So now what?

Hello to all of my fellow Michiganders.  I am new to this site but nearly a year into my banding, and I need some help.  I have officially lost 30 pounds in ten months according to my surgeon's scale.  I somehow magicly thought my cravings were going to go away and wondered if anyone else is having my experience of losing only a few pounds each month.  If I know this is normal I can live with it, but I am really worried that I will be one of those people who won't  be successful.  I find I eat what I can, which of course are the crunchy and sweet foods that prevent weight loss.  Help!

You are setting yourself up to fail . Stop with the Junk foods , Eat you protien , Don't drink for 1 hour after you Eat. Get some Exercive in your life. I am 9 months out and down 111 pounds. Your Band is only a tool , You have to use it... Hope this helps

JustJudy, I know that the previous response wasn't meant to come accross as negative as it sounded; but sometimes it is the only way some people can make this work: to be soldiers or drill sergeants. You are struggling right now.. You have found ways that you can get "around' the tool that you have.. My suggestion is that you go back to your surgeon and explain what is going on.. Maybe meet with the nutritionist or the "nut" and talk about what you are doing and come up with an eating plan.It is not being a failure to ask for help..Your Surgeon's office wants to have you listed on the success side of their register It is easy to "not" follow and it you don't follow a plan, it is easy to slip into bad habits.Asking for help is one of the hardest things to do. I can't think of anyone who wants anyone to "not" be successful.. You aer asking for suggestions and should be patted on the back for hat. Seek it out. I am a big supporter of Support groups- be it online or group meetings- anyway that make you feel compelled to be responsible and accountable for what you put in your mouth and what you eat. You can do it, You went into this wanting to make a change and improve your health.. Now you just need do follow through. Every comment you get is meant as a motivational one.. We are here to do what we can... God BLess. Wigglypoo Amy

Judy, I am not a lapbander but I know only too well of only losing a couple of pounds a month.  It can be frustrating.  But I am also a firm believer in behavior modification.  In my case, there are underlying issues why I eat.  I think if you can, either go to a therapist who works with bariatrics, or attend a support group of your peers.  I bet you will find out quickly that you are not alone in your struggles.  And someone mentioned visiting your Nut again.  Maybe getting back to the basics would be a great start.  We get so caught up in everything, we forgot the simple things that are essential.  Dont be hard on yourself, in fact, Be Gentle to Yourself.  you deserve all the understanding in the world. ((((big hugs)))

Thanks for all of the kind and tough words.  I think a support group is a great idea and I need to find one that is near enough to attend regularly.  I don't know anyone with a lap band, only the RNY, and those folks are lucky to have dumping syndrome so they can't tolerate sweets and fat.  If I could do my surgery over I would  do the RNY instead of the band.  My surgeon isn't much help, as he told me to eat biscotti for breakfast and canned corned beef for lunch. It really isn't that I don't know what to do, I just don't do what I should-or at least I am not satisfied with what little I can eat.  I get plenty of protein but probably not near enough water and I never drink with meals-I can't.  I will try  to find a support group and drinking more and see if that helps.  Thanks again all.

It has been about two weeks since I contacted you and I wanted to let you all know that you really helped to wake me up.  I have been logging my diet and exercise every day since the 31st and going to the gym as often as I can.  In spite of having the sore throat that seems to be working its way through Michigan I am doing well.  I was surprised to see that on an indulgent day I was eating close to 2000 calories so it is no wonder I wasn't losing weight.  Now I am varying between 800 and 1600 calories and can see and feel the difference.  I will get a fill and an official weigh in on Monday but I am hoping to be close to the 50 pound weight loss by my one year anniversay in May.  Also, I have been communicating in the lap band forum and found that there are lots like me who have been filled slowly and are losing slowly due to their surgeon's conservative management. Thanks for the kick in the pants-I needed it.