Losing weight

GC53 · April 27, 2007

Can someone please explain how having a fill will help with weight loss.

I was banded 11th March and have so far lost about 16 lbs. However I have been stuck at the same weight for about three weeks now. I have not been overeating - in fact only went on to full solids last weekend.

I have one weetabix with a little soya milk and Water for Breakfast usually with a coffee and a soluble Vitamin so really full after that. Lunchtime been having a bagel or a small sandwich. And for evening meal either small baked potato with tuna or maybe chicken and salad or a weightwatchers meal. I don't usually finish the meal either as full.

So I can't see that I would be eating much less once 'filled' so how come I am not losing weight and have plateued.

Thanks

Ariel · April 27, 2007

Since you were just banded on March 11th you have alot of restriction from just the surgery alone. Some people can go months with out needing a fill, others are back to preband days by now. When your restriction wears off you will need to eat more in order to get the same feeling of saity, at that time you would get a fill.

GC53 · April 27, 2007

Sorry - I should have added that I have an appointment for a fill under xray on 8th May. My query is really that I can't imagine eating much less after I have my fill as I don't eat vast amounts now. So how does having a fill make you lose more weight. Sorry maybe I am not explaining myself very well but I suppose what I really mean is - as I am not overeating at the moment or since surgery but I have stuck at the same weight for about 3 weeks so how does a fill change this.

thickchickTEXAS · April 27, 2007

I had surgery on March 5th my weight was 274 I went back to the doctor on March 23 weight was 260 I went back for my my first fill April 16 weight was 256 I just weighed myself for the first time after my fill and I'm at 250 now *i lost 6 pounds after i got my fill* total is 24 pounds i got back for another fill on May 21st I have 76 more to lose !!!

Ariel · April 27, 2007

A fill makes you eat less. As you eat less your weightloss will increase. Some people require a certain number of calories a day that they need in order to lose weight, meaning if they go under it they will not lose. For you right now it sounds like you don't need a fill. To increase your weightloss try exercising or if you are currently exercising try upping it a little. Go to you app. and talk with your doctor and maybe do some more reading about the band. I hope that helps you. I see that you have a low BMI, where were you banded and are you self pay?

GC53 · April 27, 2007

I am in the UK - I was banded in Manchester. Yes I was self pay.

As you can see I was 184 lbs before I had the gastric balloon fitted.

I have high blood pressure and problems with joints. I'm only 4ft 11in tall.

I regained a lot of the weight lost with the balloon and that is why I decided to have the lapband fitted. I have now lost a total of 37 lbs from the balloon and the band so very happy but just stuck. I think that I am ready for a fill as I don't now feel a great a restriction as there has been.

I do get confused when some diet advice is that if you don't eat 'enough' your body can hang on to fat reserves and therefore you won't lose weight.

Jachut · April 27, 2007

Over time you'll be able to eat more than that and that's when you'll need the fill, you may not actually need one on the 8th May.

I've found the opposite actually, I havent eaten less and less as I've been filled, and I eat similarly to that, the same sorts of things, levels of carbs etc and fills for me have maintained a reasonable food intake, not made me eat less and less. When my fill wanes and I find myself eating more I go back for a top up, but personally, I have never eaten less than what you're describing.

I'd say you've had a quick spurt of weight loss following surgery and are plateauing out a bit but it will move again for you. Everybody is different though and you may need to experiment a bit - I can eat plenty of carb foods because I run up to 10km per day. The old fashioned ways of dieting still hold true too - watch the fat, try not to eat too many calorie dense foods, have the fruit not the juice type of thing. Exercise has made ALL the difference between being able to eat a normal, just smaller portioned diet and not having to go below 1500 calories a day to lose weight.

Do you exercise?

LLSibley · April 28, 2007

It doesn't look like you are getting very many Proteins in your diet and a lot of carbs. Don't forget you 68 oz of Water a day too. That really helps wash out calories and keeps you hydrated.

WASaBubbleButt · April 28, 2007

How much are you exercising?

Daisalana · April 28, 2007

My only observation is that your weight loss will probably be slower than others, since you do not have a whole lot left to lose. I think most people as they near 'goal' slow down considerably and it looks as though you're pretty close

GC53 · April 28, 2007

Thank you all for your advice.

I have just bought a stepper to get in some excercise. Must admit I'm not a fan of excercising, never have been, but I know I must do some. I have had problems up to now because of really painful hip and knee joints [which I must say seem to be subsiding rapidly due to the weight loss] Although 10 minutes on my stepper and my knees are really painful.

As for Protein - I do take a Protein Powder and eat eggs, yoghurt,etc.

Think I should cut out the Bagels, bread and potatoes although not eating vast amounts of them think my diet would be better without them.

Will keep you all informed

WASaBubbleButt · April 28, 2007

Think I should cut out the Bagels, bread and potatoes although not eating vast amounts of them think my diet would be better without them.
Will keep you all informed

Each person is different but for me I have to cut out all white carbs. If I eat any I am sooo hungry and I crave more. It's a cycle I have a hard time breaking so I cut out all white carbs. For me it is all or none. Not sure if this applies to you or not.