Hi. I was banded on Jan 30, 2009. I had my first follow up on Feb 16 2009. At that time I had lost 14 pounds (with the pre-op diet that I began on 01-16-09 and the liquid diet after surgery). When I went to the doctor on 02-16-09 I told him I had NO restriction and he said that correct. I would get my first fill on my next visti 03-16-09. I can eat anything I want. If I had awesome will power then I dont think I would have needed the band. Now I am scared that I am going to gain back the 14 pounds I have already lost. I really do not know what to do. I want this to work. Now I am afraid that I have messed up the band and the pouch. I turned 30 this past weekend (had some drink) had some cake. Now I dont really know what to do or feel. I dont even feel like I have had surgery or that the band is even there. I know it sounds like I am whining and maybe I am. But I am really fustrated and agravated. Any advice and help would be appericated.

Start exercising as soon as your doctor gives you the go ahead. We all went through being able to eat any and everything but stay strong and keep telling yourself when you get your first fill you dont want to have to lose those pounds all over again. Good luck

What you're going through is very normal. Six weeks for the first fill is pretty standard too. I'm sure you haven't done anything to mess up your band. Measuring religiously helped me. I'm sure I could have just kept eating as normal, or almost, if I was waiting for band restriction the last couple of weeks before my first fill. I kept my meals under one cup, and I added a fourth heavy on the protein 1/2 cup snack for the last couple of weeks, when I losing the restriction I had from the surgery swelling. It was pretty much dieting, but my band did seem to help a bit. Even after your first fill, you may not feel like you have a lot of restriction. It sometimes takes a few to really make a difference, but sometimes not. My first few fills seemed to only last a couple of weeks.

Don't freak out, we ALL go thru this. Just do the best you can until your fill. And truth be told, your first fill probably won't give you great restriction either. I don't think your doc is going to expect big numbers from you in the beginning. Just do your best until you get restriction, you're not the only one, we've all been there. good luck!

Hi Kimmie,

I was banded on Jan 28th and my 30th birthday was this past weekend too, the 22nd!

I am struggling with little to no restriction also—I started tracking my calories on fitday.com, and that has been a huge help. Also, working out first thing in the morning seems to start me off on the right track for the day, and keeps my eating in check (as opposed to trying to force myself to do it after work when I am hungry and tired..I am the master of finding an excuse then!)

I go for my first fill tomorrow—I'll let you know how it goes. And if you're looking for a fellow January bandster (and Pisces) friend, please send me a message or add me as a friend and we can keep in touch.

Good luck and happy 30!

Valerie

Start exercising as soon as your doctor gives you the go ahead. We all went through being able to eat any and everything but stay strong and keep telling yourself when you get your first fill you dont want to have to lose those pounds all over again. Good luck

Thank you I will start exercising ASAP. Its crazy, I dont want to mess anything up. This is my last chance at being healthy.

What you're going through is very normal. Six weeks for the first fill is pretty standard too. I'm sure you haven't done anything to mess up your band. Measuring religiously helped me. I'm sure I could have just kept eating as normal, or almost, if I was waiting for band restriction the last couple of weeks before my first fill. I kept my meals under one cup, and I added a fourth heavy on the Protein 1/2 cup snack for the last couple of weeks, when I losing the restriction I had from the surgery swelling. It was pretty much dieting, but my band did seem to help a bit. Even after your first fill, you may not feel like you have a lot of restriction. It sometimes takes a few to really make a difference, but sometimes not. My first few fills seemed to only last a couple of weeks.

okay. Well that helps. Its just hard. I thought I would have a little bit of restriction or something. I really just do not want to gain back any of those hard lost pounds. I have even thought about doing the pre-op diet again. Just till I have some restriction.

Don't freak out, we ALL go thru this. Just do the best you can until your fill. And truth be told, your first fill probably won't give you great restriction either. I don't think your doc is going to expect big numbers from you in the beginning. Just do your best until you get restriction, you're not the only one, we've all been there. good luck!

Thank you for the support. I really did not want to seem all whiney. Its just hard. I really really need/want this to work for me.

Hi Kimmie,

I was banded on Jan 28th and my 30th birthday was this past weekend too, the 22nd!

I am struggling with little to no restriction also—I started tracking my calories on fitday.com, and that has been a huge help. Also, working out first thing in the morning seems to start me off on the right track for the day, and keeps my eating in check (as opposed to trying to force myself to do it after work when I am hungry and tired..I am the master of finding an excuse then!)

I go for my first fill tomorrow—I'll let you know how it goes. And if you're looking for a fellow January bandster (and Pisces) friend, please send me a message or add me as a friend and we can keep in touch.

Good luck and happy 30!

Valerie

WOW how interesting. Yes please keep in touch. I am not sure how to add you as a friend. Happy Birthday to you also. I loved turning 30. I am a little weird I know. I will start keep track of my calories. A friend suggested following weight watchers. I might try that. Only I learned to cheat at that A LONG time ago. This time around I dont want to cheat myself. Thanks for the words of encouragement. Good luck with your first fill.