Question:
I'm 8 months post op Lapband NOT LOSING

I am 8 months post-op. I had my last fill at the end of June. I haven't lost anything since July. I gain and lose 5 pounds constantly. I work out 6 times a week. I have up'd my cardio i'm even starting to run. How do I get over this plateau? I've lost a total of 70lbs since surgery. Thank you in advance.    — Amy McCain (posted on October 16, 2009)

October 16, 2009
I don't know how the lap band works, but to me it just sounds like your body is catching up and slowing down for a reason. Perhaps you don't have much more to lose and the rest will be lost in inches not pounds that you can't see on the scale. after you lose lbs, the inches will be going but you should take your measurements to be sure. Often people go by what the scales reads, and not knowing they are actually losing inches. Congrats on your 70 lbs wl.
   — Kristy

October 16, 2009
I, unfortunately am in the same boat as you are. 8 months out & have hit a plateau (54 lbs. down). Doing all that I can to get over it but nothing seems to help. I am just trying to stay encouraged and do what i know I sould be doing during this time rather than giving up altogether. Our bodies have been through much and we simply have to wait it out while things balance out. One thing I do plan to do is meet with the nut to review what I am eating, hopefully that will jump start the loss again...best of luck. Check me out on YouTube-onyX716
   — Xavier G.

October 16, 2009
First, call your surgeon!!!! Tell them what is going on. Their dietician can give you ideas. Secondly, you might want to try doing the liquid proteins for a few days.. My surgeon uses Optifast, and I would try one for breakfast, one for snack, one for lunch, one for snack and then a 'normal' dinner for 3 or 4 days. Be sure to get your vitamins in. Another thing you can do is visit www.lifeafterwls.com this is a great site and has something called a 5 day pouch test - now this is not just for RNY but for lap-band too. I bought the book and it is great! I am 3 weeks post surgery lap-band and I found that if you don't write everything down, you have no clue what is going in.. Good luck! Lin
   — LinnieJean

October 17, 2009
Amy, You need to mix up your routine. Don't work out so many days, and eat at different times. Do you get your Protein, Liquids and Vitamins in each day? When ever I hit a Plateau, I always mix my rountine up. I exercise 3 days a week. I also Dance, I lve to turn my Country Music and Dance around the House. That will shake off some weight. Let me know if this works. I am 1 year Post-Op and I have lost 118 Pounds with The Lap-Band. It does work. Don't give up?
   — Deborah T.

October 17, 2009
It's probably time for a fill. Call your Dr. Donna lapband 4/19/07 SW 303 CW 185
   — Donna O.

October 17, 2009
I am in the same boat. My lapband surgery was in May and I am down 45 pounds. Lately, I seem to go up and down a few pounds each week. I also exercise 6 days a week, which I am seeing results in being better toned even if I am not losing weight. So, if I can offer any advice I would say keep up the exercise. I am getting my 4th fill next week and I am hoping that will help break my plateau. My doctor tells me to be patient...the Lapband is like a marathon and not a race. Also, I see some people are advising you to use Optifast, but I'm not sure that is the best answer for the Lapband. From what I have learned, liquids slip through the band easily and do not leave you feeling full. The goal of the band is to keep you satisfied by keeping the pouch full longer. But, I am not losing right now, so I won't even pretend to be an expert. Good Luck!
   — GinaF

October 17, 2009
Why have you not had a "fill" more recently? The first 2 years post-op I had more fluid added almost every month. I am 5 years post-op with the Lap-Band, and I am at my goal weight. I'll give you some advice I received from my surgeon (his informational hand-out came from the Australian Center for Obesity Research and Education). When you are hungry more than 2-4 times a day, you can eat bigger meals, you are looking for food, or are not loosing weight, you need to ADD fluid. When you have early and prolonged satiety, when small meals satisfy, and when you are having satisfactory weight loss or maintenance, you are in the "Optimal Zone" and NO fluid needs to be added or taken out. If you are having difficulty swallowing, acid reflux/heartburn, are experiencing regurgitation even with small bites (chewed well and slowly), and exhibit poor eating behavior (choosing softer or liquid foods), you need to REDUCE the amount of fluid. Go in for a "fill" as soon as possible, make an appointment to see your surgeon every month, keep a food and exercise log, and go back to the basics. Do NOT go to a liquid diet. The way the Lap-Band works as a tool for weight loss, is that it takes less to fill us up and then keeps us full for longer. Liquids and soft foods go through the pouch too quickly. That leaves us hungry and causes us to take in even more calories. Your food should be SOLID food. Half of your plate should have protein (meat) and the other half should have nutritious fruits and vegetables (avoid high starch vegetables like potatoes, pea, and corn until you start to loose weight again). Take one bite of protein for every bite of fruit or vegetable. Protein intake is important to loose weight, build muscle, and relace dead cells in your body. I hope that helps. God Bless.
   — KimM

October 18, 2009
Are you getting enough fluid in? I am just a couple of weeks post op, but I can tell a big difference already if I do not drink as much as I should.
   — ladybugtx18