I had my surgery in early August of this year...and I lost 25ish pounds during the pre-op diet but since then I havent lost any weight. I never really feel full like Im pretty sure we are supposed to...and I was wondering if there is something wrong. I went into this thinking I was going to loose tons of weight and I havent. When I eat, food tends to get stuck A LOT and its really uncomfortable and a lot of the time I end up throwing up the flemy stuff. Does anyone know what is wrong with me!? Am I immune to the band?

Have you been to see your surgeon and discuss all of this? I would start there if possible. It doesn't sound right to be having that much trouble getting stuck and throwing up. Have you had fills/unfills? I hope you find answers.... take care/keep us posted. - Leslie

I've had 2 fills so far and I havent been back for another yet because I have been away at school. I plan on seeing him soon. Thanks!

Are you keeping a food log? Drinking your water? Maybe you're eatting to fast or foods that get stuck easily; breads, shrimp, broccoli...?

If you are keeping a log, look back on those days that were bad, maybe you'll find a reason for PBing?

But yes; speak to your doctor. Start writing down issues and questions now so you'll be prepared at your next appt.

Your weight loss is great and it's awesome that you are maintaining during these difficult times.

I would recommend you start to read some literature on the band. It will help you understand about the process better and learn the tips of the trade so to speak. What soft stops are, hard stops, how much chewing to do, portion size, ect. This is not like gastric bypass where the weight comes off fast, this is a gradual process.

I have had similar confusion, a bit more success, but still wonder how I haven't lost more. I lost 17 pre-op by eating low cal high protein. ( I was VERY committed to the "liver shrinking" and less worried about the weight loss...so maybe that is the key, to stick to the liver shrink diet.) I have finally started losing just in the last 6 weeks and have now lost 13 post op (July 6 surgery) but have been surprised how little I eat to get this far. And FAITHFULLY exercising 1 hour every day. Okay, so what I have figured out that might help you:

1) You need to get used to a different kind of full and figure out how to respond to it.

2) The band is restrictive or you would not have some throwing up. That's good. The tool is working. How can you use the tool to help yourself.

3) You have to be very honest with yourself about what you are eating.

4) Get at least 60 grams of protein. It will help you lose weight and keep your hair from falling out.

5) You have to exercise.

HOW TO DO THIS?

1) Drink a large glass of water at least 10 min. before eating. I keep water all the time because it is hard to get as much as is recommended. Then eat very slowly and chew a lot. When you start to be uncomfortable you have to stop. Uncomfortable does not feel the same as full but I think it is what full is supposed to feel like now. Don't sacrifice quality foods for things that "go down easier" - always start with protein and eat very slowly.

2) I was getting stuck and throwing up. Now I get stuck and stop...don't try to drink anything to wash it down. Just stop eating and let it pass if possible.

3) Try fitday.com for a food diary. I love it. I cannot believe how many calories I was getting when I thought I was at 800 calories. Record every pat of butter and every tsp of olive oil. The great thing is that if you eat a lot of the same things every day it is easy to add them to the food diary on subsequent days so it won't take too long. Then it tells you how much protein you get.

4) protein is easy. Buy those protein shots at costco and add to crystal light and take a long time to drink it. Add cottage cheese to soup. Hard boiled eggs (even deviled eggs) and fish are easy to eat.

5) Exercise every day. I like swimming and water aerobics, but I walk fast every day no matter what. You don't need special clothes to go walking. You can also record your fitness activities on fitday.com. Hold yourself accountable.

Final advice...I have been drinking that diet green tea from Lipton before lunch and I have a decaf hot green tea with lemon and stevia right before bedtime. I think they are helping. Don't forget vitamins. You'll see on fitday.com (nutrition is summarized based on your food log) which vitamins you are short on and it's a shocker.

So GOOD LUCK! I'll be watching for a post from you.

Okkay guys! Sorry its taken me so long to get back to you all. I went to the doctor sometime last week and told her about the problems that I have been having with my band. Apparently...its user error! Im still in the learning curve and I havent quite trained myself to take small bites and eat slowly. This obviously explains why I have been having so much trouble.

The good news is I was wrong and I have been losing weight. I have lost 14 pounds in the last 2 months (an average of 7 pounds per month.) The doctor says Im doing great and my band looks fine. She didnt even fill me anymore.

Im REALLY excited that I know the band is finally working even though it is a slow process. Congrats to everyone who has their band and everyone who is getting one. Its a great decision. And thank you all for your support!

Lauren