Hi everyone, I am new to this. Was looking for a site to get support and talk to others about their experience. I was banded on August 18th. Everything went perfect - not much pain, right back to work, etc. I got my first fill this past Monday. So far I have lost 14 pounds. Now here is what I am worried about. I still feel like I am doing it on my own. Just like I did with any other diet. Which makes me feel like, could I fail at this??? It's scary. I feel like I could still eat as much as I want. Is anyone else feeling this way?? Starting weight was 237. I am now 223.

I just got my first fill; 1 1/2 cc in a 14 cc band. As you can guess, I STILL have no restriction. BUT my doc was quite explicit in the instructional seminar; he said it would take at least 4, maybe more, fills (and some unfills?) to get the restriction right. He doesn't want his patients so tight that we PB and slime and so on. Once I am rolling along he'll do more if I want, but he explained his rationale to me, and I agree with him. I trusted him with my life on the operating table, so I can trust him with this too.

Today, he said to cut out all Snacks, just eat 3 meals a day, chew like the dickens, don't drink before, during, or right after I eat, and get the "new habits" in place. He said I'll lose fine doing that and that as restriction starts to happen it will help me stick with my "new" lifestyle.

SO you're doing fine, IMHO. Hang in there. If your surgeon told you 1 fill and you'd be "There", he lied.

No, he didn't tell me that. I guess I just thought since I was working so hard and eating so little it would come off faster and easier. Thanks for the info. I guess I will just keep doing the best I can. The hardest part for me is still the drinking. I LOVE to drink water all of the time. I still cheat with that sometimes. Is it normal to cheat once in awhile??

Honestly I'm kind of shocked at what you weren't told! Good grief! Your surgeon needs a refresher.

I was told NO Water 15 min before, never during, and none 15 min after eating. It can wash food through more quickly and "bypass" the band(in which case, why bother getting banded if you're just going to wash the food through it?) and it CAN stretch the pouch, eating and drinking at the same time.

So I say you need to really try to STOP THAT! LOL One poster here said her doctor told her "If you continue drinking and eating the band will fail. Period" That scared her straight.

Where did you get your surgery? Maybe you can go to another seminar there? Sounds like the one you attended skipped a lot of stuff that you need to know!

Ok That does scare me. I didn't go through this to NOT succeed!! I thought they said not to drink because it flushes the food out, and you miss all of the nutrients. Which I know is bad, but nothing about stretching the pouch. I have only done it a few times, but I will try harder!! Thanks!! Oh - I had my surgery in Monroeville, Pa.

I'm sorry your surgeon wasn't very informative! They are all really different! I'm SURE you're find and will do great!

Thanks again, I also see you are doing GREAT with your weight loss. Keep it up!!