It has now been 5 weeks post op and to date I have lost a total of 11.5kgs (25lbs) which I am really very happy about. It has been quite a journey and I have needed to have patience just to let everything settle. It's quite nerve racking just not knowing what to expect - you can read as much as you can but there's nothing quite like experiencing it along the way. I certainly agree that the band is very much a 'tool' that you work with. Follow the golden rules and you will loose weight. I am very strict with just eating three meals per day and absolutely nothing inbetween - that means nothing - even one bite of anything!! I have struggled to keep up with the recommended fluid intake so have just settled on what I can manage and that seems to be fine. I am due to have my first fill in 12 days time and I am ready for that. I have noticed that I am thinking more about food and have got quite hungry at times. I seem to be able to be eating a greater volume too - something I was just totally unable to do in the early weeks after surgery. I am walking 5 days a week - usually for about 40 minutes - making sure my heart rate is increased - waste of time if thats not happening and I am going to the gym 2-3 times per week. Have found some food just does not sit well and so avoid it now - ie fresh bread (toast ok), doughy wraps, potatoes. Overall I am just so happy to be on my way and with a reasonably weight loss thus far is is just so worth it also knowing I am working toward a much healthier life is just great.

hi plum007, i have been reading your blogs and was interested. i too didn't loose heaps of weight on the opti like most people do, i have lost 6.5kgs since the begining which i thought was quite low compared to others. however i did start on more solid food about two and a half weeks post surgery which to some is quite soon. but anyway i feel good and i will be watching this site to keep me broad minded about the whole experience. i guess its not always text book for everyone. keep up the good work.