OK - I'm going to say it I HATE MY LAPBAND!!!!!!! (LONG)

I have been exercising hard for 3 months - 5-6 times a week for approx. 45 minutes a day.  It's not just a little stroll or something - I'm getting to the point of soaking in sweat. 

I am really sorry to hear you are having a difficult time.  For all that you have gone through to not be where you want to be is understandably frustrating.  You have every right to feel how you are feeling!  Who wouldn't?  Okay, so one observation, if you don't mind...you seem to be doing this all on your own.  It appears that your support system is not as supportive as they could be.  You mentioned being on antidepressants, yet no mention of a therapist or nutritionist.  Who can help you set and keep goals while discussing what you are going through?  Your family unfortunately often cannot relate.  They want what's best and are expressing similar frustrations, yet cannot walk in your shoes or understand how that frustration sounds to you.  As if it is your fault.  So if you had someone who wasn't as close and could  be objective and nonjudgmental, how helpful could that be in trying to achieve your weight loss goals?  Have you ever considered hiring a professional?

I've been working closely with the same nutritionist since June of 07.  Most appointment I cry =(  I don't have a therapist right (now time for excuses) we are having layoffs at work and I don't want to ask for a weekly hour or 2 off to deal with my head.  My boss was so supportive during my 6 month diet (where my surgeon required 4 appointments a month for six months).  I kept telling my boss before that once I had my surgery and lost weight I would be a work much more.  I hate to ask for any more because my boss has already given me so much.  Does that makes sense?

Good luck with getting a second opinion.  Is there any way to find out what the new insurance covers?  More are starting to cover the GS along with the RNY&banding.

Good Luck with all that you do!

I have been here all along and I know how tough of a time you have had. My heart goes out to you, Jewels. I haven't read all the replies yet but if I were in your shoes, I would DEFINITELY revise to another surgery. Life is far too short and you have given this your all. It isn't working so you need to stop banging your head against the wall and punishing yourself and try something else. You are worth it.

I am sorry to hear you are struggling but also relieved. I too am struggling with my lap-band.
I had surgery 4 years ago and was doing well. Lost 60 lbs... then I had some problems and had to have all the fluid taken out. The dr tried putting back in a little at a time. Only to have half of it taken back out. (vomiting & pain) I have gotten very frustrated. I had some personal issues in between plus adopted a baby and seem to have lost 2 years and GAINED almost all the weight back. Too embarassed to go back. 
Hang in there... at least we are trying!

I wish I could wave a magic wand and make us both lose.    This year and a half hasn't been what I'd hoped either.  I lost 60 pounds, and since October I've put 20 back on.  I finally had a come to Jesus with myself.....I don't exercise and I cheat the hell out of the band.  Old habits are so hard to break.  I feel your pain....

I enlisted a friend to be an accountability partner for when I feel like cheating.  I'm exercising - and not trying to kill myself the first couple of times back on the elliptical.  I'm doing ten minutes at a time - baby steps - once or twice a day....sometimes I miss, sometimes I do more.  No pressure.  I'm trying to remember the little things that helped me be successful the first six months or so. 

This band is hard work....no matter what folks say.  Again - no magic answers, just know someone from Nebraska is saying a prayer for you tonight.