laurenm

You should have your blood drawn and tested... you may be anemic. Make sure you get at least 60 - 70 g. of protein per day -- if you are, and if you're drinking enough water, see your doctor about doing some testing on your blood to check your iron levels.

I also have different levels of restriction depending on the day... but usually for only about a week after my fill. My NP said that it's the saline "settling" into the band, and my stomach getting used to the restriction. She said that it could take up to 2 weeks for everything to settle down and be normal after a fill. If you're experiencing problems outside of this timeframe, I would certainly go see your doctor to talk about it. Phlphan -- I would keep your appointment, even if you don't get a fill, just so you can air your concerns, and see what they say. Best of luck to you all!

So I had my first fill about a week and a half ago, and aside from having to take *slightly* smaller bites when I eat, I have not seen a difference in my food intake. I can still eat 8 - 10 oz. per meal (every 3 hours), and I can still eat just about anything. Does this mean that I already need another fill? Am I being impatient? Does it take more than a couple weeks to start "working?" My NP made it sound like after the fill I'd feel immediately restricted, and I really don't. What has your experience after the first fill been in terms of quantity and quality of food? Thanks for any help or insight!

I agree... there shouldn't be any pain, especially if you're just breathing! :smile2: Talk to your surgeon about the pain and see if he recommends taking just a little bit out of the band. Even 0.5 cc's can make a difference!

The needle stick is not that bad. I was really nervous about it, but I barely even felt it. The worst part, for me, was right before the needle stick, when the NP had to push and press around to find the port. It was a little uncomfortable, but not painful. You'll be fine!! :tongue_smilie:

"Give it time. I didn't feel any restriction until 2 weeks after my first fill. It still wasn't enough but I did finally start to feel what people had been talking about. You will get there. Keep up the awesome work!!!" This is so good to know! I was banded on 5/21, and had my first fill on 6/29. I didn't feel anything that first day at all, and the second day I ate an entire roast beef sandwich, bread and all, and didn't feel anything! I started to worry that I needed another fill already, but finally on the third day I started feeling fuller after eating just 4 - 5 ounces, and I'm feeling fuller for longer as well. I'm glad to know that I am not the only one who didn't feel anything immediately afterwards! :tongue2:

I, too, have hit a plateau -- I was banded on May 21, and lost 16 lbs in the first week. However, I haven't lost anything since then. My doctor said that once all the Water weight is gone (all the weight in the first week), it takes your body a while to realize that it's not starving, and to stop hoarding fat and allow you to lose weight. I, too, am winded after just 30 minutes of brisk walking, but I attribute it to my continued recovery, and am looking forward to the exercise getting easier! Best of luck to you!! :grouphug:

Hi, everyone! I'm new to this site, but I'm hoping someone can help me calm my fears... I was banded on 5/21/09. The first week, I lost 16 lbs. This last week, I lost NOTHING!! Not a pound!! I have been eating 4 oz. of protein every 3 hours (although I'm hungrier for more at a time... is that normal after just 2 weeks?!?), and walking for exercise as recommended. Why would I lose so much in the first week only to have NO weight loss the second week?? Has anyone else had a similar experience? Please help, thanks!!

SoonToBe... I'm trying to figure out how to post my ticker information on my posts... I'm using the code it gives me on my ticker website, but it keeps telling me that the URL is invalid. Can you give me any help? Thanks, LaurenM

I, too, have about 200 lbs to lose... what a great attitude you have! Keep it up... you're not alone!! Good luck!!