It's Not Working...

I had my surgery on March 23rd. I lost 12 pounds before surgery and since surgery I have lost 25. As soon as I began eating food at week four (tuna, yogurt, cottage cheese), I stopped losing. In fact, I gained 7 pounds. I lost it the following week...but psychologically, the damage was done. By week 5 & 6 I was eating the same amounts I ate pre-op. Last week, after discussing this with my doctor, I had my first fill. That was four days ago, and I am still virtually eating the same amount I ate pre-op. I am so discouraged. I feel like a failure. The doctor and his staff are amazing and offer every type of support humanly possible. I just don't know what to do. I try to do just shakes for breakfast and lunch with just a small dinner (as recommended by my doctors...3-oz chicken, vegetables, salad), but by the late afternoon, I start eating and I feel I cannot stop. I read these posts and everyone seems so happy and so successful. I just feel like a failure and I feel like giving up. I am so depressed that in the last three weeks I have l lost one pound. I have an appointment to see my doctor in 3 weeks. He told me to see how my first fill goes; if I didn't feel the restriction, to come in earlier for another fill. I am going to schedule another fill for this coming week. Has this happened to anyone else? That the first fill just didn't do it? Any insight would be so very much appreciated. Thanks.....

Sorry Sarah, I can't have a fill for 5 - 6 weeks, yet. Just had surgery this past Tuesday. I think you're doing awesome!!! We banders have to remember, we won't lose as quickly as RNYers Keep the faith. Sounds like you have great support at the doc's and I know you will here!

Sarah: First hello, thank u for posting. Now may I ask what your EXPECTATIONS are for the band? Perhaps they are unrealistic and that is setting you up for failure mode and negative tinking which keeps you further stuck? I know the band takes 1-2 yrs for many to lose their wt (33-70% of excess) I have read. That is typically what u can expect, UNTIL you are 'perfectly adjusted' many do not lose any wt, I hear tht in groups online and in person al the time. Addressing the emotional issues is imperative, WLS doesn't fix that at all and yes any tool if adjusted perfectly or not can be defeated. So give yourself a gift of taking the tine to seek some support, either OA meetings support groups, therapy, journaling, meditation, reading about emmotional eating sucha s any book by Gennen Roth www.geneenroth.com Also Linda Spangle has some good books one called "Life is hard, food is easy" Like $9 on amazon. I would gladly send u a document entitled ow to tell if you are perfectly adjusted emaikl me off list [email protected] Keeping yourslf shamed and guilty only fosters the victim role and keeps you stuck, you are perfect as you are this minute and are a success, positive affirmations help as you can not have 2 thoughts at the same time if you are saying I am perfect just as I am or I am successful at this moment you ca not think of self as a failure at the same time. Feel free to wrote hugs!Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45 before Surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

Sarah, I do not know anything about the bad. I had RNY. I do know.........you have to get your mind set on your goals. It is going to be just as hard now as it was before your surgery. It is for life!!! You can do it, think positive!! ~~Betsy

Sarah, Hun I did not have the band but I just wanted to let you know we are here for you and I would ask your Dr to see if you are right on target. If you are then just follow what you need to do, make your changes and you will see a change. I wish you the best! Debra P

Sarah I don't know much about the band but I wanted to let you know we are all here for you and just remember YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! Nicole

Saraah aweet one! You are not a failure. I think you are just trying too hard. You have lost a great amount of weight sweetheart. Do not fret. When you prepare your food remember you are banded. Remember you are not that same girl you were few months back. You can do this! You SO can do this. Watch your portions...eat less carbs babe...slow, chewing small bites. Go back to the basics. I am here for you! I get my first fill on the 7th of June. I will let you know how things are going.

Hi Sarah, Sometimes a fill takes several days to "kick-in." Rarely does the first fill do the trick, especially if your doctor is conservative, which is better than being aggressive. Try not to worry so much, you'll get there. Also, drink, drink, drink tha****er (just not with or after food!) If you drink a whole bunch in the afternoon when you feel that hunger coming on, it should help. Take care, Karen