jacksdad

thanks to everyone that replied. I though I knew what good restriction was before but now I really know. All those classes for 6 months where they were telling me how small of a portion I'd be able to eat is finally a reality. I've got a long way to go but moving in the right direction. It's helped me refocus that this is really a long term process as well as a behavioral change. Keep it up everyone. Tom

Thanks Everyone. I was hoping it was the mysterious sweet spot. I'm certainly excited about it. I really appreciate how positive and supportive everyone is here. the in person meetings tend to be a little bit of folks trying to top each other. thanks again. tom

Hi all, I'm usually more of an observer and reader on this site but wanted some opinions. I was banded in July, lost like 15 lbs in the first two weeks then slowed down immensely. My doc is pretty tight with following routine and not rushing it and while frustrating at times it makes sense. Right before xmas I was down 30 lbs since band, 40 since starting the program, and did not lose an ounce from xmas until two weeks ago when I saw the doc. He said that he thought 9 ccs in when in actuality it was 7 ccs. I rarely got full and could eat an entire turkey sandwich including toasted bread. I now have 8.5 cc's in and really get full very quickly and feel like it is rally working. Before the fill I was powering down my typical morning whey drink and now since the fill , have to actually drink it slowly or else it will come right back. I don't think I'm overfilled cause I still can eat but really need to take small, small bites and fill up right away, like the said would happen. Sometimes if I'm having some steamed chicken, its like 3 or 4 small bites and I'm good. Does that seem right. I'm not hungry so I guess it is and I've lost 12 lbs int he last two weeks so I'm psyched with that. On a very positive note, with the working out and everything else, I've lost 10% body fat since the surgery so I'm psyched. I love this site and find it incredibly helpful. Best wishes to all.

Good morning. I had my 3rd fill two weeks ago (I have a total of 9 ccs) and now feel like I have some good restriction. Lost 6 lbs in two weeks which I think is a good pace. 4 lbs away from my first goal which is to get under 300 for the first time in 4 years. Clothes are starting to fit much better and I was actually able to find something in a non big and tall section to fit so I am excited. Still feel like I need maybe 1 more cc to be at perfect fill spot. Cannot eat bread at all so I think that has been a help. I can eat weight watchers english muffins when toasted and the whole wheat ones are pretty good and filling. The challenge for me is the fullness does not get rid of the cravings so I am really focusing on controlling those because lately, all I crave is ice cream. When I do give in, I make it a weight watchers pop. Gotta run. Take care all and keep after it.

Thanks to everyone for their help and thoughts. I love this group and actually find it more helpful than the in person support groups. Thanks again!!

Hi Agnes, I got banded on July 15th and had lost 25 lbs before my first fill in late August which was 3.5 cc's. Lost another 3 to make it 28 lost and then had my second fill last week. Another 3.5 cc's for 7 total. Since my second fill I gained 4 lbs but definitely had some restriction. I'm starting to lose again now. I do find I do alot better when I write it down and may actually do ww online again because it is so damn easy to do, at least for a little bit to see how much I really am eating. The other thing is to definitely make sure you are eating enough. For a little bit I was not eating a high protein snack/drink in the am and afternoon and I found that definitely hurt me int eh weight loss department so I am back on track with that now. Good luck and hang in there. Tom

Good morning all. I just had my second fill this past Tuesday. I have a realize band and now am up to 7ccs. After my first fill, 3.5, I had no restriction and could eat everything, although I didn't and did not gain nor lose weight. Now, after the 2nd fill, I definitely have pretty good restriction and am eating about half as much but have gained about 5 lbs. My guess is my body thinks it is being starved and is hanging onto eveything it has and will readjust in another few days and start burning the food again. Anyone else go through this or am I just crazy. Thanks, Tom

Congrats on meeting your first goal. I was banded on the 16th and had my first fill August 28th, 3 cc's. I did not feel any restriction from my first fill and have my next in 9 days and I am hoping to finally get some restriction. Right now I can eat anything I want and it is only will power keeping me from doing that. I'm down 28lbs since the surgery and have been at this weight for about 1.5 months. I think folks here call it bandster hell. I exercise about 5 days a week. I've got awful knees due to abusing them playing football so i'm restricted to a bike. Looking forward to that second fill. congrats to you and keep up the good work.

Hi all, Just need to vent. Surgery was on July 15th and I'm down 28 lbs but I'm int hat stuck phase and I need to vent. Had one fill so far (3cc's) and no restriction. I go in for another on October 13th. I have not been gaining but it is all due to self-control which I know I need but the hunger is still there. I know from reading posts it will get better but i'm just frustrated. I'm really going to push hard to make sure I get a good size fill due to absolutely no restriction after 3 cc's. Thanks for listening.

Thanks Mimi. Im hoping for a little more than 1 cc the next time but we will see. Certainly makes you use the band as a tool and not just a fix all.

Hi all, Had my first fill last week. I have a Realize band and he put 3 cc's in. My doc is pretty conservative and doesn't want to have to put cc's in only to take them out later. He even said, I may not feel a huge amount of restriction so i'll need to make sure to work had at eating right which I'm fine doing. I'm jsut curious as to have other people only had 3 cc's ont he first fill and how much more did their doctor add ont he second fill , whcih mine is anotehr 6 weeks away. Thanks

I held off from exercise for a week after the surgery and then started biking, etc. Played golf which did not bother me at all. Just started back on ab work at 6 weeks postop