Real food = no weight loss

[poodles.me 0]

I wasnt sure where to post this...forgive me if its the wrong place.

I was banded the end of Dec. and since my pre-op diet I have lost 30lbs. Of course I am very happy to have lost that much that quick but something has changed this past week.

I finally started on real food and now my weightless has completely stopped.

Is it normal that once you start eating again you stall or plateau?

I am being very careful of what I eat and measure and count calories and Protein. Always getting on the high side of Protein too. I always stay under 1200 calories, usually around 1100 sometimes less. Could this be too much food?

I guess I am surprised b/c I am doing so well with my eating but just not losing. I know I have nothing to complain about with that weight loss but you all know what I mean right? I need that scale to keep moving or I lose my momentum and optimism.

I am scheduled for a fill next week...(yikes, scared) but I still have restriction now and don't even know if I need it or want it. I have not experienced bandster hell either and feel like I have control, just not a loss.

Anyone with advice?

Sincerely,

Poodles

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[MistyD65 1]

It is completely normal and even expected for you to stall and, yes, even gain a bit when moving to regular foods post-op. Don't panic. It sounds like you are doing the right thing, although you didn't mention exercise. If you are not exercising already, now is a great time to start. It really makes a difference.

As far as fills go, start taking notice of a few things - how much can you eat at one time, how long does it take you to eat, how long is it after a meal before you feel hungry again. You may, indeed, not need a fill right now. I am one of those bandsters who seemed to have some restriction from the beginning. I had one fill of 0.6 cc at 6 weeks post-op (in a 4 cc band) and I have declined fills at my previous two appointments. I like the fact that I can eat pretty much whatever I want, I've never PBed, and my weight is coming off steadily. Yes, there are some times when I wish I was tighter, when my own self-control leaves me and I eat more than I should, but so far those times don't happen that much and I am always able to get back on track.

So, give your body a bit of time to adjust to having real food again, exercise, keep being careful with your eating, and be mindful of your hunger and when it occurs. You seem to be on the right track for success!

[Jodi_620 37]

You have not really started using the Lap Band for weight loss yet. The first few weeks have not been for weight loss but for healing...weight loss has just been a fortunate side effect of liquid/mushy diet.

The meaning of Bandster Hell is the period between when you go on solids to when you start getting fills and really using your band. Weight loss often stalls and weight gain is even common but that is alright and perfectly normal, we've all been through it. You have done some drastic switches to your metabolism in the past 4-6 weeks and now it is a little out of whack but it will normalize.

Just be patient and try to stay calm. This was a stressful time for me too, there is a lot of worry and concern over whether we are doing things right and whether this will work for us. But if you just do what your doctor says everything will be just fine.

Edited February 2, 2009 by Jodi_620

[gentylwind 1]

Yes, it is normal. You will start losing again soon, even sooner if you are or start exercising regularly. I was worried at your stage too. Don't fret. It will start again, though you most likely will not lose at the same pace as you were. 1-2 pounds per week.

[crzytchr 3]

Be thankful you have some restriction already, I know I was! If you are only eating 1100-1200 calories per day, the right amount of Protein and ARE NOT hungry, you probably don't need a fill yet. Your body is adjusting to eating food again, that is probably why the weight loss stopped for now. I agree that you may want to start exercising a little. That may get you scale moving again. Good Luck.

[TPB1960 0]

Me too!! Banded on 01/15 and lost 30 lbs. since pre-op diet started on 01/02. Started some soft foods on 01/29 and have not lost since. I get a fill in about 4 weeks. Doing about 1000 calories a day, but can't exercise much because of a severe back injury. I called the Dietician and was told the weight loss so far I have done on my own. When I get the fill then the Lapband will do its job. Thanks for the post as I was wondering about the same situation.

[jillrenee15 0]

Everyone goes through this bandster hell. It will likely last longer than your first fill, so be prepared. Your band will not be helping you unitl probably your 2,3 or even 4th fill. I lost weight the first week after surgery, then never lost another pound until after my 2nd fill. Those 2-3 MONTHS felt like 2-3 years, wondering if I had paid all this for nothing and where was my help? But be patient, practice right now BEFORE your fills proper bandster eating. This is the best time to learn how you should eat before you get much restriction. Start preparing yourself by learning to measure or eyeball your portions, get all of your Water and Protein in, and start exercising now if you have been cleared to do so by your doctor. Best wishes on your journey.

[TPB1960 0]

Thanks, that's great info.

[poodles.me 0]

Yes, thank you for all that great info and support. ( I knew I could count on you guys )

I have not started exercising b/c, well I have all the usaual excuses 1-100. Our clinic is weird here in that we never see the surgeon again after the proceedure so I dont know if I am cleared or not. When I go for the fill with the nurse at the other center I will ask then.

And in all honesty, I'm probably using that as an excuse, I know that I cant do say, sit ups but I know I could be walking I"m sure. Its just very cold and icy here...lol Excuse #45... Oh, and did I mention that I hate it?

Thanks again and I'll keep you posted.

[Jennyt71 0]

You have not really started using the Lap Band for weight loss yet. The first few weeks have not been for weight loss but for healing...weight loss has just been a fortunate side effect of liquid/mushy diet.

The meaning of Bandster Hell is the period between when you go on solids to when you start getting fills and really using your band. Weight loss often stalls and weight gain is even common but that is alright and perfectly normal, we've all been through it. You have done some drastic switches to your metabolism in the past 4-6 weeks and now it is a little out of whack but it will normalize.

Just be patient and try to stay calm. This was a stressful time for me too, there is a lot of worry and concern over whether we are doing things right and whether this will work for us. But if you just do what your doctor says everything will be just fine.

Thank you for this post!!! I have been SO frustrated over the past few days. I've been doing good on food amounts and working out each day for 30 minutes (taking it slow for now since I was banded 1/22 - just step and walking - but will work my way up to more intense workouts).

Your post gives me hope!!!