No Restriction--Advice Needed, Please!

[NewMissB 14]

Hi everyone, I could use some advice/cheering up, please. I as banded on April 5, did a liquid diet for a week and then started mushy foods for a week, and I'm now eating regular food. In that amount of time I've lost 20 pounds, but even as I try to eat super slowly, and watch what I'm eating, I still have a large appetite, and find that I don't really have any restriction. If I eat too fast or don't chew well enough (which has happened once or twice) I can feel the food get stuck, but it passes within minutes, and I still don't feel "full." I am really trying to stick to the correct foods, and am not having trouble with that at all, but I am just concerned now that my weight loss seems to have stalled, I'm eating larger portions than I would like (not nearly as large as before surgery), and I'm feeling very discouraged. My first fill isn't until May 11th, but I need to know that this is normal, and that I made the right decision, because I'm really trying to save my life and be healthy.

Anyone who has been though this before, is going through it now, or has any advice, I'd really appreciate it!

Thank you all so very much!

[Holly Dolly 575]

someone else earlier posted this same concern. No, you are not alone! You made the right decision for sure. It just takes a while to get to your greenzone. Hang in there!

[ronnfia 13]

I didn't get any restriction until I had my 2nd fill. Once you get there you will definitely have restrictions. You get to experience the sliming and the throwing up as you get used to how much you can eat. I have had my band for 4 years. I no longer have the love affair with food that I used to have, eating has gone from enjoyable to a chore. I still eat too much, I just don't do large meals, I have learned how to eat more smaller meals. ( too many small meals as it has been lately).i have successfully been able to keep off 60+ pounds off so it has been a success overall. Like Dolly said stick in there and you will find your sweet spot, it's just going to take a while.

[pink dahlia 2,513]

you are not going to lose alot of weight quickly for awhile probably , because you are in the HEALING stage, not the LOSING stage. Only when you finally get restriction will your appetite be small. In the meantime you'll probably be less hungry than you used to be but not in the green zone. I went through the exact same thing you did but knew it would take time and i would eventually get to the green zone. I had my 5th fill today and hope this is it ! I was banded dec 13th, 2011 and im down 32 lbs. The band does work, it just takes time so be patient and follow your Drs orders. Good luck !

[Evy 1]

You just got your band. Aside from the swelling you won't have any restriction until you start getting fills. Take it easy it'll happen

[SageTracey 608]

Normal, normal, normal. Rejoice, you are normal! You will achieve restriction with a number of fills and you will enjoy success. Keep on following your doctor's guidelines and the results will follow. Getting the band is a lifestyle change and it truly is a case of one step at a time. Good luck.

[JOSIEC21 3]

hi I am having the same trouble and I havebeen filled twice but not really feeling restiriction so sometimes get fustrated. I will do my next fill on may 9th so hopefully I will finally feel the restritction. good luck to you hope you do better dont give up.

[honk 780]

Do you have a digital food scale? If not buy one (availble Walmart, target, etc). My doctor says measure out 3 oz of Protein and then eat low fat/cal veggies until full. This is bandster hell. You will feel this until you get restricton. Took me 6 months.