This is not even funny!

[Idahobeauty]

I was banded in Monterrey just over 2 weeks ago. I know I am not supposed to have restriction until I get my first fill but this is rediculous! I can eat anything I choose to eat! I have not tried anything bread related or red meat but as for the rest of the stuff I can get down anything I want. I am getting really really scared that I will GAIN weight during this time. I have been really careful about what I eat but the quantity scares me to death. I have been doing 30 min of treadmill daily. I know that the quantities are not as much as pre banding but I am still NOT loosing any more. Am I going to be the only person who has ever gained weight after banding? Is this normal? HELP!

[Kathy]

NORMAL!!! Please don't beat yourself up. Keep track of what you eat, keep it reasonable (1200-1500 or so calories...go up to 1600 if you are being ultra-healthy) and drink your water. Just choose your foods wisely. If you can eat like a fiend, eat well. You WILL lose! Go ahead and schedule that first fill for ASAP. If there's a wait list for fills, get on it now for your first opportunity. Did Dr Z say when you could have that first one? Schedule it, and hang in there. And this is a GOOD sign that you are healing nicely. Embrace it, and don't panic, okay?! (((hugs)))

[Idahobeauty]

Thanks Kathy...whew.. I was getting really worried. I don't think I am supposed to have my first fill until 6 weeks but I may see if I can get it sooner. I am not betting on a quicker fill but we will see.

[LindaV]

Relax, Susan. This is totally normal. Many people have very little or no noticable restriction until they begin getting fills. You should be prepared that it make take more than one fill to feel the restriction.

In the mean time, listen to Kathy's advice. Choose your food wisely. I lost and gained the same few pounds for a month or so until I reached a good amount of restriction in my band.

Even after you have acheived good restriction, it probably won't last indefinately; so you should be prepared to go through periods when you can eat more than you would like. That's part of banded life and it's how you know you need to make another fill appointment.

[Goannabanda]

You're doing fine Susan - I gained and lost a few a couple of times during healing, especially once I started eating food again. Just hang in there with your food choices, try to keep smart about what, when and why you eat. Don't rush your healing phase - there will be plenty of time for losing weight once you have your fill.

Love ya work bab-ey, love ya work!

[Idahobeauty]

Ok, Thanks all. I don't feel like a complete freak. Just your support has made me stay on the right track with what I am eating. I called today to set up my first fill and I can't get in until Jan. 3rd. bummer. I will make it though. I went to the store and stocked up on sugar free fat free pudding, low fat cheeses and tuna and chicken galore! I need to go shopping anyway. I also went over to Barnes and Noble and picked up the book I ordered. "Healthy Eating after Weight Loss Surgery". It looks like it has a ton of really savory recipes. Thanks for all of your support!

[JDru]

Susan I have that cookbook too and it has some really good recipes! I'm waiting for my fill right now too...and my appetite is BACK big time! Hopefully, I will be getting a fill on Dec 4. Good luck!

[Stitchy]

You are quite normal. Some of us lose weight like crazy in the beginning. Other not so much. The first few weeks are for healing, not for losing. If you do, that's a bonus. Most important is to heal right now. There is plenty of time for losing after your first fill. :nod:

[brandieeb]

thank you to you for your question it helped me also i had the very same question i was just going to call the doc.
thanks to everyone for the advice also