I was banded on April 9th. At first I was lucky to eat 1/4 cup if mushies, I know that it was due to the swelling of my stomach due to the surgery. In the first two weeks following surgery I lost 20 ponds. Now it seems that I can eat alot most times, though not as much as before my surgery I don't think. There has been some days that I can't eat much but overall I feel as if I am letting myself down.:mad: I do not go for a fill until the 20th of this month and the PA said that they will probaly put 3cc's in my band. He was not quite sure what size the surgeon put in because when I went for my 2 week post op the PA said that he did not read the report, but it was probaly a 10. I am not quite sure what that will hold. Do you think that this will give me much restriction?

I am wanting to lose this weight but it is like the others have said on here, if I had the will power I would not have went through this. When will things start to happen?????

Welcome to Bandster Hell. Not the greatest place to visit, BUT it's only a visit. You have pretty much no restriction right now. Anything you lose will by "white knuckling" it. Once you start getting fills and building up restriction it gets easier. I've had 3 fills (going for 4th in just over a week) and have 5.1cc in 1 10cc band. I am close to my sweet spot, though not quite there. I usually can go 4 hours between meals (not like today, when I'm mowing the lawn and other yard work -- which makes me hungry sooner). And, unless I'm eating mostly salad veggies, I am happy with 1/2-3/4 cup of food (and no carbs usually). But when I was 2 weeks post op, I was feeling really good, was STARVING and was praying for the time to fly to my first fill.

Just hang in there! If you get too hungry between meals, EAT Protein, like a boiled egg, 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese or an ounce of low fat cheese.

Don't worry it is totally normal! Once you get more restriction in the band, "food life" will get easier. At this point I would recommend perfecting your new life eating habits of high-lean protein/low-carb/good-carb. It will make life a lot easier once you start feeling restriction, if you have your new eating habits down to a science. I know people in my local support group that haven't had great weight loss successes, because they still eat A LOT of simple carbs, claiming they go down/thru the band easier! If your doctor has cleared you for exercie, start! Exercise helps move those numbers on the scale a lot faster then the band alone. I started off walking everyday, now I see a personal trainer three times a week and power walk 4 times a week and feel great!!! Good luck to you, I have a feeling you are headed in the right direction.

Now it seems that I can eat alot most times, though not as much as before my surgery I don't think. There has been some days that I can't eat much but overall I feel as if I am letting myself down.

You're in the final stages of healing. Be patient. If you think you're eating too many calories, track them for a week or two. This will reassure you that you're eating the right amount. And, you won't be going so low that you stall your weight loss. I use the daily plate on www.livestrong.com. I can input my exercise, and what I eat, and it tells me how many more calories I need to eat for the day. I can also track my Water intake.

Also, there's no substitute for exercise. Move it.

Good luck to you.

I too am in HELL! Call it what cha want, I am very comfortable calling it that. I am trying to watch what type of carbs I ingest. You all gave good advice and I shall listen and DO.