It Is Like I Never Had Surgery Sometimes

[prettysmart1913 48]

I am 6 weeks post op and have 4.5 ccs in my band. I am getting frustrated because I have no restriction. I don't want to hear all of the "you are in bandaged hell" and you have to diet comments. I got a $10,000 surgery to help me with eating less. I know I need to be patient....

[Kami172000 16]

Wow what size band do you have?? Thats a lot for the first 6 weeks!!

starting weight 287.6 current weight 257.4

[NWgirl 574]

I understand you're frustrated, but just keep going back for fills and you will be there soon enough. Try not to overeat because you don't want to cause any internal issues. Keep your head up and you will get to the green zone soon!

[HappilyRandom 1]

I am 6 weeks post op and have 4.5 ccs in my band. I am getting frustrated because I have no restriction. I don't want to hear all of the "you are in bandaged hell" and you have to diet comments. I got a $10,000 surgery to help me with eating less. I know I need to be patient....

I am 3 weeks post op and I feel also like I don't have a band except for the port site incision pain which I STILL have . I don't know how much is in my band, but I was told my Dr. won't adjust fill for anyone until 3 months out. I still have to force myself to be on the restricted diet, though I do not feel "full" if that is what you are saying?

[Summerrain 520]

Well I'm going to say it, $10,000 surgery or not, patience little grasshopper!

It's a slow process getting to that green zone but so worth all the $10,000 once you get there.

The way I see it this is a good time to put your new skills into practice and whip out that willpower.

Keep yourself busy and distracted, it helped me a lot when there were days I could swallow the whole fridge in one go. Every single wardrobe and cupboard in my house got spring cleaned, my garden is weed free, my house is spotless and my business files got reorganized lol. My husband said to me are you sure you're not about to have a baby because I did the same thing before by babies were born, lol.

Just try to find it in you to keep on track, it's tough but as I said we'll worth it and it gets easier.

[CAROLYNFC 24]

Are you getting enough Protein? That will help keep you fuller longer. I am 18 months post op and if I don't get enough protein I get hungry.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

when you mean (no restriction) are you eating and not using Portion Control or stopping at 1 cup of food?

the band will help you eat less (as the fills work their magic and hit that ever popular green zone). so until you get there to that zone, you have to watch the amount of food you can/will eat. by eating slider foods or drinking while eating, you can eat overeat quite easily. just because someone can eat alot doesnt mean one should.

i wont tell you its easy. i have no fills but i eat as though i do have complete restriction. i stop at 1 cup (stop eating after 20 min) and focus on Protein first as this is my bodys fuel. its a everday battle with me and i am 4 months post op. you are still pretty new banded. so hang in there and dont give up. you need to have a positive attitude. that is the main thing. all the best to you.

[HappilyRandom 1]

Are you getting enough Protein? That will help keep you fuller longer. I am 18 months post op and if I don't get enough Protein I get hungry.

I haven't been keeping track, but guess I will go back to 2 Protein drinks per day instead of just one, been eating the bean Soups alot like they told me too for protein, but then heard its alot of carbs? I can now add pureed meats so bought a little processor yesterday and will try that and more vegetables also pureed.. I weighed again this morning and I am the same even to the ounce as 2-3 days ago when I last weighed.

[prettysmart1913 48]

I understand all of the should do's...I have lost but I also know many people who didn't lose until the got to the Green Zone. I am ready to be there. If Portion Control was not all of our problem we wouldn't need the band. I get that we need to, and I am, control portions until we get there. I am just ready for the help with it that I paid for. I know...I have to wait and stay focused.

[Mellissa 22]

Man!! I feel the exact same way ! I am 13 weeks post op, had my first fill 3 weeks ago and I still can't feel much restriction! I even think I gained a pound and embarrassed to go for my second fill next week! Recently a trainer that I worked with posted online how she feels surgery is a way out and I think that is bringing me down!! Having the surgery doesn't make it any easier!! But what I keep telling myself that I CAN do it, and so can you!!

[prettysmart1913 48]

I understand Melissa and I think being realistic about the fact that we need the tool we paid for is ok. It is great if some can do it without but if you can't then anticipating the green zone is ok. It doesn't automatically mean you are just eating like you have no control. It is just a reminder that we made the right decision because we need out bands.

[Rapunzel 2]

6 weeks is still a little early. Do you have a Realize band? I have one and my surgeon doesn't add any fill during surgery and the first fill was 4cc - he said that the Realize structure is different and 4ccs is twice what he'd start w/ the lapband.

You may not be eating dense enough Protein - dark meat chicken (you probably can tolerate white meat) - ground beef... those will stay with you longer. Weigh and measure to make sure you don't over do it. I also find that a few almonds with my meal helps to sustain my full feeling.

Call your doctor's office and let them know - they may move up your next fill date or advise you on food options.

Hang in there.

[HappilyRandom 1]

6 weeks is still a little early. Do you have a Realize band? I have one and my surgeon doesn't add any fill during surgery and the first fill was 4cc - he said that the Realize structure is different and 4ccs is twice what he'd start w/ the lapband.

You may not be eating dense enough Protein - dark meat chicken (you probably can tolerate white meat) - ground beef... those will stay with you longer. Weigh and measure to make sure you don't over do it. I also find that a few almonds with my meal helps to sustain my full feeling.

Call your doctor's office and let them know - they may move up your next fill date or advise you on food options.

Hang in there.

My Dr. filled at time of surgery hoping it would be perfect, and won't add fill until 3 months out, yeah just recently started to be able to add pureed meat.. don't think I have a realize band.

[neener1970 39]

I didn't hit my green zone until 9ccs. Could still eat full quick no sickies but they do it slow so you can adjust your eating without getting sick. It's better than getting stuck and different foods effect people differently so it gives you time to learn what you can tolerate

[LadyMaggie 145]

I understand and can relate to your post; I am 6 months post op and still NO restriction; going for ANOTHER fill this week. . . frustrating