I don't even feel like I have a band!!!!

[cj033185 0]

I'm getting very discouraged. I swear I do not even feel like I have a band, now granted, have not had a fill yet. I'm just getting scared, because I feel the impending doom of am I going to be the one that this doesn't work for? I'm probably, just freaking out since I can eat anything in the amount I want. And let's face it, if I could control the amount that I eat I would not have tried this solution, EVER. I really feel like crying right now. I feel like such a failure and a loser. I know that I am not, but I am really down right now. I'm going to try to stay focused on the fact that the real help has not arrived yet, so thanks for listening. Please let me know if anyone has ever felt these feelings of this not working for you, and then it actually working for you.

Cindy

[bandster_1007 1]

i have not been banded long enough to say that i felt the way that you do, but my doctor told all of us that we would feel the way that you feel. they said it is very normal.

when were you banded?

[VegasGrace 1]

Weird to say it...but that's great!!! So many worry about knowing they have the band or feeling it.... just goes to show that you don't feel it.

I had hoped I'd be one of those who lost weight just by virtue of having the appliance inserted...wrong. Oh well.

Just having the band implated doesn't cause weightloss...it can on some. Restriction is what causes weight loss and that comes with having the band adjusted.

I didn't lose my first pound until 10 weeks AFTER surgery...and that was my 2nd fill.

So don't worry and try not to be too discouraged as the band is working as it should. Cindy, call your doc for a fill. But don't get discouraged if that doesn't work. It may take another fill or 2 to get restricted...but I can testify...it does work!!!

Hang in and hang on. Write back when you "omg, just had a fill and am loosing weight"

[Candle 11]

I've felt the same way since day 1. My only proof is the scars on my stomach. I also burp a lot!! lol

Hang in there - with restriction will come weight loss. It can take a few fills so don't get discouraged yet. You are completely normal and in what's called 'Bandster Hell'.

Just because you CAN eat anything, doesn't mean you SHOULD.

I go for my first fill on Monday - have you scheduled one yet?

[angeleyes32 0]

I've had four fills and have no restriction. Still keep going back until I do. I was told be patient, it will happen. Stuck at 22 pounds lost and gained a couple of those back!!!!!!!!!! I am discouraged as well, but am still going to hang in there!

[losingjusme 12]

Cindy,

how long have you been banded? sounds like you are in bandster hell ... it gets better. you need proper restriction for it to work. it may take a little bit, but when you have it, it's wonderful!

[RevShev 0]

I have had a number of fills but my appetite has not decreased. I've now moved from MI to CA and I am back to my old diet and old weight. Any suggestions on kick starting a new effort?

:help:

[losingjusme 12]

Rev,

Follow the bandster rules and maybe another fill.

[IndioGirl55 32]

Ok new banders - you will only feel your band if you over eat - it will cause you to pb - slime - golf ball in chest.

IMHO the band only does 25% of the work (restrictions) but the other 75% of the weight loss is up to you. You have to make healthy food choices and add exercise to your lifestyle..

I have followed my doctors & nutristinst rules, eat sugar free, low fat make healthy food choices - I don't eat chips, Cookies, regular ice cream, candy, tons of mashed potatoes - rice or Pasta (i have these carbs but only 1/2 c at dinner) All these foods are high in calories and go through the band just as if you didn't have one. I weigh & measure my food and keep a food diary and I also log my exercise. I am working towards a healthier life - you have to make changes in the way and what we eat.

The band is only a tool - that piece of plastice does not make you lose weight - it is not the magic cure to your food issues - they banded your tummy not your head - and the real problems lie in your head not your tummy.

OP you are in banderst hell - time between surgery & 1st fill and even with your 1st fill - you might not hit your sweet spot - but you have to remember why you got banded in the 1st places - and make healthly food choices - you do have to work - this is no different then any other weight loss programs - you have to make life time changes in the way that you eat and what you eat...

Good Luck...

[nina874 48]

Cindy dont panic!!!

I am nearly three weeks out and there have been times when I wanted to eat my own feet!

The one bit of advice that I can give you is STAY AWAY FROM THE CARBS!!!! They are the devils food stuff, the minute I have some it just kicks off all the cravings again, try to stick to Proteins, I eat things like omlettes there are loads of things you can put into them, fish with all sorts of rubs on it, strips of ham,creamed spinach - homemade I can give you the recipe if you want.

This will pass when we get that fill, you just have to be strong, I know it is going on a diet, I too have no patince with them but I keep reminding myself that it is only for another 3 weeks!

Nina x

[mojo 0]

I have the same issue...feel as if there is no restriction. I was banded 24 days ago. I lost 12 lbs the first two weeks but since have gained 2 back! I am also discouraged...I am struggling to control my portions, but like Cindy, I lack the will power...ergo, I had a lap band placed. My doctor won't do first fill until 3 mos post-op. How will I be able to maintain my 12 pound loss??? I am very afraid of failure also...after all, I have failed at weight loss all my life! Why did I expect this would be different?

Very blue.

[dhyke50 0]

Hi, I had my band but in on Oct 17. I had lost 17 lbs before the liquid diet. Then another 6lbs during the two weeks of liquids and afte the surgerey 14 more pounds that makes a total of 37 lbs. This week my doctor told me I could have meats and a few other thinks pereed or mushed so I started this on Wed. two days ago and haven't lost anything since. I have been walking like they told me 400 steps 4 times aday. I have up the steps this week as I can start to do more. I am very happy with what I have done. I think it depends on what you are doing. I know the doc told me excersie was a very big part of it all. Just like any weight loss. Also I think it all depends on what we put in our mouths. It isn't easy anyway you look at it. Just keep going you don't want to go back to what we were. Being alittle positive helps. And you family has to be with you all the way. Keep going.:clap2:

[modspace 0]

What is the time frame from the surgery and the first fill

[IndioGirl55 32]

What is the time frame from the surgery and the first fill

it's up to your doc - for most i think 6 weeks - that was mine anyway..

[modspace 0]

Thanks Indio