I think I'm scared because I've gained/lost weight so many times and it feels like I'm in that cycle again! I was banded 7/3/09 and did great. I survived (barely!) the 21-day post-op liquid diet per surgeon's instructions. I'm now back on "normal" foods, but I have no restriction because I haven't had a fill yet. (I don't have my 1st fill until 9/12 - long story, clinic not opening until then) I've recovered nicely and I've lost 20 lbs. (includes pre-op loss). But, I HAD lost 21.5 lbs and I gained back 1.5 lbs last week. I'm doing my best to eat what I'm supposed to in the quanities I'm supposed to, but I admit I'm eating more carbs than I should. I've made some really good changes in my diet and portions, but I've failed so many times before. I think I just need a little moral support from my bandster buddies! :ohmy:

Hi Tish, You are in what is known as "Bandster Hell" which I just got out of thank goodness. I had my first fill on 08-04-09 and it feels so good. I didn't have hardly any restriction until my first fill and it was so hard to stay focused and be careful about how much and what I ate. Don't give up and hang in there. It is a very normal part of your journey and will pass. Just keep focused on that first fill. It may not give you complete restriction and probably won't but I do have great restriction right now and I am hoping that doesn't change for awhile. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Hi Tish,

Please remember that this is going to be a long journey - yes the scale will still go up & down - I'm 14 months out and still am surprised @ the scale - I usually play with 2 to 3 pounds for a few weeks, then the number drops a couple of lbs & the game starts again. Once you find the restriction it gets easier.....but you'll always have the I want's........

Good Luck

Tish -

This is what I do to try and make my head (because its not my body...its all in my head) not feel as though I am depriving it (and maybe it will help you with eating too many carbs): Every 2 weeks, I give myself one treat. And its a good one, like my favorite ice cream or something. I don't go crazy with it (like I don't get 10 scoops with extra hot fudge plus an extra bowl of whipped cream on the side or something) but its enough to satisfy me and give me something to look forward to next time. Additionally, I work out 6-7 days a week for 30 minutes and I keep my calories at or under 1000 or so (calorie intake varies by person, but thats where mine is at). So if I spend an extra 500-600 calories splurging on ice cream once every 2 weeks, I don't feel too bad about it and I can work at least half of those calories, if not more, off at the gym. That works much better than eating carbs everyday.

Also, however, during this time a lot of people gain weight. I really didn't eat very many carbs at all before my first fill, and during "bandster hell" but I know a lot of people eat mashed potatoes and such on the mushy phase and most doctor's think thats fine. So I wouldn't worry too much about it at this time. Good luck!