starting to feel discouraged... help please!

[angieband 7]

I was banded on september 13th. I lost about 14 pounds post op. However the weight loss has stopped and I have literally no restriction or any changes, as if I never even got the surgery. I've been reading that this is common until your first fill. So my question is, is - after the fill will I continue to loose weight? Has anyone else experienced this problem before fills?

[erikam 1]

Yes I had surgery 9/30 lost 30 lbs gained back 5 I've had a lot of family events and gained back 5 my fill is in a wk. Hang in there.

[sally125 2]

I was banded on 9-26. At this time, I feel no restriction and could eat anything I want. I've had to really watch myself because the twinkies keep calling my name...it's about will power right now until our first fill. I can't wait because I need some help here. I truly understand "bandster hell" now. I even had one time that I was so hungry for McDonalds (which I haven't had in forever now) that I went and ordered a Big Mac meal. When I had it in my hand and was getting ready to take a bite, I caught myself and threw it all away! My doctor told me that it's not uncommon to even gain a pound or two at this point.

[waynef 25]

Angie,

Please do not be discouraged, it is normal after surgery to even gain a few lbs. After the swelling goes down you will be able to et just like before, like nothing has changed. Actually it hasnt changed yet. The change comes when you get fills, sometimes it will take or 4 fills to get restriction. My dr was very aggressive with my first fill and filled me to like 6cc in a 10cc band. I had super restriction after my first fill, some dr arent near as aggressive and it takes longer.

I promise you one year from now you will be amazed at the weight you have lost.

Any questions feel free to ask, anything

[angieband 7]

Thank you all so much. I truly appreciate everyones input. I'm feeling a little more confident and I am hoping to see more results on this journey!

[DawnH 9]

I was banded on Sept. 12th and have my first fill Tuesday and I am so ready for it. Hang in there it is all part of the process. If you want a few of us started a 'September 2011 bandsters' thread. We are all going through the same stages and it seems like we are all having the same struggles. Good luck!

[Corrigan 75]

I was banded on september 13th. I lost about 14 pounds post op. However the weight loss has stopped and I have literally no restriction or any changes, as if I never even got the surgery. I've been reading that this is common until your first fill. So my question is, is - after the fill will I continue to loose weight? Has anyone else experienced this problem before fills?

This is the period when your stomach is healing, maybe the most important part of your surgery

although you don't feel anything but hungry. You probably shouldn't worry about losing weight

just now, even though you want to get on with it. You're probably scheduled for your first fill any day,

and then you may feel some restriction for a while. Be patient, eat the way you were told and at

this time next year, you'll be a hundred pounds lighter.

[angieband 7]

Thank you dawn! Let me know how the fill goes, I have my first one on november 2nd

[angieband 7]

Also thank you to corrigan, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one struggling

[54Shirley 105]

Yep it's a common thing. It takes 3-4 fills before you realy have good restriction, and you start to just drop the weight. So don't get Discouraged.

This comes in time.

Another thing,, if you watch your calories, and only eat what your Dr. has told you. When you stop losing weight, you start losing inches. That's the way this works. So sometimes it's not plateau, your still losing. This goes back, and forth throwout your weight loss journey.. So Breath, and be patient. It will come with the fills.

Have a good night, Shirley.

[angieband 7]

Thank you very much shirley

[54Shirley 105]

Your Welcome !

[michaelk 20]

I was banded on september 13th. I lost about 14 pounds post op. However the weight loss has stopped and I have literally no restriction or any changes, as if I never even got the surgery. I've been reading that this is common until your first fill. So my question is, is - after the fill will I continue to loose weight? Has anyone else experienced this problem before fills?

It is far too early to get discouraged .

I didn't start to feel any significant restrictions until my fourth or fifth fill.

The surgeon told me that is quite normal.

I also did not experience any significant weight loss until then.

After that, I started to get real results.

So far I have lost 50 pounds.

I would like to lose another 50 pounds, and they will probably come off more slowly, but I think they will eventually come off.

[Jonna 4]

Don't get discouraged!! I had gained back about 5-6lbs in my 3rd week post op, however by the time I went to my first months post op I had lost that plus an additional 4 more lbs. I had surgery on June 30th and have only received 1 fill, right now I am at 2.5cc's and have no restriction at all. I go back to the doctor on Wednesday and a little nervous that I've gained a couple of pounds. The last appt I went to was Sept 26th and he did not give me a fill because I had lost 6lbs in that month. My doctor is very strict and if I'm averaging 1-2lbs per week, he will not give me a fill. He believes if you lose the weight to quickly, then your more apt to be able to gain the weight back once you're to your bands capacity. I am so happy with my results so far and feel like I'm really doing the work myself by exercising rather than giving all the credit to the band. Good Luck to you, and hang in there!!!

[Catherine55 43]

Welcome to "Bandster Hell!" This is TOTALLY NORMAL -- it happens to almost everyone. Heck, I gained five pounds during that phast. But guess what?? You'll be back to losing as soon as you get to a decent restriction level. That may take more than one fill, so be patient and try to make the best food choices you can until you get to a good level.

Don't stress though -- you're supposed to focus on healing right now! The weight loss phase is right around the corner.

Best wishes for your success,

Catherine