surfergirl4011

I was banded on September 2, 2009, and since then my weight has remained the same. I've had two fills, and am now at 6.5 cc (Realize band). I do feel some restriction and I do feel fuller longer, but I am still able to eat a lot more than I thought I would be able too. I generally eat pretty healthy and exercise regularly. Once in awhile I'll have a glass of wine or a dessert, but if I wanted to give all that up 100% to lose weight, I wouldn't have gotten the band ... I would have done it on my own. I have about 45 pounds to lose. Has anyone else struggled for the few months after surgery? Will weight loss kick in at some point? I've requested another fill from my surgeon, and am hoping that will help.

Hi there - Congratulations on making the decision to get the band! I was banded almost three months ago with a starting BMI of around 34. I have experienced a slower-paced weight loss than many who have WLS, but I think that's to be expected when you have a lower BMI (and that's what my surgeon has said again and again). Do you have any specific questions? I'd be happy to give you my personal experience. Probably one of the biggest things that I didn't realize was that from surgery to proper adjustment (could take several fills), I didn't feel any restriction. I thought the darn thing hadn't taken. It wasn't until my band was properly adjusted that I started seeing progress. Last month I lost 6 pounds, just as an example. I'm totally stoked with that weight loss. It may not sound like a lot to some, but it is huge to me - especially after years of trying to lose weight on my own without success. I wouldn't trade the band for the world, and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Let me know if you have any specific questions, and congrats!! You're going to love your new life. surfergirl4011 carlsbad, ca:thumbup:

I couldn't have said it better, prettyontheinside. This isn't a magic fix and there is certainly a lot more at play besides just "saying no." If it was that easy, we all wouldn't be here. Thank you for your kindness and understanding. That's exactly what I was looking for ... my best to you on your journey.

Wow, that was a really rude response to someone struggling!! If I had the willpower or desire for that matter to cut out all dessert/wine from my diet completely on my own, do you think I would have shelled out $16,500 from my checking account to be banded? The band is a TOOL - I get that. It isn't going to do it for me. I'm working out (training for a triathlon) and eating healthy! I certainly doubt a glass of wine on a Saturday night or a few bites of a dessert once in awhile will completely screw everything up. You're all or nothing attitude could evenutally get you in to trouble, so be careful. And maybe think through your responses to others on this board. We're all in this together, you know.

Hi Fellow Bandsters, Finding this threat today has been a life-saver. Thanks to everyone for their candid, honest thoughts and struggles. I concur with everyone here, and am having the same experience. I was banded on 9/2/9. I'd lost 10 pounds pre-op (on liquids) and thought I had found the Holy Grail. But in the five weeks since surgery, and since moving to regular foods, I have actually gained a couple pounds! I've been working out a lot and trying to journal, but like many have said here, I still struggle with caving to crap food and old (bad) habits like emotional eating. It's hard because I feel like this is just another "diet" that hasn't work .... a "diet" that cost me $16,500 (I paid cash for mine since I didn't qualify through insurance). All of this was leading me to feel like a failure until I came across this thread. Everyone's thoughts have made me realize two things: (1) it is early in the game, and my band isn't really fully functional until it is filled (I've only had one fill so far, 4cc); and (2) the band isn't going to magically do this "for" me, it is going to do this "with" me, which means I need to cut out junk that isn't healthy for me - with our without the band - and keep up the exercise, planning meals, etc. A great big THANK YOU to abercchick for starting this thread. It set me back on course today when I felt like giving up. Keep up the good work everyone! surfergirl 4011 carlsbad, ca starting weight: 229 pre-op weight: 219 current weight: 221 NOT GIVING UP ..... ever!!! :thumbup:

Hi, I'm almost 3 weeks post-op and I'm feeling awesome. I'm working out again (spinning classes and walking) and generally feel back to normal. But that's part of the problem - my "normal" appetite is back, too. I'm doing my very best to stick to my post-op diet plan (I'm on pureed foods now), but it is seriously hard to make it through the day without eating upwards of 1500 calories. I've been a little depressed the last couple days, thinking this surgery didn't "take," but I'm also reading that oftentimes you don't start feeling restriction until after a fill (or two). Does anyone have some advise? I just made this major life decision (and financial decision - I paid out of pocket) and I'm feeling a bit lost/confused. Help!

Thanks for the feedback. I'm feeling much better today. This isn't a quick fix, and it also isn't a magic bullet. I need to stay consistent with exercise and watching what I eat, and let the band do the rest. Oh, and I need to add a big dose of patience with that formula. Feeling excited again about that the future holds, thanks to your comments. It's appreciated!! :bored: