I felt EXACTLY the same way! then i found out that until you have your first fill, there is no restriction in the band at all!!! you may feel a little tightness ("restriction") right after surgery but that is just swelling. the first 4-8wks is just for internal (and a little external) healing. many ppl report that they dont feel restriction until they hit their "sweet spot" around their 3rd fill. im also told that: each time you loose a certain amoount of weight, the fat around your stomach reduces and the band loosens. so until you hit your sweetspot (the perfect band restriction for you) you are basically just "dieting & exercising". My doc and nurse say that the band doesnt "kick in" until between 3-5 months after surgery/fills, etc... I am exactly 2 months out today -I hv 8.75 in my band. I can tell tht I need a "tad" more to hit my sweet spot. as of last weigh-in, I'd lost 16.5 pounds!!! :-) I officially weigh-in w/my LB Doc tomorrow (6/28)...i will update my blog/weight then!!! ***fingers crossed***

J_BandRanger has excellent advise. I would add to that that you need to think positively that you CAN do this. The more that you think that you can overcome this and you will lose the weight you can make it a reality. When you see the weight coming off and you are making the right choices..these will motivate you to continue. I do not look at this as a "diet" I look as this a lifestyle change. This is the way I am going to eat the rest of my life. I eat everyday foods..just small portions and always protein first. I only have 5.75 in my band. I have lost 99 lbs in 7 months and have 28 lbs to go. I walk and work out in my pool almost daily. The other thing is if you have a bad day..don't beat yourself up just put it behind you and start tomorrow off on the right foot..and don't have two bad days in a row. I wish you the very best! You CAN do this! Stay on line there is a ton of support on this site, especially if your your head thinks your are hungry..sign on and your hunger will go away! LOL