Frustrated

JenniferU · July 16, 2008

I was banded on 5/14 and have had two fills and have not lost any weight to date! I'm hungry all the time and can eat as I did before I had the band. My last fill was 07/08. Help I'm very frustrated.

gilliebean · July 16, 2008

relax is your doctor giving you little fills that might have something to do with it. Its all very frustrating but you might need to diet till your fills take.

July 16, 2008

I was banded on 5/14 and have had two fills and have not lost any weight to date! I'm hungry all the time and can eat as I did before I had the band. My last fill was 07/08. Help I'm very frustrated.

Unfortunately, this is what we veteran bandsters refer to as "bandster hell"...this is the term used to describe the interim period between being banded and finding good restriction (a/k/a "sweet spot"). Unfortunately, it might take 3 or more fills before you find good restriction, because the band reacts differently for everyone. Best advice is to keep pushing your doctor for regular fills, and eating healthy fruits/veggies to try and keep hunger at bay.

PS - does your doctor perform fills under fluoro in radiology or by hand in his office?

Edited July 16, 2008 by zengirl227

CirrusPilot · July 16, 2008

Hang in there. You will eventually find the sweetspot. I had my third fill on Monday. What a difference! I went from no restriction to a real tight restriction. i am learning to live with the band in a new set of ways.

Northwest_Nance · July 16, 2008

I was banded one day after you and I'm learning that patience is the name of the game, and that is hard! I've actually had four fills and I'm still not restricted. I can tell that I have the band (hurray!) because I do feel it if I try to eat a restaurant size meal, but basically I can eat everything, including big Vitamin pills. I'm losing about 2 pounds a week but it is from plain old fashioned dieting just like I did before I had the band. I have another fill scheduled for next week and just like the last few times, I'm hoping it will be the one that pushes me into my sweet spot.

It could take awhile before you reach your sweet spot. All I can suggest is to do the same thing I'm doing.... track what you're eating, make healthy choices, limit your calories, and exercise! Good luck and hang in there!

Edited July 16, 2008 by Northwest_Nance

JenniferU · July 16, 2008

Thank you very much. It helps a lot to hear from others who have struggled a little in the beginning. I will call my doctor, who is 3 hours away, and schedule another fill and keep my fingers and toes crossed....

Bamagal · July 16, 2008

The problem with some Doc's is they give you .25cc's or .50cc's and first in my opinion

you have to fill up the tube before the fills start to reach the band,with that in mind I told my fill doctor do not be chinchy with that juice.I got 3cc's my first fill .But I still did not feel any tighter but decided I would wait 2 months for the next fill so maybe the first of August I will get my second fill.

Edited July 16, 2008 by Bamagal

juliegeraci · July 16, 2008

Jennifer, keep going back for fills until you can eat 1/2 cup of food, 800-1k calories (no more than 1200) and can go hours without feeling hungry. It took me 2 years and in fact just last week I finally hit my sweet spot after 20+ attempts. You have to be patient. Fills are typically small and it takes quite a few. Julie in CA.