Hi all! My name is Amy and this is my 1st post. I was banded on 11/25/08 in Dallas, TX. I started this process at 213 lbs. I lost 10 pounds pre-op and at my appointment last week, I was 191. I was very proud of myself and then I got on the scale for the last few days and I was up! To be honest, I have been eating more over the last week. Since I have been banded, I have had had zero problems with food, which is good, but I am afraid of getting back into my old habits that caused me to get this in the 1st place. I feel like I don't have any restriction. I can't get in for my 1st fill until 1/12/09 and I am worried about gaining weight until then. I have been journaling what I am eating and trying to get as much protein as possible. How many carbs should I have each day? Any meal plan ideas? I just ordered 2 weight loss surgery cookbooks online, so I am trying to get back into the swing of things. I am just getting frustrated and would hate to think that I paid 12500 to loose 20 lbs. Any advice would be appreciated. Happy New Year!!

Try myfitnesspal.com it's a great food journal. Using a food journal will help alot.

Until your surgeon starts with your 'fills"...tightening your band, you're still pretty "wide open". My doctor (and many like him) consider this a time for healing and adapting to the new rules (like no liquids with meals, chewing excessively, etc) Good to learn the habits NOW. Mine told me many patients don't really start losing well until 4 or more fills. I know I FINALLY, between fill #2 and #3, only gained 1/2 pound (yes, over Thanksgiving). I woke up hungry in recovery and have been, since completing the post op diet, able to eat ANYTHING. My doc is actually pleased. He wants me to NOT SNACK (easier said than done without any restriction!) and just kind of "slide into" more intense restriction.

You can diet or not during this time (personal choice. I won't. The diet mentality sets me up for wild pigging out! Been there, done that about 10000000 times) and you may not notice any restriction with your first fill!

SO yes, what's happening to you is normal and it's ok. Whether you choose to count calories (or whatever) or just focus on band rules (chewing, Protein first, no liquids with meals, whatever your doc recommends) is up to you. It just gets better from here!

Hello - yes, your situation is absolutely "normal" based on what I'm experiencing. Remember that your body is getting used to working with fewer calories. So while you were losing weight during the first part of the post-surgery diet, your body caught on & started burning less energy. The same thing happened to me.

I lost 17 lbs. after surgery within two & 1/2 weeks! Excited was I!!! But then the weight loss almost came to a screeching halt. Then worried was I!!! I've had two fills - the latest one today, and now I feel like I have more restriction.

So my suggestion to you is to enjoy where you are now. Keep the rules in mind & learn to eat slowly, Protein first, no liquid with meals. By the time you get to your third or fourth fill, you'll look back with sadness :sad: at the amounts you used to eat, but look forward with tremendous joy at the new person in the mirror! Be encouraged & stay the course.

remnant very well said. Im sure some of us newly banded people needed to here that.. thanks for reminding me especially that once I am filled things will surely change. I am almost 2 weeks post op. thanks for hte encouragement it helped me as well..

julie

Thank you all for your kind words and advice. None of my friends have been banded (actually I don't think any of them even diet...gotta hate skinny people :wink2:) I don't have anyone to talk to that completely understands my thoughts. It is nice to have others to share with. I am glad to know that I am "normal." Have a good night!