How is this possible?

[gregken77]

I have been reading alot of different post not only on this sight but others as well and I see where some people who were banded did not need a fill for a very long time because the already had good restriction. My question is how is this possible? Also if you are one of those few who got banded and started losing weight right away please identify yourself and tell us alittle about the experience please. I was under the impression that nobody lost any weight until there first fill. I hope Im wrong and what I have been reading is correct.

[tammy sharp]

i was banded the 24th of august and have lost 5 lbs so far and i think the reason is because i am for sure not eating as much and if i would of just sat around and healed i probably would not have lost but i have started exercising and walking for about 3-4 miles a day and that is contributing.I am trying to stay within the outline of the plan but have cheated some but hoping the exercise will help.I could of waited til my first fill to become more active but i feel like the less fills i can get and still succeed it will work for a longer period of time i dont know if that is true but that is what is in my head lol.

[jackiesmith]

I was banded on August 13 and I am down 25 pounds so far. My band is open right now, so that I can properly heal ( I can have my first fill at 6 weeks post op). Usually the band is left open once its placed, and the restriction you feel is due to the swelling and the general fact that its there and new to your body. I definately think that my weight loss so far has been possible due to exercise and proper eating. I have really stuck to the rules, and listened to my body. For the first two weeks I could harldy eat anything, and I know that had something to do with it too.
I will be having my first fill in two weeks, and yes that will definately speed up the weight loss. Hope that helps some!

[breezy]

I was banded on August 3rd and I am down about 46 lbs since preop diet to now. I have been walking on the treadmill about 3-4 times a week and that is certainly helping. I will not be getting a fill for a least another month or two. Although it has been over a month since my surgery, I have been experiencing very good restriction so far so my doc said I could wait a bit longer before my first fill. Not sure yet when the first fill will happen.

[celticsfan]

Hi Greg,
I lost a little over 20 pounds in the first 6 weeks; everyone's different!
I felt restriction for about 2 weeks post-op; probably due to swelling at the band site right after surgery. Then...
My appetite gradually increased and I felt I could eat way too much before feeling full. I started exercising and trying my best to follow the band rules of eating.
My surgeon starts fills at 6 weeks; I coudn't wait! With multiple fills I've been able to achieve and maintain my "sweet spot".
You are off to a great start by gathering all the info you can...keep it up!
Kate

[gregken77]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond. I think being informed of what to expect is priceless. I cant wait until Oct 1st gets here. Im so ready to join the band gang! ha ah

[nanacountry]

Good luck Greg and please post your progress. I am just starting with my first seminar tomorrow and all the research. I have been thinking about this for over a year now, but nothing is working and I still have to much living to do that I can not do at this weight and be healthy.

Jannette

[rahaas]

Greg - here's my story. I was banded on June 5th and have lost over 40 pounds since that time. I have had two fills so far and not a lot of restriction yet. I go in next Thursday and get poked again so I am hoping to see some serious restriction after that fill. So far, most of the loss is based on pure will power, but that is wearing a little thin. Now it's time for the band to do it's job and get me over the hump. Good luck with your operation and first fill, but you'll read over and over again here not to expect miracles - it usually takes a few fills to find the sweet spot. I'm sure it will be worth the wait. Rob

[MyGenesis]

Hi Greg..
I have been in "bandland" almost 5 months with about 40 lb total loss. 30 of that came in the first 2-3 months and was rapid. My doc does not do a fill till the 91st day after banding. I had been loosing about a lb a week since the fill but, it is through pure effort and will to eat properly each day. I am stalled right now (have not gone up or down in 3 or 4 weeks). I know that with a regular excercise schedule that I coud kick start the momentum again...just having a tough time making that part of the equations work.

Even though there is no "restriction" within the band at the onset, there is still a restriction around your tummy right from the insertion of the band. When you take that "restriction" along with a liquid/mushy diet for a month you may loose at a good pace in the beginning. What we all say that is a little confusing is that "it is not about loosing" in the beginning. It is about developing the good bandster habits, following the rules and docs orders, and above all else HEALING. It is in the first few months that we need to nurture the habits that will ensure ultimate lifelong success! (pretty philosophical...Huh?)

Good luck. Keep asking the questions.

[tammy sharp]

thank you all for the input it has helped me as well.I am going on my fourth week postop and am fairly healed and gettin hungry.I am trying really hard to stay within the boundaries but it is gettin hard since i of course do not have very much restriction as of now.I have actually gained back two pounds of the 24 that i had lost preop.Did any of you have that problem before your first fill.I am exercising and have went back to work which is going to help bunches as staying home all you think about is what you cannot eat and then next thing you know you want to try some.So staying busy and away from tempting things is going to be a challenge for me.I am not very good with patience either so i have a ways to go but I am so ready to feel like I am a normal person and can shop with everyone else instead of going off into the wide section as my children call it lol.YOu all have a good day and thanks for letting me vent feel better already:)

[wifey0916]

You can see by my siggy how much i've lost and what between fills and no fill since end of june and i sure do not need one either.