Hi all!

This site is great. I have question regarding restriction. I was banded on 6/30 and I've not had a fill yet. As the days and weeks go on I find that I have very little restriction with food. Why is this. Good or bad?

My doctor moved me off of the mushy phase so that I can eat almost anything reasonable.

Edited July 20, 200818 yr by bombaman

It's very normal to not have any restriction before your first fill. In fact, I didn't get any restriction until my 4TH FILL !! Of course, everyone is different. Some call it "bandster hell" because you will feel exactly like before and be able to eat whatever.. Some gain weight!!

JUST HANG IN THERE and try your hardest not to over-eat before you get good restriction going.

best of luck to you!!

278/229/180

Yep that's right! I gained 2lbs even counting my calories and had the feeling this thing isn't doing crap!! :ohmy:

Takes time.....hang in there:thumbup:

That's great, and you have still lost weight...

You have had your band installed but you it's not functioning yet - it's still in the healing phase (usually about 6 weeks), getting itself set into your stomach. Youll have a little restriction at first because you've got swelling but after that, you are on your own til you begin getting some fills...I've always likened it to having a shiny new Cadillac in the garage but no key to make it go!! :ohmy: It may take 2-3-4 fills before you begin to feel much restriction....this is a slow process and requires much patience and self-control until it's fully functioning. I wish doctors would explain that more clearly to patients....it would save some disappointment in the beginning.

In the meantime, eat healthy and practice chewing and sipping and finding some Protein you love and experimenting with different flavors.....it'll help you stave off hunger and rev up your metabolism. YOU CAN DO THIS!!

I'm so glad I found this post this is exactly what is happening to me (no weight gain though thank goodness) it is good to hear that its normal not to feel the restriction at first.

Thanks all!

Initially, I had a noticeable restriction probably because the stomach was swollen from the surgery...which makes sense. Now i have to eat way too much to feel anything so I avoid this as much as possible.

I was feeling the same way you were and was getting frustrated with no weight loss thing, even joined a gym. I got my 2nd fill a couple weeks ago, putting me at 5cc in a 8cc band. I'm suppose to go back for a 3rd fill in a couple more weeks and I'm wondering about that since I have had some issues with food getting stuck. I can actuallly feel the food having a problem being able to go through, which reminds me to take small bites and to chew. I feel a bit more restriction with this 2nd fill, but not enough to keep from eating more than I probably should or would like.

I'm wondering about me going in for my 3rd fill for another 1cc......if I'm feeling food having a problem getting through right now, then what will it be like with another fill, but then I want the restriction......Gheez what do I do??? I think it's just me needing to break my old habits of eating and learn to take small bites and chew well.

If anyone has advice please tell me.....oh what am I saying you all are so great at giving advice and answering questions, that's why I love this site.

YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!

silly question for you but how did everyone get there little weightloss tickers at the bottom of your messages?

Trust me, I have had 2 fills and still basically no restriction...bread and all...I have often wondered if the surgery was even worth it! You are not alone in this "no restriction" endeavor! Hopefully after a few fills we will all lose weight! I feel your pain!

Doctors really need to be more informative. When the doctors don't explain how the band works and how long this process takes, it's sets us up for disappointment. Everyone is expecting major weight loss right away like having the bypass but the band is very different. I learned all my info from these sites and researching it for so long before I got it done. I expected to have obsticles so I wasn't too discouraged but I read about so many others struggling because they didn't know what to expect. Be patient guys...I'm in the same boat...waiting for that sweet spot!!

patunia, try this link it should give you directions on how to add the ticker. Hope it works.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/ticker-tutorial-pictures-41782/

I am sure glad I am not the only one that doesn't feel any restriction. I could eat anything without a problem. I lost more weight before my surgery, 30 pounds, than I have lost since my surgery. I have gained 5 lbs since my first fill. I go in for another fill next week. I also think the Drs. should be more informative. It is so nice to have this website, otherwise I would think it was only me. Thanks everyone for posting.:biggrin2:

I was banded on 6/13/08 and just got my first fill on 7/17/08. I still don't think I have any restriction - but I'm told that it could take 3 or 4 fills before you reach the perfect restriction stage.