Desperate & Depressed

It has been about a week since I had my first fill. I looked so forward to it as I thought I would get restriction and not want to eat as much.  The first two days were great. I could only eat a small amount. However, after the first two days I now no longer feel any restriction whatsoever.  I am beginning to wonder if going through surgery was even worth it. Please advise. Thanks, Viva

Viva: Are you drinking with your meals? If so this is just pushing the food through.  Or how many cc's did you get and how many does your band hold?  Talk with your Doc's office staff and see about a meeting with him or contact the patient rep.  JUst some thoughts. AMy

 Amy, thanks for answering. . I will call the Dr in the morning to see what they suggest. I am not drinking with meals. Fill was 2.5cc, so I'll see what they say. 

I'm so sorry you're feeling down right now!  Tie a knot and hold on though because it DOES get better!!   It's fairly uncommon for people to have true restriction after their first fill (except our Dawn that is!)  I have had 5 fills so far (I have 3.4 cc in a 4cc band) and sometimes I still wonder if I have restriction yet!!  Some days I can simply eat and eat and other days I get hung up very easily!  I am losing weight though with a moderate diet (I can't do Gestopo dieting), exercise and my band being the safety net! Are you following the basic band guidelines?  If so, once you add in some physical exercise (start with walking) things should start moving for you.  Some of my tricks I use to keep from eating when I shouldn't are to keep busy (outside of the house) and drink lots of fluids (i love cyrstal light).  I also nibble on low cal vegies or something just as safe when I have the munchies that just wont go away.  OH is a great source of info too!  I love the KY board for my local firends but the main BAND board moves a lot quicker and is also a great source of info.  Have you tried going there yet?  When you are struggling is when you need feedback and support the most!! It's WAY TOO EARLY in the game to think this band won't work for you so banish the thought!! PM me and others if you would like and try dipping your toes over on the other boards since the KY board goes at a more leisurely pace some days!

    Hey, please dont doubt yourself.. It gets better.. Trust us.. If you read Dr.Curry's archives on the lapband board he states over and over that it sometimes takes people up to three or four adjustments to get decent restriction... Thats the bad news.. The good news is we are all here in the same boat with the same oars..   I have been promiting the hell out of SandyR's lapband guide... It really helped me and so far it's really helped LeAnn...  [email protected]  if you email Sandy she gladly email you the guide.. A  few tricks from it are:     1) trick your mind... eat of the entree plate or a toddler plate, not the divided ones just a smaller one     2) use a toddler spoon and fork     3) eat by yourself until you learn your body's signals     4) fluid, fluid. fluid  I was lucky the first go round and had awesome restriction for 7 months.. Im now In bandster Hell!!! I cant control my head hunger at all.. i HAVE NO WILLPOWER!! so I know how your feeling.. so feel free to pm me and we can fuss together.. also try the accountabilty journal that becca posts.. That works for me too!!!!!     Good luck dawn

I have been there too....off and on for months! BUT....I am not giving up on this damn thing! I hit a couple stumbling blocks, but Dawn turned me on to this guide and it is great! So informative and self explanitory! Between it and talking with all the friends I have made on here...I am on my way again! Is there any way you could come to the support roup mtgs? They are very helpful! Maybe not the topic, but talking with people and hearing their experiences.....thats the best part for me!  Keep the faith girl.......you just have to work at it and find your own signs and signals!

Viva,

You certainly aren't alone in feeling frustrated before getting restriction, but very few of us have much restriction at all before having several fills. In fact, I didn't have restriction for 7 months! It was my 8th fill (3.8 cc's in my 4-cc band) that finally gave me good restriction.

Keep following the Band Owner's Manual from Dr. Oldham. (My surgery was with his partner Dr. Weiss, so I know the manual is full of great information.) And use this time to practice your bandster rules. Then by the time you do get restriction, you'll be used to eating your protein first, taking tiny bites, chewing well, and not drinking with your meals. Those habits will be indispensable once you get restriction.

Hang in there!

Kathy

Hi Viva, I know Dr's Weiss and Oldham well.  I also know they have great education at their center.  I would suggest you calling the office about support group, I am pretty sure they have small ones within the office and also one large group meeting once amonth at the library near the hospital.   Don't ever feel like you are alone, support groups are there for just that.  Take advantage of everything that is offered to you through your center.  They will help you through the hard times. Brenda