Back to square one

AnnieMae · March 14, 2009

Banded Sept 30. Lost nearly 30 pounds, gained back 5. I have had 3 fills for a total of 5 ccs in my Realize band but still have not reached a point of restriction. I do experience foods getting stuck at times (banana, hard boiled eggs, some breads) but other than that it is as if I never had surgery. I've lost the motivation that kept me going long enough to lose 25 pounds. I thought the band would help with my appetite and while I realize it is ME who chooses what to eat, I thought by now I should have lost 50 pounds. I see the dr. Monday and he will probably only put in 1 more cc (or less) and then i will have to wait another 6 weeks to see him again for another fill. Does anyone have any advice for me? When will this band kick in? :thumbup:

sexylips · March 14, 2009

Hi Mrsezova

totally understand your frustration it took me a long time to realize that i had to be my own restriction yes the band works but i found my self able to eat just about anything and large amounts threfore my weight loss was very slow or none...... till i changed what i was eating aswell as the amounts thats when i started to loss a bit. i know we have surgery thinking the weight is just gona come off magicly....well thats what i though.....soo far from the truth.i went back to basic diet and exercise the band is just a tool that sometimes you cant rely on. for my experience its ben very hard to loose the weight even with the band but my own determination will make me succed. stay positive you can do it... i say it to my self afew times a day......LOL

kiz · March 14, 2009

Anne, do you get your fills under fluoro? Sometimes it's helpful, when your not getting good restriction, for the doctor to see exactly how fast the barium is traveling through your band before he gives you a fill, and then afterward to see if it's enough to slow the food down enough to give you the feeling of satiety.

BeckyinTn · March 15, 2009

I can totally relate to what you are saying. I was banded a week before you and I though by now I would be down 50lbs as well. My issue has been eating bigger portions than what I need to. It is a struggle for me since I have to so used to eating huge portions I can't get my head to believe that this little bit is going to fill me up!

Becky

AnnieMae · March 15, 2009

THanks for the input everyone. Firstly, No fluro is used for my fills. They are done in the doctor's office and they don't even hurt but at this point I would put up some discomfort if it would help. My portion sizes are too large and that's because I'm hungry! If there are any suggestions or questions I can tell my doctor at my appointment tomorrow please let me know.

Thank you all!

lamvmomof4 · March 15, 2009

I had the same problem! I was banded in Aug and thought for sure I would be down 60lbs by now! I finally got my 7th fill and I am now up to 8cc in a 10cc band I have restriction!! I also changed my eating habits and cut out sugar and most carbs, which was easier since I can't eat breat at all! I am now losing good and feel like the band is helping me!

I hope you get a good fill that will get you some restriction! I will keep my fingers crossed!

DonHoll1 · March 15, 2009

Wow sorry you are having a tough time. you may just need another fill. Donna

kiz · March 15, 2009

It's too bad your doctor doesn't do fills under fluoro ever, because that would really give him a true picture of what you're telling him.

At this point, it seems to me the only thing you can do is to tell him just how big of portions you can comfortably eat. Hopefully, he might consider boosting your fill a bit more than he has in the past. Also, I would ask if you can come back in less than six weeks if you don't feel like you have restriction.

Sooner or later, you will get to a comfortable restriction level, but at this rate, it may take a little while. Your doctor may be of the mind that this is the safest way to work with your band.