I was banded on 10/09/09...i have lost 10lbs...but recently gained 4 back...i'm eating regular food. What am I doing wrong? Please help...any suggestions?

Until you begin getting fills, and getting decent restriction, you're going to be doing more of the work to lose weight. It doesn't mean you can't lose weight, but it's going to based more on your will power. Many bandsters had very strict pre-op diets and dropped several pounds, and then there's the added post-op liquid diet. These are short-term weight loss fixes, and it's not unnatural to add weight back as you move back to solid foods. A little can be attributed to Water retention too.

If you haven't started already, measure your meals (if your doctor has prescribed that you stick to a certain amount), journal everything you eat, count calories/protein/carbs/fat. It's the ugly word..diet. As you get fills, and move toward restriction, it feels much less like diet, and more like normal eating. There's no way in the world I could stick to three 1/2 cup meals plus a healthy snack (my doctor's meal plan) and feel satisfied without good restriction. All meal plans are different, but hopefully your doctor has given you guidlines.

I'd say the first several months of having my band the work was 75% me and 25% band. Now, it's the opposite. My band does 75% of the work, and I'm doing 25%.

Good luck, and try not to get discouraged.

ok...makes sense...my doctor never discussed measuring anything. How much and how often should i be eating. Also i really havent stuck to my protein shakes..does that make a difference. Thanks so much for your input.

ok...makes sense...my doctor never discussed measuring anything. How much and how often should i be eating. Also i really havent stuck to my Protein shakes..does that make a difference. Thanks so much for your input.

Did your doctor give you guidelines to follow? My doctor is pretty strict about measuring, but others aren't. You're still very early in the process, so more than likely you're going to be hungry sooner and able to eat more food than someone like me who has had their band for a while and has had several fills. Some people say the Protein Shakes help, but my doctor wants us to be consuming our protein in solid meals as much as possible. If we need to supplement occasionally with Liquid Protein to get enough during the day or because some people just can't eat solid food in the morning, protein supplements are then suggested. Some doctors say three meals and no Snacks. Others say several smaller meals. It's a hodge podge.

My suggestion is that you get specific information from your doctor (or his office or your nutritionalist) as to what plan they want you to follow. I really don't think there's a one size fits all, and as long as you're not routinely overeating for your pouch size and restriction level, pb'ing, having reflux, etc, you'll do fine, and you'll be able to work out a plan that fits your needs.