Is this bandster hell? Please tell me this will end and I will start losing again!!!

[SkinnyKathy 99]

I was banded on September 9 and I quickly lost 12 pounds, in pretty much the first 5 days or something like that. But since then I haven't lost a pound. It's been almost two weeks since I lost anything. I've been following the diet pretty closely. I'm on mushies now and I'm eating non-fat cottage cheese, hummus, non-fat yogurt, Soup, scrambled egg, and sugar-free Protein Drinks. I don't have much restriction now. My doctor said not to worry about portions right now, just focus on healing. I am not restricting my portions now, but I know I am eating far less food than I used to, and much lower carbs and calories. I am drinking unsweetened iced tea all day. I haven't started taking Vitamins yet. I just joined Curves and I had my first workout today. I know I should be more patient, but I feel like I am exerting will power all the time and I have nothing to show for it in the past two weeks. I think I need to measure my portions. I already have an appointment for a fill at 4 weeks post-op which is the soonest I can get it done. I hope this will get easier in the future, because right now I feel like I am working hard and have nothing to show for it. Please tell me that it will get better!!! UGH!:bolt:

[Fanny Adams 7]

It's perfectly normal and you will start losing again. Most people experience a plateau or even a regain of a couple of pounds about 1-3 weeks after the op. I think this is a combination of things: firstly, a lot of weight you "lost" in the pre-op and first post-op week was Water, not fat, making it look like you lost more than you really did. As your body adjusts to the new regime, the Fluid levels balance out, masking your continued slow loss of fat. Secondly, most people seem to agree that after a long period of very low calories (e.g. the pre-op and post-op weeks), your body goes into "starvation mode" and hangs onto fat for dear life, thinking it won't get fed again. This will pass as you slowly take on more normal foods again.

As you heal inside, you may (or may not) become very hungry again, waiting for your doctor to give the ok for a fill. Do your best to stick to the food types allowed (liquid/mushie/soft) as specified by the doctor, concentrate on healing and getting the right mental habits in place and don't worry so much about Portion Control - that will come with restriction.

Within a couple of weeks, you will be eating more normal foods - choose lean meats, healthy fresh veges and let the band do its work. You WILL start to lose again.

Edited September 27, 2008 by Fanny Adams

[RestlessMonkey 7]

My doctor said not to worry about portions right now, just focus on healing.

You said it. Until you get fills you won't have restriction. Now is a time to not worry about portions but focus on healing. The band is NOT rapid weight loss like by pass; the average is 1-2 pounds a week ONCE you have restriction. Give it time and give yourself a chance to heal.

And don't just drink tea; you need some plain old water! (I know, I love sugar free tea too) I have found I need a good quantity of Water each day . My surgeon requires 64 ounces and I try to get that much each day...then I allow myself tea. Try that. BUT remember...you are healing right now. Let your body adjust.

[Loulou_k72 0]

I m faced with the same scenario....I was banded on the 13th and I lost 8 kg ( 17 pounds) in the first 8 days then nothing ... I went to mushies yesterday and had some mashed potatoes and pudding ... but it seems my 8 kilos are not going any further .... i ll get to real food after a week ... and i m scared of gaining the weight i lost ....

[noosagirl 0]

Don't worry our weight will come off as the lap band is for life and its not going to happen over night. I was banded 3rd Sept weighed myself on 12th and had lost 15 pounds and then nothing. I weighed myself this morning and have put on 2 pounds, maybe because I started mushies yesterday? Please don't stress this will work for all of us and it isn't going to be all positive, it will have its ups and downs, just like life. Hang in there!

[mstrina27 0]

U ain't seen bandster hell yet....lol.. trust me... but it takes time to get a proper restriction. What u have to understand is that when u went on your pre-op diet if u had one u had to cut your food intake a lot..and u went thru the phase of liquids only and then soft so that would cause a immediate weight loss...solid food has more weight than liquids so u may have lost but u wont see it yet becuse your system will have to get back to a regular state. for example when u eat just say some mac and cheese and about a hour later drink a 26-24oz of a low sugar bev. that is going to naturally make u seem heavier, but once it comes out u r ok..u know what im sayn..lol..