Haven't written in a while but I am 6 months out - down about 17 lbs. I am not complaining too much because it is better than being 17 lbs heavier but I was naive to think the weight would fall off with the band. I do not eat that much but sometimes I eat too fast or too big bites and I have to throw it up but then other times I can eat way too much and it goes down - I always mention it to my doctor's PA when I go in for fills and they don't have any real explanation for why it is so different some days than others. I am discouraged in the slow loss and feel like it is never going to come off. A friend of mine who got a band 3 years ago and lost 150 lbs said she didn't start to lose for 6 months and then it started coming off faster - anyone else have any encouragemernt? Thanks.

I'm only three months out, but I was at a standstill until I stepped up my work outs. Are you able to work out?

Yes I jog in pool almost every day but I think I eat too many soft foods like mashed potatoes because it goes down easily even though I honestly don't think I eat a lot - I have a protein shake for breakfast every morning - a small lunch usually a bowl of soup and for dinner have a little more than that but compared to what I used to it seems like it would really make a difference - I don't drink water though and that probably doesn't help. Thanks.

Also I needed to lose about 50 lbs at the most so maybe it comes off slower the less you have to lose.

Yes, it does come off slower if you have more to lose. That's *almost* 1 lb a week you know (17lb lost in 6 months), its not as little as it tends to sound.

I guess you have to do everything you can to get your metabolism - eat little and often, do some strength training to build up some muscle, try interval style cardio (where you work really HARD for brief spells, like seeing stars hard) all of which will increase your metabolism markedly. Stay away from the soft foods, try eating little and often - five or six small meals a day, and on top of daily exercise, try to never sit down, be as active as you possibly can, stairs instead of the lift, park further away, all that stuff. It all adds up in the end.

You sound a lot like my DH, he wasnt even that big an eater but got to a BMI of 35 because he simply has the metabolism of a slug. Add a desk job to that and you have a weight problem that is going to increase over time. He needs a lapband simply to avoid getting really fat, but to lose he has to WORK hard.

Edited January 15, 200917 yr by Jachut

I was banded on December 16 08.The band is in place ,but the doctor has not put any fill in yet,which is upsetting.I am gaining weight.I didnt think it would be like this ! i cant wait till January 29 thats the day it begins.I really cannot excercize too much i have a bad knee.I am getting shots in it soon so maybe i can start to live !:sneaky:

I just came back from a support group and the range of losses is always a surprise. The lady next to me banded 6 months is down 100 pounds. I was shocked. I have been banded 7 month and only (i know)40 pounds. Next to her I'm a slug. But she has a lot to lose and she is letter perfect to all the rules. (Unlike me) But overall I am happy that I have not gained. Especially with the holidays. There was a lady there that was 4 years out and says she still has ups and downs. After the meeting I'm going to relight the fire and watch portions and exercise more. Remember we are all different and losses reflect that. How much do you have in the band I'm at 6 in a 10 band.

Everyone is different.

I'm 6 months out & just recently started really slowing down on my weight loss. It has steadily come off since I came home from the hospital.

I have had to excerise to keep it coming off though.

If I don't workout, the scale sits at a standstill. I also weigh myself daily to make sure I am not gaining.

I'm a snacker and have to really watch how much and what I snack! Cheez-it's are my weakness. They go right down and I can eat a lot of them!

I just came back from a support group and the range of losses is always a surprise. The lady next to me banded 6 months is down 100 pounds. I was shocked. I have been banded 7 month and only (i know)40 pounds. Next to her I'm a slug. But she has a lot to lose and she is letter perfect to all the rules. (Unlike me) But overall I am happy that I have not gained. Especially with the holidays. There was a lady there that was 4 years out and says she still has ups and downs. After the meeting I'm going to relight the fire and watch portions and exercise more. Remember we are all different and losses reflect that. How much do you have in the band I'm at 6 in a 10 band.

The doctor put my band in,but it is unrestricted! When i go on the 29th i will have my first fill1 Thank you for writing! Lisa

i am eating now like i did before surgery! I have not had a fill yet! My band is unrestricted.I want the doctor to fill it up! I cant wait till Jan 29th .Thats 6 weeks since i have had the band put in! Thanks to all who write to me.it makes me feel good that some one is reading and caring. Lisa

Lisa

I had to wait 7 weeks before my first fill. And yes toward the end of that time I could eat more. The difference for me was that my doc wanted 3 weeks liquids then 1 week mushies then try other foods. I struggled after 2 weeks. My first fill was 4cc. I felt restriction but it didn't last, I managed to wait 12 weeks the went in for 2nd fill and got 2cc more. I'm now trying to go back to basics, 1 cup food and flighting head hunger.

i am eating now like i did before surgery! I have not had a fill yet! My band is unrestricted.I want the doctor to fill it up! I cant wait till Jan 29th .Thats 6 weeks since i have had the band put in! Thanks to all who write to me.it makes me feel good that some one is reading and caring. Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Do some LBT searches for "Bandster Hell." It takes sheer will power to get through this phase. My advice would be to slow down and focus. Most people do not achieve restriction on their first fill. Some do, most don't - it may take 3, 4, 5 or more. You have to be patient. One thing, however, is certain. Exercise, at whatever level you're capable, is a must.

Brad

I always enjoy reading what Jachut writes to people. It's very informative. The only suggestion that I didn't see on here is journaling your food intake. I use myfitnesspal.com. Journal everything that passes your lips and see just how many calories you are taking in.

Hi! I am so glad I came across your post! I am new to the wesite(joined tonight!) and am just learning how to navigate it!

I, too, am at the 6 month marker (6 mo on 1/14) and have been losing at a slllllooooowww rate too. Pre-op i was 236, now 207. Also, I have been experiencing the choking and then have to throw it up issue too since late october, I have also gotten little advice from my surgeon.

I am going to make an appt. with my primary for a second opinion to make sure all is ok but aside from that I am going to seriously monitor my bites. I think sometimes I let myself get so hungry that I don't acknowledge my bite size--even tho i usually use infant eating utensils.

Are you getting adequate exercise? I really hadn't done much since my surgery(I had an extremely rough semester at school as well as the flu for 4 weeks and a 4 week escapade with an abscessed tooth and extraction)...but this semester I intentionally signed up for some personal shape up classes--since last week I have noticed a HUGE difference!!

I know you(we) can do it!! Just keep the faith!

looking forward to talking to you more!

Keeley

Too me the band is just a tool, find another way to help out. I know I have a lot more I can do with exercise than what I have done so far, but I am at -40 since I started the program and -20 since surgery a month ago yesterday, so it can be done. I think my biggest help, besides my successful wife has been by using the Boost Glucose control for breakfast. I've never been a breakfast person even when I was at my worst, but everyone says having something in the morning helps jump start your metabolism. These Boost, make sure you get the glucose control, this very low in sugar and very high in protein. I'm not 4 pounds from losing the obese tag. I've dieted before and lost weight faster, but I've been steadily losing about .5 pounds a day. With 76 days till vacation I'm thinking I might be at or near my goal weight. (I haven't had my first fill yet)

Thanks for the advise.I really do not have control yet,This is sheer torture.you are righr bam.i will look on bandster hell.sounds interesting though! do you eat your three small meals? How is the band working for you now? how many fills did it take you to get it? Lisa:confused: