I'm so lost

It's been a about a year since I have been on this site.  I am so fusterated with my weight loss (or nonweight loss).  I had the Lap Band done in Nov 09 and it has been a thorn in my side ever since, literally.  I lost 27 lbs at the beginning but have put 35 back on.  I know the band is a tool but it has completely failed me. 

But I am ready to get back on this weight-loss band wagon.  The only thing I am clueless as to where to start.  I could tell anyone else how to lose weight but when it comes to me, I have no clue...maybe thats why I never really lost any. 

Have any suggestions or ideas please let me know. 

I'm sorry you have been struggling! I would first definitely suggest seeing your surgeon about whether you need an adjustment to your band. If you are able to eat alot and even gain weight, you might need to get a fill. I know from personal experience, when I don't follow the band rules and eat around the band, it is very hard to be successful. I also had gained weight due to a band leak, but since have had it repaired. The best way to move forward is to stay in touch with your doctor and work together to get you at the right spot. Good luck to you!! :) Do you have the "month of rules for success" document that Jean M. has shared on the boards? If not and you would like it, let me know and I will share it with you!

Please share the rules for success with me... I'm in the same boat. :(

Lisa

How many cc's are in your band?

Why do you say that the band has failed you?  There are instances where the band literally DOES fail....or the surgeon's work is shoddy and becuase of this, the band does not work properly. 

Then there is the fact that some people can't comply with the band rules, find ways to eat around the band, and do not use the tool for their advantage. 

I am experienced at BOTH of these situations. 

I had surgery to fix my badly positioned band, a slip, compliments of my first surgeon's handy work.  After that surgery and having many, many personal issues going on, I was not using my tool. I was turning to slider foods to comfort me and get me through stressful situations.  I wasn't exercising very regularly. 

It took 8 months after my surgery to reposition the band to get good restriction.  Once I got there, I just continued to eat around the band way too often. 

I have now come back to my senses and I am using my tool to help me lose the weight.  I am exercising quite a bit and sticking to solid proteins as much as possible.  I am staying away from simple carbs, waiting at least 30 minutes to drink after eating, and doing my best to get in my full 64 ounces of water each day.

What is your restriction level like?  What are your portions sizes for food?  How long do you stay satisfied? 

Thanks for the post.  Your information helped me too

Do you have good restriction? If not, that is your first step.

How much do you eat? Drink? Exercise? Give us some more details ad i am sure lots of us will be able to offer suggestions.

Kate

OT your new picture is  realllllly nice...you look 19 years younger than the other one..and you're smiling'''


Petra

I agree...REALLY nice pic, Kate!

I am having similar issues. I know what to eat, but I get bored and cheat, plus I am a stress eater. I think I am eating around the band, but don't really know how I am doing it. I can't tell if I have enough restricting, because sometimes I am really hungry throughout the day and other times I eat two bites and it gets stuck. I don't know what to do, I guess I need to go back to the doctor.