Not happy this week........I was banded with Ortiz on 11/13/06. I went on the pre-op diet as instructed and weighed in 17 pounds less, that was a great confidence booster. I had no problems other than a hernia repair while in surgery. I felt good and have a high tolerance for pain ( 3 knee and 1 shoulder reconstructions), so that was not an issue for me. I have been doing all post op...as directed period! During my 4 week post -op liquid stage I lost another 17 pounds to put me at a total of 34 down since Oct 25th 2006. I am feeling down this week after starting solids as directed by Miranda and in 9 days have gained 9-10 pounds. I am eating small portions and 3 meals a day, no liqs around meal time and so forth....... At this point with no restriction and hungry all this time I am wondering if this was all worth it? I have only lost weight while on an all liquid diet and we all know that no band is needed for this- but your body can only stand liquids for so long....putting solids back in my system has been depressing to see the scale climb so fast. I called Dr Ortiz and spoke to Alexander.........he has by far been the most helpful person in the office, along with Dr Miranda. I asked for a fill 5 weeks post op due to that fact of extreme hungry and rapid weight gain the first week, plus I go back to work the 1st week of January and will not be able to travel for several months. I am heading back to TJ this week to get an adjustment. I prey this will help me jump start the weight loss again and also settle my nerves that everything is ok and I have not had a slip or something go wrong. I was like all TJ patients self pay...wondering if I did the right thing......is there anyone else who started gaining after starting solids again? What did your first adjustment do for you? Please help settle my nerves I read the forum every few days and dont see topics on this........hope I am not the only one.........thanks for letting me vent.