I keep reading about the same thing here over and over again so I wanted to put my two cents worth in for all of you new bandsters

that it is perfectly normal to not lose weight during the first 6 weeks. You have NO fill...the band is desigend to work it's best with fills! It is also normal to not lose during the liquid phase since you are not taking in hardly any calories. You know that old addage that our bodies will conserve whatever we put into it if it thinks we are starving it and that is what is most likely happening during the liquid phase. It is also normal to see a gain when you go from liquids or mushies to solids so do not panic...Do not fret or get discouraged. Most of us here were where you are at one time or another. Once you are healed and getting your fills things will change I promise. One thing I have learend during my 17 months with my band is there are going to be times when I do not lose on the scale but I'm losing inches. I'm also gaining my life back so when the scale doesnt move, think of all of the possitive things in your life that have changed since you got your band. For some of us it has been getting off blood pressure meds, for others it is getting off insulin, for others it has been more energy,for others it is no more sleep apnea and for others it is No back or joint pain. My list is endless of all of the possitvie things that have happened since my band You get my drift, I'm sure. Do not let the scale dictate your success or failure with the band. The band is a lifelong tool, this is a lifelong journey it is going to take some time but the key is patience. The key is to also follow the rules to a degree. Do not go and get a fill that is so tight you can not take in solids and think it is smart cause you will lose wieght that way.You have all made the first step to a happier healthier life. I can not stress enough the importance of patience. The band is not a miracle or magic wand, the pounds are not going to fall off. If you have the right mindset, one day at a time, the good with the bad, you will succeed. Patience Patience Patience!!!

P.S. Did any of your Dr.'s tell you that the first 6 weeks is not about weight loss but about healing? Any weight loss during the pre fill stage is a bonus? THey should have if the ydidnt ..this was my Dr.'s biggest stressing point to me before he sent me home after surgery. How many of you got the Inamed Handbook after your surgery? This is very helpful to all of us not just the newbies but to us who have been banded for awhile. Here is the link you can go to and print it from your computer

http://www.inamed.com/pdf/health/94829F_LB_Patient_Book.pdf

I hope my two cents worth helped you in some way

Best of luck to all of you

*~*bump*~*

I'm not a newbie...was banded Jan. 24, 2006, but your pot was valuable for me, too. We all need to be reminded that it's not just about the scale. I am losing pounds very slowly but I'm finding that some of my clothes are now too large (LOVE that!!) even tho the scale isn't moving much. And I can feel my collarbone even though it isn't very prominent yet!! We all get frustrated with ourselves when we make wrong choices, but what we do one or two days isn't what makes the difference...it's the long haul. As long as we make good choices most of the time, we'll do fine.

Thanks again for your words of wisdom!

Emily

Thanks for this thread! I am 3 weeks post op and frustrated. I lost 12 pounds the first week and have gained back 4 over the last two weeks. I am eating alot less and i am learning how to eat. since I no longer get that "full" feeling in my stomach I want to keep eating, but I am learning that that is not the thing to do. My DH says I look like i have been losing inches, and my clothes fit a little better, but pound for dollar...I want to see a return on my investment! Okay, okay, I am being impatient, so no need to remind me! Thanks for all the great advice and continued success and strength to you all.

:bump2: :bump2: :bump:

I feel like I have struggled from day 1. I was banded on June 6th and I've lost about 15 lbs total. I finally have some good restriction so I am hoping this will help . One of my biggest issues is alcohol consumption. I am trying not to drink too much but sometimes I want to drink so the calories are empty.

I have been reading posts all night long from newbies and this thread relates to so many of them..so Iam bumping it for all newbies to read...

Good idea La Madam! This is such a helpful thread for us newbies. Everyone should read it from start to finish!

Well, I am definitly one of those struggling bandsters. I have only lost 14lbs and keep bouncing back and forth with the same 3 lbs....this morning I was at 12lbs. I am getting VERY frustrated. The scale hasn't moved in almost 2 weeks....grrr.... I have been in quite a bit of pain so I keep blaming it on the pain meds and not being able to be very active, but I don't know. This thread gave me some encouragement, but I really want to see that scale move. I still have quite a bit of restriction. I eat about a cup at every meal and I'm struggling....my body acts like it's pissed at me! I just want that scale to move!

Hey, your body is probably just re-setting itself to a new reality (some call it a "set point").

Let it have its time to adjust. It's okay. I really understand the frustration, and when I start feeling it, I sit myself down and tell myself the same things you are reading in this thread. It does help.

Good luck!

I am addicted to the scale...I admit it! I finally took my scale to my daughters. LOL!

I am bumping this, I have been reading new posts from new menbers who are discouraged...this is for all fo you newbies. Hang in there. The band works ! Patience is key :girl_hug:

Sorry but I need to bump this thread due to all the newbies here who think they are not losing enough weight and are struggling.

I am so glad that I came across this thread. I am 3 weeks post-op and have lost 8 lbs since surgery and have been really down on myself for not losing more. I am hungry all the time and shamefully have started eating solid foods already. Hoping for my first fill tomorrow. I wanted to reply so that this thread could be "bumped" for anyone else who is in need of some wisdom and compassion. Thanks to everyone who posted here and good luck to all.