Banded 6/17/05 at 268 lbs. First 2 weeks, between pre-op and post-op lost 15 lbs. When I could start on the mushies, gained back 5. Went in for first fill 1 month, 2days later - July 19th - 1.6 cc. Still at only 10 lbs lost. On liquids weight comes off quick - but the second I start on mushies I maintain - no loss, no gain. What the heck is wrong? I am 100% certain my intake has decreased by AT LEAST 50%, I've cut out all sodas (I used to drink Coke like it was going out of style), only treat myself to sweets very, very seldom and try to keep it Skinny Cow, etc. Drink my water - Propel is all I drink now. Why is the weight not coming off? I'm seeing slight changes in my legs, arms, back - but NOT in my tummy - my clothes aren't really fitting better at all. I'm 1 1/2 months into it and only down 15 lbs - most of that lost the first week post-op. No bad food, subway roasted chicken, etc. After my second fill, the first 2 weeks I could tell the difference in how quick I felt full - this last week, I could eat 2 - 3 pieces of pizza again if I wanted to. Why and what can I do. How are all these other people losing and I'm maintaining.

I think your just not a your sweet spot yet.

When I had surgery (01/07/05) I lost 13.5 pounds from day of surgery to 6 weeks later.

1st fill (02/19/05)I lost 4 pounds.

2nd fill (9 weeks later 04/22/05) I lost 18 pounds (that was a good one).

3rd fill (12 weeks later 07/16/05 I have lost 7 pounts so far and its just been 2 weeks.

I think it takes alot of time but you will eventually lose the weight!! Hang in there!!

Nothing. You just need more restriction. Here's my story: I was banded 5/9/05, starting weight 250, current weight 248. I have had one fill, and am going for my second one Wed. I now that I wiil not lose weight until I'm properly restricted. I know that it may take 3-5 fills before I hit my "sweet spot". I was truly hoping to be further along with my weight loss. Please don't feel to bad, it's all a part of the process. I know it's hard when you see others losing right out the gate. I've had days when I thought I don't think this is going to work for me. I'm hoping my fill Wed. will help. Wishing you the best!

Patty

The target weight loss rate is 1 to 2 lbs per week on average. Unfortunately, what this means is that you might drop 5 lbs, and then not lose anything for a while. Also, you aren't at your prime restriction place yet. It could take a few more fills to get there.

I'm 13 months out, and I'm down 50 lbs. My personal experience is that I'm not losing more often than I am losing. I lose a few lbs all at once, then get stuck for a while, then lose a few more, then get stuck for a while. I'm a little below average at the moment (less than 1 lb per week), but my body has this funny way of suddenly dropping a few more lbs to catch me back up to average. Sure, I'd wish it would go faster, but I try my hardest to not compare myself to other folks, and just be glad that it's 50 down and not 50 up you know?

You'll get there. Just remember, you didn't put it on in a year, and you probably aren't going to take it off in a year.

Thanks for posting this question.

Do you all count calories or do you just eat until satisfied?

Thanks, NJC

I eat until I am satisfied, I also try to eat alot of Protein but I am not 100% following the rules.

I really don't eat allot since my last fill on 07/16 but drink alot of Water and "Glaceau Vitamin Water" it is so good. I can eat allot better this week but I worked slowly with this fill since the last fill was bad (to tight and I couldn't eat) this time I did liquids for a few days then mushies they solids like the 4 or 5th day!

I have about 68 pounds to lose and I am finding that I lose about 1 pound a week. I wish it were more but nothing has helped me to get the weight loss going faster. I had a fill and was too tight and then had a slight unfill so I know I don't need a fill. It is different for all of us,at least I am not gaining like before the band. I have finally lost 17 pounds and for the first time people are asking me what I am doing.I have not told many that I have had this surgery. It is a long process just don't compare yourself to anyone else.

Lovebugg I am learning that losing even with the band is a very slow process. Be patient and work with it. Do count calories and carbs. You may be able to eat 2 and 3 slices of pizza but why would you want to. Diet and exercise is still a key issue. There are better choices then pizza but I am sure that is not an everyday occurance anyhow. Are you walking or doing any exercise?

The thing that is helping me the most is keeping track of ALL food that goes into my mouth. I write down everything, keeping track of the calories is the best thing for me. There were days that I thought I was under my 1200 calories and when I keyed it in oops...I was over. So for me I have learned journal everything. The other rule I follow for every meal is protein first and then A fruit or a veggie with every meal. I am not saying I haven't snacked on those 100 calorie cookies or something like that, because I have I just account for them. I hope this helps...I will say I am eating more now but I am still waiting for my first fill..and I have noticed that my weight loss has slowed down a great deal. Good Luck...I know it's hard..but my goal is to see where I am in a year. These are just the things that are helping me.