Hello to anyone that will take the time. I sailed right through the surgery and it was fantastic. My doctor took great care and I was back to normal about 2 days after surgery. He requires us to stay in the hospital overnight. I followed all the rules and felt absolutely fabulous after surgery. I started walking right away and of course on liquids for 2 complete weeks and then mushy for the next 2 and then incorporated solids slowly. After about the first month I was 11 pounds down! I was totally happy with that! But after I started eating it was no problem at all eating. When I went in for my first fill I was still 8 pounds down and felt absolutely nothing after the fill. Maybe for the first 5 days I really took it easy. 2 months after I had another appt. I had lost exactly 1/2 pound and it's because I was never full. I can't do it on willpower alone. He filled me (I'm up to 5ccs now) It was perfect for about 5 days and then and NOW I can basically eat everything and anything. There is no restriction! Consequently I've gained back all the 11 pounds plus and I'm so depressed. And calling this guy and trying to get an appointment is like pulling teeth. It takes 2 months to get an appointment. Luckily for me (after all this weight gain) I'm scheduled for next week! Has anyone else gone through all of this? I thought you weren't supposed to be able to eat much. I can take pills and swallow big chunks of food with no problem. Can anyone offer me any advice at all? I'm so desperate. I've called the doctor's office every week for a month but they "can't get me in sooner". Is anyone else having a scheduling problem? Should I try to be seen somewhere else? I'm really lonely about this because I don't really have anyone to talk to. I would appreciate any help anyone can give me. Also, when I go in next week what should I say about a fill? Tell them to close me up? I would prefer to only be able to drink liquids for about 2 months at least. :sad:Thank you

Trishtlc: I'm sorry you are having a hard time. I know you know that the band is just a tool to help you but you have to help it too. It won't work by itself. You have to eat what you're suppose too in the amounts recommended and you have to exercise. It's an ongoing challenge every day.

As for your doctor, before you leave his office, make your next appointment for a fill then. I go every 4 weeks for now and I have 6.5ccs in my 11cc band. I don't have restriction and don't even know I have the band unless I don't chew something well.

You have to realize that some surgeons are mainly interested in just doing more and more surgeries. They keep so busy with surgeries, they don't have enough time for the regular appointments. If you can't find satisfaction with your doctor, seek another one if you can. Talk to him, tell him your problems, and ask if he is giving up on you.

Having said all of that, I hope you will "jerk" yourself up and start again. You deserve to be a healthier thinner you. You and your tool must work together to get to that point. Good luck and keep us posted.

Hi Lolly! Thanks for your input. I guess the thing is that if willpower would work and I would only eat the right things I wouldn't have had to get banded in the first place. I studied, read forums, read research and basically all the info said you "can't" eat or you'd get sick. And 1/4 cup is all you can eat. I purchased lots of dollars in Protein drinks, protein shots (3 oz of pure horror) and chewable Vitamins that I didn't need. I guess I thought if they sold it and the doctor recommended it that I had to have it. I can take regular vitamins, pills and eat steak, too.

Also, we do make appointments before we leave the office but they won't let us make appointments closer than 8-12 weeks later.

Hi, I just have to add my 2 cents - I hate hearing that you are blaming yourself. By all that you say, you have not got enough restriction. None of us went through surgery to not get the help of having restriction.

I'm sorry you have such difficulty getting in to your doctor. The clinic I go to usually schedules us to come back in one month whether we need a fill or not (cost included in the surgery - so it's not for more money) and I've been told if I feel a need to come back sooner just call. The only issue is they are only available one day each week, but I've never had an issue getting an appointment on the day of my choice.

I've been lucky to have at least some restriction from the start. I've even had too much and that made me stop losing weight because it was too hard to eat the "right" foods. But I had 1/2 cc taken out and I feel so much better.

Anyway, try to forgive yourself, others have made great suggestions for things to do, exercise and eating better, just don't get upset or embarrassed because the surgery hasn't started to help until you get that restriction.

I can't help you but I am looking forward to see responses. I was just banded Oct 6. So far I have gained 6 pounds. Some say that is ok because its healing time. I went back yesterday for my first fill. They reminded me that this is just a tool and its up to me! I have had lots of tools in the past. Diet pills, Jenny Craig, Medifast and others.....If its up to me I'm afraid I am going to fail. Even after the fill I don't feel any restriction.

Dont feel bad. I was banded sept. 4 have had 2 fills and do not have any restriction. I have managed not to gain but have not went down either. It is a tool, but it hasn't worked as far as telling me I am full. (Maybe right after surgery it did)

Great advice from JACHUT. You didn't mention, that I noticed, the size band you have. I have the 4cc band. It took me 4 fills to get to my sweet spot. Others didn't take a long. You probably need a couple of more fills for proper restriction.

I have never had a hard time getting in for a fill. My doctor has performed several hundreds of lapband procedures. If I call today, I can more than likely get in Monday or Tuesday of next week. He is generous with the fills. I can get a fill every two weeks if I need one. Sometimes it has taken me 3 weeks to feel restrictions so I've not gotten a fill too close together since I was first band. I think you should add exercise to your workouts and not focused as much on the scales. I know this is easier said than done but it is a great thing to do. I never thought 2 yrs ago I would be as fit as I am now. Hopefully you'll be able to tell a difference with your next fill. I know how discouraging this can be. Each of us bandsters has felt this at some point during our journey. I know things will get better for you and you'll see results soon. Keep us posted and feel free to ask questions anytime you need to. We are here to motivate each other.

Hi, I completely understand what your going through. I had surgery 9 months ago and have only lost 8 pounds. I am so frustrated. Yesterday, I had a fill that brought me to 5.5 cc's. Today, I am having difficulty breathing. However, I'm not sure if it is related to the band or if it's just an anxiety attack (I've had them before). I called the Dr's office, the nurse said he was unavailable and that I should go to the emergency room and have my band emptied, just in case. I'm torn, it has taken me 9 months to get this amount in my band and I'm still not losing! Now they want me to start all over as a precationary measure. Ugh, I'm so irritated!

Hi, I completely understand what your going through. I had surgery 9 months ago and have only lost 8 pounds. I am so frustrated. Yesterday, I had a fill that brought me to 5.5 cc's. Today, I am having difficulty breathing. However, I'm not sure if it is related to the band or if it's just an anxiety attack (I've had them before). I called the Dr's office, the nurse said he was unavailable and that I should go to the emergency room and have my band emptied, just in case. I'm torn, it has taken me 9 months to get this amount in my band and I'm still not losing! Now they want me to start all over as a precationary measure. Ugh, I'm so irritated!

I would be conflicted as to what to do as well. I don't know how bad your having trouble with your breathing, and that, of course, has to be your primary concern. However, if it's manageable, how long have your anxiety attacks lasted in the past? Are you able to drink liquids?

On the other hand, if you get the unfill tonight, you could probably start back right away with another fill, once you feel better. I hope things work out.