Why did I have the band done? Very frustrated!

I had the band done 1/27/09. Since I had surgery I have only lost 12 pounds and that was in the first 2 weeks. I have lost 5 inches in my waist but no more pounds. Yes my clothes feel looser but what about the pounds. I have been bouncing up and down 5lbs for 2 months. Today is one of those days where I almost regret having the band done. I could have lost and gained the same 5lbs by myself. Hell, I've been doing that for years.

Yes, I am following the band rules. Per nutritionist, I am having between1200 and 1400 calories and at least 80 grams of protein a day. I am working out 6 days a week. Three of those days I do a deep water workout class. Two days a week I use the treadmill for 30 to 60 min and then strength train for 30min. One day a week I take a Body Flow class, which is a combo of pilates, tai chi and yoga.

Yes, I know that muscle wears more than fat. Yes, I am aware I am loosing inches. But what the hell is up with the pounds.

When did your scale finally move? How many more months am I going to go without seeing tthe scale move?

I really need encouragement.

Nicole

Have you had your thyroid checked?  If it's underactive, it can make it very hard to lose weight.

Thank you for adding me as a friend. After I responded to your request I realized that I asked you if you were from Delaware. Duh! It has been about a year since I had my thyroid checked. They keep telling me it is normal to have a plateau. I have not lost anything since the 2nd week of surgery and I am doing all the right stuff. I could have lost and gained the same few pounds on mine own. I didn't need the band for that. I called the surgeon's office this morning and they are going to see  me tomorrow. I'll let you know what they say.
Nicole

Wow Nicole. Even without the lapband you should be loosing. With your exercise program you should be loosing eating app 1200 calories a day.

Have you talked with other banders. Maybe they could give you some insight? I had RNY, my daughter had lapband. In 1 year she has lost about 80 lbs. She has never been to a support group. She works with a group of folks that have all had surgery. That is her support group. I however, go to more that 1 group a month. Helps keep me positive & focused. I would have a serious conference with your Dr and the nutritionist. Do you keep a food journal? Your protein level sounds good. How abou****er, do you get in enough? Boy I think I'd be very frustrated. If you really analyze your habits, I bet you can turn this around. Try to stay positive, don't give up. You came to far to on your journey  to become healthy. Keep us informed on your progress. 
Good luck.

((HUGS)) Elissa

Hi Nicole!  

How's it going? 

I feel your frustration...I haven't lost any significant weight since December. And, like you, the measurements are getting smaller, and the clothes are getting baggier, but the scale just won't move down...only up and down over a five-pound range.

The main difference between us is that I had my Lap-Band done a year ago, and you're not quite six month's out yet, and I don't have the Realize band.  Don't know what difference that may make, but I lost pretty steadily the first 6 to 8 months.

I am surprised that you haven't lost more weight, with all of the exercise you do throughout the week. I would seriously consider an appt. with Dr. Wynn to discuss this. Just keep in mind that everyone is different. Maybe that scale will drop 10 or more pounds almost overnight. Do you weigh yourself every day? I had to stop doing that, as it was hurting more than helping. I try to limit it to 2 or 3 times a week...I'd like to do only once a week, ideally.

I just saw Dr. Peters this morning, and he wouldn't give me a fill, but thought (and I agreed) that I just needed to work harder on 1) chewing slower, 2) eating better foods...no more junk!!, and 3) continuing my exercise, especially getting into the Deep Water Workout routine to "stir up" my system, since I have been using walking as my exercise the past year.

How many fills have you had? Maybe you are ready for another one? Just a thought. Make sure you are eating "filling" foods, too. I keep eating junk food, which goes down way too easily, and then I don't get full and eat more. I am only hurting myself by doing that. I need to try harder, for sure.

I also asked him if I was done losing, and he said no, that I have more to go. I ***know*** I have more to go on a personal level, but I thought that maybe my band was "done" helping me. He and Dr. Keenan (at Monday night's meeting) both said no. She said I was still in the "honeymoon phase;" I asked her about it as I am interested in doing the MB-EAT class she is going to do. I was glad to hear that there's still hope to continue my weight loss. I feel like I am on a big plateau with no end in sight.

Enough about me. Personally, I think you are doing great, and I do hope you consider talking to Dr. Wynn. She is the one to best advise you.

Keep up the good work, though, and don't give up! The results may be slow in coming, but they will be worth it. Have faith in the band!

Happy Mother's Day to you and all of you other Mothers out there (wait, that doesn't sound right...but you all know what I mean!)!

Take care,
Leslie

Hi Leslie,
I am actually going to see Ed at Chrias tomorrow. I have 7.5cc in my Realize band. When I had asked them the difference between the Realize band and the Lap-Band, they said there wasn't one except for the web support with the Realize band. I left a message for the nutrionist too. I know I am not that far out but even if I did not have the band and I was doing all I have been I should be losing weight.

I am just a glass half empty person right now.

Hey Nicole,

I hear ya! I'm feelin' half-empty myself...it's been going on for a while.

I remember hearing about the Realize band, and that's what I've heard too, except that the band-part is more flexible,

I'm glad you are going to see Ed tomorrow; I'm sure that will help and will perhaps lift your spirits!

Let me know how you made out! Good luck!

Talk to you later,
Leslie

Thanks for the support. I'm sorry you're half empty too.

To add to the support.  My band will be 4 yrs old next week.  It is a wonderful tool.  My guess is you are hardly filled enough to really feel the difference.  Your RD is also very generous.  Try aiming for 1200 cal a day and 60 gms of protein.  Add to that 60-80 ozs of non caffeinated fluids a day.  Eat slowly and stop when you feel that you are full.  To this day I will burp when full and I stop.  The Realize can go up to 15 cc's so you have a ways to go.  Any questions ask away.  You are losing inches because of the exercise and that is a wonderful thing, back off on the food a bit.

Barbara