Wow what am I doing wrong!

[Kaelin's G-Ma]

Ok so heres the problem, not a big one to most, but to me its big. I'm following my post op diet as instructed, watching the fat and carb content and I gained 2 pounds. I'm just barely eating 800 cals a day, cant hardly force myself any more than that. So what am I doing wrong. I was losing about 1 lb a day, I expected it to slow down but to go the other way has got me really upset. I don't get my first fill until May 5th, 3 weeks away. I do know I'm not exercising much yet, due to years of not and bad knees and still very sore in port area, but I am doing a small 10 minute all body routine each day. I know give up the excuses and get off your a**. Help me get back on track.

[oktwigs]

Ok so heres the problem, not a big one to most, but to me its big. I'm following my post op diet as instructed, watching the fat and carb content and I gained 2 pounds. I'm just barely eating 800 cals a day, cant hardly force myself any more than that. So what am I doing wrong. I was losing about 1 lb a day, I expected it to slow down but to go the other way has got me really upset. I don't get my first fill until May 5th, 3 weeks away. I do know I'm not exercising much yet, due to years of not and bad knees and still very sore in port area, but I am doing a small 10 minute all body routine each day. I know give up the excuses and get off your a**. Help me get back on track.

You shouldn't worry! In fact I think a small weight gain is expected and normal after going off the liquid diet. Sure, we'd all like to avoid that, but be easier on yourself. As for the low calorie content, that could be part of your problem. Going that low forces your body into starvation mode and it holds on to all fat for future lean times. It could be fluids you are retaining too.

I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. This is the last week of my liquid diet. Since I had the flu for three days I really haven't regained my appetite, which will make this final week of liquids easier to deal with.

Twigs

[salsa]

You shouldn't worry! In fact I think a small weight gain is expected and normal after going off the liquid diet. Sure, we'd all like to avoid that, but be easier on yourself. As for the low calorie content, that could be part of your problem. Going that low forces your body into starvation mode and it holds on to all fat for future lean times. It could be fluids you are retaining too.

I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. This is the last week of my liquid diet. Since I had the flu for three days I really haven't regained my appetite, which will make this final week of liquids easier to deal with.

Twigs

Can anyone reading this respond? I want to know what the long term expense demands will be for me before going forward. I assume Dr. Ortiz includes all fills and follow ups in his price for one year (that seems to be the common practice cost wise). Whats to be expected the second year and every year thereafter? Will I have to continue to fill/unfill for the rest of my life, or will there come a time when I will forget the band is there and not have to visit any more doctors?? I suppose at least once a year to make sure everything is okay. This is the part I am in the dark about.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[kpeck]

Salsa

i read on a couple of sites that most ppl are monitored pretty close for the 1st year and then after that its once a year. but of course every dr is different as well as every patient. you should really call your dr's office and ask them how it all works after the one yr mark.

[nita57]

Can anyone reading this respond? I want to know what the long term expense demands will be for me before going forward. I assume Dr. Ortiz includes all fills and follow ups in his price for one year (that seems to be the common practice cost wise). Whats to be expected the second year and every year thereafter? Will I have to continue to fill/unfill for the rest of my life, or will there come a time when I will forget the band is there and not have to visit any more doctors?? I suppose at least once a year to make sure everything is okay. This is the part I am in the dark about.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Fills are included forever. You, however, have to bear the cost of getting to Mexico. As far as followups? hmmm...

Good luck with that one. So far I am into this band for about $10,000, with minimal success. Am I dissapointed..yes I am.

Do I recommend it? Only if you DO NOT GET A VG BAND. Okay, so I know I am getting ready to get the **** beat out of me here. But do your research, Look on other sites where there are more people who have already been banded for a while. Most of the people here are newbies and oh so optimistic. I know this, because I was one too. Good Luck whatever you decide. Nita

[mommyrkr]

Good luck with that one. So far I am into this band for about $10,000, with minimal success. Am I dissapointed..yes I am.

Nita, I am curious how you can call your weight loss minimal success. What were you expecting that 74 pounds in 7 months is minimal success? I can't wait to get to 74 pounds gone, and I had surgery before you, don't have the VG band and have still had three fills.

Becki

[nita57]

Nita, I am curious how you can call your weight loss minimal success. What were you expecting that 74 pounds in 7 months is minimal success? I can't wait to get to 74 pounds gone, and I had surgery before you, don't have the VG band and have still had three fills.

Becki

Becki,

My weight loss, to date, is a result of my determination not to allow my husband to waste this money. I joined a gym. I eat less than 1000 calories a day and I struggle like no other. I lost more than half of that weight pre-surgery so my average is way less than it should be.. The VG band needs way more fills than a regular one. The only contribution that the band has made to my weight loss is mental. I'm not giving it any credit because it hasn't helped me like it has helped other people. Maybe (I am still hoping, I never give up)that I will one day get enough fill to really make a difference. In the meantime, I am just on a diet, Like always. Nita

[Donna34]

Becki,

My weight loss, to date, is a result of my determination not to allow my husband to waste this money. I joined a gym. I eat less than 1000 calories a day and I struggle like no other. I lost more than half of that weight pre-surgery so my average is way less than it should be.. The VG band needs way more fills than a regular one. The only contribution that the band has made to my weight loss is mental. I'm not giving it any credit because it hasn't helped me like it has helped other people. Maybe (I am still hoping, I never give up)that I will one day get enough fill to really make a difference. In the meantime, I am just on a diet, Like always. Nita

You obviously do not have the right amount of fill then. It should NOT be that hard. My cousin had the same problem. For the first 6 months after surgery she could eat anything, and was feeling no restriction. She was sick of getting the band. Everyone she talked to said, you do NOT have enough fill if you can eat what you are eating. She finally complained enough to her US doctor, and he finally put enough fill in it. The following 6 months she lost 65 pounds.

If you can eat a lot with your band, you probably need more fill. IF you are NOT eating very much, and still not noticing a loss, you might want to have your thyroid checked out. OR, if you are working that hard at a gym, maybe you are building muscle.

I don't know, but I've talked to SEVERAL people that have been banded 3 or more years, and they are STILL excited about this TOOL. So, I think being OPTIMISTIC about being banded is GREAT!

Donna

[nita57]

You obviously do not have the right amount of fill then. It should NOT be that hard. My cousin had the same problem. For the first 6 months after surgery she could eat anything, and was feeling no restriction. She was sick of getting the band. Everyone she talked to said, you do NOT have enough fill if you can eat what you are eating. She finally complained enough to her US doctor, and he finally put enough fill in it. The following 6 months she lost 65 pounds.

If you can eat a lot with your band, you probably need more fill. IF you are NOT eating very much, and still not noticing a loss, you might want to have your thyroid checked out. OR, if you are working that hard at a gym, maybe you are building muscle.

I don't know, but I've talked to SEVERAL people that have been banded 3 or more years, and they are STILL excited about this TOOL. So, I think being OPTIMISTIC about being banded is GREAT!

Donna

I'm glad you are optimistic, never said you shouldn't be. I wish you great luck and success. The problem with constantly trying to get enough fill(and as I stated, this is a VG problem)is that I have to be able to take time off to travel. For other people the cost is also a problem. Please don't suggest thyroid or any other medical problem..I am always under a doctors care here for other medical conditions, none of which keeps me from losing weight. I never said I can eat a ton..I just don't feel enough consistant restriction. I am sure you will find out what I mean. anyway. Good luck. Nita

[mommyrkr]

Thanks for the explanation Nita. I was confused trying to figure that one out. I too do not have the correct fill level, and am carefully watching what I eat and exercising to lose. I know the band is helping though. Good luck in finding the right fill level. I feel very fortunate to not have needed the VG band with my high starting weight. I was very surprised actually. But don't give up on your band yet. Even if you lose all the weight on your own. Maybe you will get to the correct level then and it will help you keep it off. For me, that is more of the struggle than losing anyway. But congrats on all your hard work. You are amazing.

Becki

[nita57]

Thanks for the explanation Nita. I was confused trying to figure that one out. I too do not have the correct fill level, and am carefully watching what I eat and exercising to lose. I know the band is helping though. Good luck in finding the right fill level. I feel very fortunate to not have needed the VG band with my high starting weight. I was very surprised actually. But don't give up on your band yet. Even if you lose all the weight on your own. Maybe you will get to the correct level then and it will help you keep it off. For me, that is more of the struggle than losing anyway. But congrats on all your hard work. You are amazing.

Becki

Hey Becki..No worries, I will NEVER give up this fight. And by the way, You look terrific. I mentioned that to Michele when we were in Mexico and she could not say enough about how wonderful you look. Continued success to you my friend. Nita

[mommyrkr]

Nita,

Thank you very much. It has been a rough day, and you just brightened it.

Thanks,

Becki

[Kaelin's G-Ma]

Thanks everyone I'm back on track and the scale is starting to move again.