3 months post-op & FINALLY feeling the band

[prdmommyof3 0]

So, here I am, nearly 3 months POST OP from my lapband surgery, and extremely disappointed in myself and my (lack of) progress.

I was 217.4 on surgery day am only at 209 today. I got my 3rd fill yesterday, and let me tell you...I am THRILLED.

Until yesterday, I didn't ever "feel" my band. KNEW it was there, but never felt full after a small amount, got stuck, or anything. It makes for a very trying time telling yourself to Portion Control when you don't have a full sensation yet.

Anyway, last night, I could even feel yougurt passing slowly, and today, the same thing with applesauce. No problem keeping it down, but I can definately feel it taking it's sweet time to go throught the band.

I am FIANLLY hopeful that I will start to see some progress.

Slow to start, but so hopeful that THIS IS IT!!

[mjm2009 0]

I am glad to read this. I am just over 3 months, and have lost a total (including preop diet) of 43 lbs. I feel that I have been doing it all "myself" by dieting and making good food choices, etc., not by the band helping me. I have been stuck a couple of times, but only when I make a big mistake do I feel the food going through the band. I will be looking forward to my next fill!

Congratulations!

[Fern 0]

I totally agree! I was banded mid march and have been white knuckling it too! Sometimes its frustrating, plus my surg is very conservative through the fill process. i have 4ccs now, and will get another in 3 weeks but likely LESS than 1 full CC! At Surg my weight was 221 and I am just around 207 now. I can't wait for more restriction. I've been exercising like crazy. 1 hr Zumba 2x a day most days. I'm definitely converting fat to muscle and thats the problem lately. I still want the scale to MOVE! Can't wait for onderland!

[caldwell33 0]

I am glad to read this. I am just over 3 months, and have lost a total (including preop diet) of 43 lbs. I feel that I have been doing it all "myself" by dieting and making good food choices, etc., not by the band helping me. I have been stuck a couple of times, but only when I make a big mistake do I feel the food going through the band. I will be looking forward to my next fill!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to all of you. I feel about the same. I was banded March 24th, 2010. I have lost a total of 44 lbs including the weight I lost before surgery. My loss since surgery hasen't been great. I too feel like I'm doing it all myself. My first fill was for 5 cc and my second was for 1 cc, I have a large band totaling 13 cc. I am very disappointed. I feel almost no restriction. The only problem I have is occasionally with very dry food such as tuna (which I love) and chicken (which I also love). I have norrowed it done to the dryness of both. I can eat everything else, and I mean

everything including steak with no problem. My weight has stayed the same for 3 weeks now and I just called my doctor and moved up my appointment for my third fill to next week. I pray to God this works. I am getting very discouraged and depressed. Please say a prayer for me, because if I don't start loosing again I think I just my give up. I wish everyone a wonderful Fourth of July. Eileen

[Fern 0]

Eileen, you can't give up! So it's taking a little longer than we hoped, but you bet we aint going to gain it back!!! Not Ever!!! 44 lbs lost is just about the same is me since the beginning, pre op dieting. That's AWESOME. I also get VERYYYY discouraged and crabby about the process, but I feel sooo much better and finally feel well enough to love exercise again. I didn't quite understand how long it would take to ramp things up to efficiency, but, lol, for now, I'm still enjoying things that may end up off the menu when I'm thighter aka bread and other carbs. I don't have any better advise than that because some days I'm mad a heck too. I just keep thinking about where I was a year ago and what I've acomplished has been my own doing... which I agree is super annoying! A few more months at best till we have some great restriction. My goal is to be at or around 150 by Christmas! Thinking big picture helps, too! I'm going to join in the Christmas challenge. I just failed sort of at the 4th of July one.....

[MomgetsHealthy 0]

I am so encouraged by you all! I feel the same way. My dr got rid of his nutritionist and so there really isn't any one to ask what I'm doing wrong. I feel like I'm doing this all myself. I had my first fill, but still don't really feel anything. Some times if I eat too fast, it will feel like it is stuck and hurt to swallow, but that is rare. I keep telling my self that this was a good idea and just to give it time, but really, I'm disappointed and getting discouraged too. Good to know that it may take 2 or 3 fills.

[jasonj69 0]

Eileen, you can't give up! So it's taking a little longer than we hoped, but you bet we aint going to gain it back!!! Not Ever!!! 44 lbs lost is just about the same is me since the beginning, pre op dieting. That's AWESOME. I also get VERYYYY discouraged and crabby about the process, but I feel sooo much better and finally feel well enough to love exercise again. I didn't quite understand how long it would take to ramp things up to efficiency, but, lol, for now, I'm still enjoying things that may end up off the menu when I'm thighter aka bread and other carbs. I don't have any better advise than that because some days I'm mad a heck too. I just keep thinking about where I was a year ago and what I've acomplished has been my own doing... which I agree is super annoying! A few more months at best till we have some great restriction. My goal is to be at or around 150 by Christmas! Thinking big picture helps, too! I'm going to join in the Christmas challenge. I just failed sort of at the 4th of July one.....

Have you started a food Journal to keep an eye on your intake? Remember this is not like gastric bypass total weight loss can take up to 3 years to achieve. Keep up the good work and remember this is for a better you no matter how long it takes!!

[Erika41910 0]

I was feeling like that after each fill. I would feel restriction immediately, then it seemed like after about a week, I wouldn't feel much restriction at all.

Today I had my 3rd fill, and I feel a lot of restriction now. I have my fingers crossed that this is the fill that will do it.

[mercilessmarcy 1]

I go in for my first fill July 7th. It's been 4 weeks since surgery and I've only lost ten pounds since then. Then again, this time a year ago I'd be saying, damn, I GAINED ten pounds in a month! Exercise if the key for me. I've led a sendentary life for so long it's hard to just get up and move. But now, I can get up and my knees don't hurt! It was sugar that was kicking my ass, making my arthritis flare up into high gear. I know this is the right choice for life.

[caldwell33 0]

Eileen, you can't give up! So it's taking a little longer than we hoped, but you bet we aint going to gain it back!!! Not Ever!!! 44 lbs lost is just about the same is me since the beginning, pre op dieting. That's AWESOME. I also get VERYYYY discouraged and crabby about the process, but I feel sooo much better and finally feel well enough to love exercise again. I didn't quite understand how long it would take to ramp things up to efficiency, but, lol, for now, I'm still enjoying things that may end up off the menu when I'm thighter aka bread and other carbs. I don't have any better advise than that because some days I'm mad a heck too. I just keep thinking about where I was a year ago and what I've acomplished has been my own doing... which I agree is super annoying! A few more months at best till we have some great restriction. My goal is to be at or around 150 by Christmas! Thinking big picture helps, too! I'm going to join in the Christmas challenge. I just failed sort of at the 4th of July one.....

Hi Fern: Thanks for the encouraging words, it makes me feel better knowing I'm not alone, so I feel better that I'm not doing something wrong. I am going to get my 3rd fill next Thurs. morning and can't wait. I was checking some of the other responses and alot of people with the large band (13 cc) haven't been feeling the "sweet spot" until between their 6-8 fills, so believe it or not that made me feel better. I guess I'm just too impatient. What I also need to do is start

swimming. I can't do too much walking since I have a spinal problem and very bad knees. So, I understand that Water aerobics are good to do. I think I'm going to start on Monday and try to go 2-3 times a week.

Jason: Yes I do keep a food journal, I write down and weigh everything I eat and keep a calorie count (never over 1000 cal.) and I am also keeping track of my Protein intake and taking supplements when necessary. Thanks again to all for you help. Happy 4th. Eileen

[paula2468 7]

This is so encouraging. The Dr. warned me it might take up to 3 fills to get to my "green zone". I am feeling hungry between meals and have about 3 weeks til my 2nd fill so just trying to log what I eat and workout a lot.

[mercilessmarcy 1]

Oh thank goodness! I had my first fill July 7. I felt restricted for all of ten minutes.... I haven't lost anymore weight and I haven't gained anymore. Just sit here glumly staring at the silent scale. I called my Dr. for a fill appointment. I could cry, he's not available for another month! Aughhh!!! The really good news is that, like others, I've discovered that sugar is the enemy, my arthritis is totally under control and I can MOVE now! Yippee! I'm never going back. Life is too short and there's so much I want to do...not to mention clothes I want to wear!

[JoiaRox 430]

I, too, was frustrated that my band wasn't working for me for the first, few months. I'm about six and a half months post op and, let me tell you, the choices you're making now to control your portions and help you choose healthier foods will only serve to benefit you in the long run! When the band is full enough to start working for you, you'll be glad you aren't slamming a SuperSize meal at McDonalds anymore...I'm amazed at the total transformation in my lifestyle, food choices, and body!

[austinsmama72 0]

I can totally relate to this. I got banded March 23, 2010. Up until last week (my third fill) I could eat almost normal without feeling any tightness. But after that third fill!! what a difference! I can't keep down a few bites of cottage cheese at Breakfast or lunch. But at dinner I can eat a lot more than the rest of the day. I was concerned about this, so I'm glad I'm not alone with this situation. I can almost finish a lean cuisine at dinner, but if you think about it that's not very much, especially since I barely ate the rest of the day----so it's not too worrying. And I am eating WAY less than all my skinny friends! :bolt: they feel like pigs around me lol...oh well!

[caldwell33 0]

I can totally relate to this. I got banded March 23, 2010. Up until last week (my third fill) I could eat almost normal without feeling any tightness. But after that third fill!! what a difference! I can't keep down a few bites of cottage cheese at breakfast or lunch. But at dinner I can eat a lot more than the rest of the day. I was concerned about this, so I'm glad I'm not alone with this situation. I can almost finish a lean cuisine at dinner, but if you think about it that's not very much, especially since I barely ate the rest of the day----so it's not too worrying. And I am eating WAY less than all my skinny friends! :bolt: they feel like pigs around me lol...oh well!

Hi to ALL: Well I had my 4th fill today. I haven't lost any weight in 8 weeks. Dr. doesn't seem to think their is a problem. I DO! I hope this fill helps. He told me to come back in 2 months, I made the appointment for 1 month! I'd rather have the appointment than try to get one. I haven't had anything to eat today and I'm just starting to get hungary ant it's 4:30 pm. I think I will have Soup for dinner since they said only liquids today. I hope you are all well, it's nice to know that I'm not alone and there are others who are in the same boat. We will survive this, I know it, but I just want to see something different on the scale to know my efforts are working even if it's alittle. Thanks for the encouragement, I needed that:thumbup:. Have a gre:thumbup:at week and God Bless you all. Eileen