Frustrated

New Life · May 13, 2005

I have been banded for six weeks now. Things started off well. The first week I lost six pounds. The second week I lost a few more pounds. For the past four weeks I have not lost any weight at all. I have never had any restriction whatsoever (even after having been filled once). I am frustrated. I'm sure many will respond with, "You must exercise and eat right." Since that has always been the case, then what is the point of the band? How is it supposed to be helping me lose weight? Please give advice. Should I get another fill right away?

SanDiegoSue · May 13, 2005

Did you say your just go banded six weeks ago? So did I . I have lost several pounds but that was due to internal swelling. I did not receive a fill at the time the band was placed. The first 6 weeks are for recovery. i get my first fill this Saturday with Dr. Martinez in Tijuana. I think that is when the real restriction will begin. I am getting hungry, but still can't eat like I used to.

Does anyone out there know if I should follow a special diet tomorrow the day before my first fill> I appreciate any advice.

Thanks

Susie

vinesqueen · May 13, 2005

Hi New Life, I'm 8 weeks out and still don't have a fill. It is my understanding that some poeple need more than one fill before they start feeling restriction. I believe part of it has to do with the size of your band, and how much they put in for the fill.

Some people have reported that they will have no restiction initally after getting the fill, then WHAM! they have restriction. You didn't say how long ago you had the fill. I would give it a few days before getting another fill. You might be surprised, but then again, you might need the extra fill.

Susie, as far as I know, no pre-fil special diet. I know that many people have said their fill doc recommeds liquids or mushy the couple of days following the fill just in case there is a sudden restriction. You don't want to end up with a PB.

Be kind to yourself.

dallasdoll · May 13, 2005

i had my surgery around the same time you did.. i have only lost 9 pounds total.. i can eat like a horse.. tonite i had fettucine with chicken.. some bread... and pringles... people keep saying that it will be better after the fill.

it doesnt help that we got this surgery but feel kinda like failures compared to others... i am so happy to hear that people have lost like 20 pounds...

but they have lost it in less time than i have lost my weenie 9.. and that hurts too... but it doesnt mean that we arent going to lose more... maybe you do need another fill. but you may have lost inches ya know.

i am certain that you arent one of the people who wont lose weight after getting the band... you have already lost weight that ya wouldnt have if you didnt get the surgery right?

i believe you will get there.. it is early yet... if after a year you have only lost 10 pounds then i will be astonished....

one day at a time....

Alexandra · May 13, 2005

This is another phase that new bandsters always seem to go through! You first have to let your fill settle for a couple of weeks, and if you're still not feeling any restriction after that then certainly talk to your doctor about another one. The band isn't going to help unless it's providing restriction, so that's the first thing to get right.

Angeleyes · May 13, 2005

I was banded about the same time you guys were and I have lost 10 pounds and have had one fill. I lost 2 pounds after the first fill and then gained it back when I started back on solid foods from liquids. I was told that the first fill doesn't usually make you feel much restriction. I just made an appointment to have my second fill so I am hoping that will help me lose some weight. I am so glad I didn't tell many people about my surgery. I really feel like I would feel much worse trying to justify why I haven't lost more.