failing big time at lap band

I don't meet the criteria for peeps you are looking for, but just wanted to say. If you start over "fresh" (e.g. ensure you have a proper fill, follow the post-op diet, don't drink while eating, exercise loads), I believe you can have success.

You're worth the effort ~ dig in.

HOORAY KRISTA!!!  Good advice!!!

Sue

Hi --

I am the saaaame boat! I was banded on Feb 25, 2009. I had lost almost 30 lbs and have gained all of it back. I fell back into old habits, and feel like a complete failure!

I am trying to get back on track. I know I do this, and so can you! Good luck!

It sounds like you already know what's gone wrong so far.  Have you given any thought to why you're not following the rules, and discussed that with a therapist?  Is it food addiction, or fear of success, or both, or something else?  Until you address this, you will probably continue to struggle no matter what weight loss surgery or technique you try.  The eating rules for gastric bypass patients are pretty much the same as for the band.  The successful RNY patients I know have made the exact same lifestyle changes as I have.

Although I suggested that you try to figure out why you're sabotaging yourself, that doesn't mean that you can't lose weight without 14 years of therapy and insights.  You've probably heard the AA saying, "Fake it until you make it."  That saying has gotten me through a lot of bad moments.

One nice thing about the band is that you can start over again.  See your surgeon and nutritionist for a refresher course.  Choose one behavior (like drinking while you eat) to change this week.  Next week add another behavior change.  Another one the week after that.

Jean

A lot of good information here.  I like "fear of success, or something else."

I had my surgery 6/07 and also gained my weight back I lost 32 pounds the first 3 months then just gave up, but I got back on track in april/may and I lost 28 pounds I still drink when I eat  but I went in for a fill 2 in 3 months and finally have restriction so I get full when I eat little plus I excercise alot ,you can do this just eat healthy stay away from the junk food.good luck.

I think the thing that worries any one of us bandsters is this is a possiblity for any one of us, and you are wonderful to share.  How many times have we all heard "everyone is different but".....    How many times and how many diets have we all tried before the band....   When YOU are ready again you will get back on track.  When was the last time you visited your Doc?   I know you remember what to do and how to do it, just like you I still don't make the best food choices, but (as hard as it is) I don't beat myself up and get back on the horse the next day.   As for RNY.....please do as much research as you can.  I have a family member that is a 5 year veteran with RNY, went in for Galbladder surgery and due to complication from her surgery and all the damage that has aspired FROM the surgery she has been in the hospital for 11 weeks and is still there.   You need to get in the mindset...I'VE DONE IT BEFORE I CAN DO IT AGAIN!!   And you can!   God bless you and keep posting....the people on OH are so helpful!    Kimberly

 Pick up the book "Habits Not Diets"

Thank you all for the kind posts of encouragement and suggestions.  Im calling my surgeon tomorrow.  I may also check out a new band doctor who is local to see what his story is.  My surgeon is 3 hours away so would be ideal to find someone local.  We shall see. Am considering getting started also on some vitamin supplements.  Anyone taking supplements?

If so what are you taking and brand.  I am looking at bariatric advantage i think is the line of supplements.

It's funny- I knew in 11/06 when I got my band that life is long and that the challenges that created the weight would be a lifelong battle- I just never thought that a few months of poor choices a few years out would really happen to me. I'm now just 15 pounds lighter than I was when I was banded and have been considering my options for the past few days. I went backpacking on the Continental Divide two weeks ago and was really ticked at myself- comparing last year's trip to this one. It was two completely different bodies- I came face to face with the consequences of my backsliding.

Here's my plan:  First, start all over again with my diet with the pre-op diet for two weeks and then return to the post-op  meal plan to rebuild my eating.  Second, go back and get a good fill. During a stomach flu bout several months ago I had the restriction removed and my fears about another stomach flu was my excuse for not getting the fill restored. In the meantime my eating got worse and worse and I virtually fell back on all the bad habits that got me to the band.  My exercise and weight training has lagged in the past few months but that should come back quickly. Finally, and most importantly, it is time to make an appointment with the therapist.

Oh yes- and for some additional accountability, start posting here!  Thanks for posting and sorry for jumping in as a similarly situated person, but your posting resonated as did most of the postings.

Good luck!