trying to not get discouraged............but i am losing hope

it has been 9 months since i had band surgery and i weigh exactly the same as the day i had surgery.  i have had 4 fills so far for a total of 6.5 cm.  i had to switch drs mid stream and this one is a bit more aggressive in that i go in once a month but the last fill was only .5 cm, and it did NOTHING!  at this rate I am getting very discouraged.  any words of wisdom/hope anyone?  thanks, Dyanna

have you gone on the Lap Band forum yet? Lots of sound advice and helpful people there. They pretty much believe that if your band isn't working, you need to go back to square one: protein drinks, etc. Good luck!

  Our support group had a visitor from New Jerssy. His name is Tom. He is a lapband loser has lost over a hundred pounds, and has a blog you might find helpful. Here is the address: 

http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/tcasola/uzone,blog/action, view/blog_id,121542/

   He has some helpful tips and good advice. You get to do the work, but stay connected with us because we want you to be sucessful too!

Paul

Don't get discouraged! The band is a tricky tool sometimes, but it often has to do with the care you get. Great clinics in MN for lapband are Unity and Park Nicollet. I know it may be far for you, but it's worth a try to switch. Come to the band board... I get all my support there and with their help (and this board too) I've lost 125lbs with my band. It takes a lot of determination and tweaking and research. It's hard to figure out the sweet spot or what good restriction feels like. Don't give up! Email me anytime if you want tips or need to vent or chat: [email protected]

 

Come to our support group tonight; were here to help you! Maybe we can figure something out.

http://www.allina.com/ac/services.nsf/allservice/LAP-BANDAbb ott_Northwestern_Hospital,_Piper_Building,_

 I know my surgeon is a big stickler on the fact that with the Lap Band you have to choose the right foods to eat.... So that is one thing to look at.... are you choosing the correct foods for the diet?  Lots of protein... VERY LITTLE carbs.... make sure you are not drinking any calories.... or any sugar.... I know it is hard..... but the tool does work when its sitting right!  My surgeon told me to only eat a cup of food... and if I am hungry after only an hour or two then it means I need a fill... not to eat till I am full....

I have lost 40 pounds in 3 months with the band... but it has been hard work and lots of choices every day... I get up and tell myself that I am going to make good choices.... and most days... it works!

Good luck and make sure you come for support whenever you need it!
Dharma

Don't lose hope! It did take me 6 fills to get to a good spot. If you can get to the Abbott support group tonight that Kelly mentioned, we can try to give you some more pointers. Support made a huge difference for me. Other than that, if you are diligently eating protein first followed by veggies and not getting a full feeling that lasts for a few hours, get back in for another fill. Everyone is different in how much they need in their bands and you just might need more. Good luck and I hope we see you at a support group. I also go to meetings at Unity and there's good support there too.
Jean B.