Discouraged

All this is perfectly normal.  We call it Bandster Hell.  The time before you have restriction.  It might be helpful for you to take a look at the Lapband board once in a while since we have many people who have a lot more experience (beofre the Realize band came out).. Good luck!

Kathy

I'm not sure what all of the instructions you were given for your post-op surgery.  My surgery is this coming Tuesday, Oct 7, 2008.  I have been told to expect a "HEALTHY" weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week and this is perfectly fine with me.  Remember, we didn't gain this weight over night and I read so many posts that people are just not loosing the weight fast enough.  Also remember that the faster you loose weight, the more your skin will not have time to adjust and get some of it's elasticity back and then you have the problem with all of the baggy skin. 

My post-up and life style food change orders are as follows:
1)  First 2 weeks - clear liquids
2)  Second 2 weeks - clear & full liquids
3)  Third 2 weeks - clear, full, & soft foods (introducing new foods one at a time)
4)  After 6 weeks - full diet (introducing new foods one at a time)

I have a complete list of each stage of food that I received from the dietician, including some menus for the soft & full diets.  This list also provides do and don't foods, which bread is not a choice anymore or at least for a very long time.

If you are interested, I would be willing to share my food list with you.  I can scan and e-mail it to you if you would like.  Just let me know.

Another thing to remember is that if you are doing your exercises like we all should be doing, muscle is heavier than fat and when the fat is burned and turned into muscle, you will lose inches, but maybe not pounds.  There is also the situation of gaining weight, but this is muscle which is a very good thing.