I posted this on the April 09 board too. Just posting here to seek additional advice!!!!! Just wondering if anyone else is feeling the same. Thanks!

I was banded on April 7th. I have had 4 fills and am just now starting to feel restriction. I haven't lost any weight yet, other than about 10 pounds at the beginning, which I have managed to keep off. But.....for the longest time I was able to eat pretty much anything and did get stuck once in a while, but never got full on less than what I thought I should have. Now after the 4th fill, I am starting to notice a difference. I had noticed a difference at the last 2 fills, but the restriction seemed to go away. My doctor's explanation was that the stomach swells after a fill, so you feel more restricition immediately after and if you aren't filled "enough" that feeling may go away.

I so hope that I am on my way....b /c I have totally doubted this band up until now. I am still not 100% sold though.....we'll see.

Anyone else in the same boat?

you are completely normal! I am in the same boat. I just had my 2nd fill today and she explained that they go slow so your body adjusts to the new foods, smaller portions etc. She said to stick with the EXACT amounts your doc told you to do, that will make a huge difference. I know I can eat a hamburger fine, which is frustrating! I want restriction. She said some people it takes 5 cc or more to get that sweet spot. Hang in there! Are you exercising? She also said kick it up a notch!

Thanks for repying, Ruth!

Yes...I have just gotten started on a regular exercise program, so I hope that speeds things up!!

I also started drinking a ton more Water and I think that is helping some.

Best of luck to you. We are on our way!

You're both doing GREAT!! The band is so funny and annoying it can get very frustrating.

I lost an average amount of weight for the first 3 months, then BAM, it just started kicking in and it really does work.

Keep your chin up, you're doing fantastically. The band does work, and you will wake up one day and think..FINALLY.

There is another thread on here titled "this band really friggin works" or something to that affect. Find it and read it, it says it all. :w00t:

Couldn't find "this band friggin works" thread. Any help? Can someone make a link to it?

Here's the links:

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f178/freakin-band-working-100957/

I was banded on July 14th and I have lost 18 punds so far. I have had 3 fills so far. They seem to work at first and then I don't feel any restriction. I have been operating off wheel power, which is frustrating (why did I have the surgery?). I am going back for another fill next week. Hopefully I will feel restriction for longer than 2 days.

I just hit true, consistent restriction with my 3rd fill, a week or so ago, 4 1/2 months after surgery. This put me at 6cc's in a 10cc band. The first few months can be tough. Just focus on switching over to healthier food choices, low fat meats, fresh fruits and veggies, cultivating a love affair with physical activity, and if you are doing counseling do you work there. I eat SO much salad now: taco salad, chicken fajita salad, salmon salad. Here's the catch though, when I finally got REAL restriction eating became a challenge. If I eat the wrong thing, or too much, or eat too fast I PB, and then am miserable. So, with restriction comes the challenge of truly learning your band. For me this means drinking something warm before I eat, choosing my food carefully, taking small bites, chewing, chewing, chewing, eating slowly, and LISTENING for the signal to STOP NOW, before it's too late. Also, when restriction hits slider foods look REALLY attractive. Just be prepared. When it comes, so does the requirement to change. Hang in there. It really does work!