my eating record the last time I went in She asked me if I was feeling OK, asked if I was having any hair loss, told me to be sure and get enough protien and then abruptly excused me when she the receptionist interruped us with an announcement that she had a call holding for her.

Keri, sound like you don't have good restriction., Some bandsters can lose on 1 cup of day, for me its more like 1/2 cup. I would go get a good fill first. I would change Nutritionists too. You can do this with the help of your band. BTW, popcorn goes down like sand so its no wonder you ate the whole bag. Try and eat more solid protein. You can do it.

HKeri, stand up for yourself! Insist your doctor and nutri help you. That's what you are paying them to do! Get another fill, and keep getting them until you reach good restriction. The band is only a tool, but it only works if you make it work. Fills and proper restriction is key.

Depending on the size of your band, and the size of your fills, you may not have even begun to squeeze it down even with 4 fills.

Sounds to me like it is time to make yourself known! At your next fill, simply sit there, make no move to get up and leave even with their opening the door moves that are to encourage you to leave, just sit there until your questions are answered, same with the nutritionist, if she must leave to take a call, be there waiting when she gets back, tell her "I'll wait, I have a few questions" You or your insurance, one is paying them---they work for you, and if they do not, maybe it is time to find someone who will.

In the meantime, do your best to eat healthy foods, even if you find yourself eating a lot of them! Hang in there, when you finally get restriction, you will know it, and it will make a world of difference!

Kat

1/2 cup a day sounds dangerously low. not sure how you could get all the necessary nutrients in. liquid cals should pretty much be your last resort.

i agree with finding a new nutritionist, one that actually listens to you. maybe find a mentor here - a successful bandster who has followed the bandster rules and is doing well - PM me if you would like a few suggestions.

keep at it, best of luck to you!

Keri~ I have struggled with restriction so I know what it's like to be able to eat anything. Definitely talk to your doctor and nutritionist about this. For now, I wouldn't focus on the amount of food you are eating but instead the types of food you are eating. Like Kat said, focus on eating healthy food right now. If popcorn is something you are craving, buy some of the 100 calorie pack bags (kettle corn is good) and it's not so bad to eat a whole bag. But if you are truly hungry, try eating something more substantial that will stay with you longer. Good luck to you and keep us posted.

Hi Kerri, my eating style has temporarily gone down the tubes, too. I think it might be a pms thing. ANd I don't have much restriction, either. I feel like I can eat too much. My next fill is this Friday - I already have 7.5ccs in a 9cc band and they don't fill it up so I'm a bit worried. However, I do think my good spot is around the corner. If this fill doesn't work I'm going to insist that I be seen under floro to make sure its doing its job. I feel your pain!