Brandy - sorry you feel like this but IMO you dont have a failed band you have a failed doctor. First and foremost your doctor should never make you feel bad for being normal - 1 cc is "in most cases" not enough fill for proper restriction. This tool only works when it is adjusted correctly - if you are feeling hunger (not head hunger) within 3 hours of a good meal (protein, veg, small starch) then you are not adjusted correctly yet and your doctor should know that - he cant expect you to lose with out a properly functioning band which takes some time to get. Be your own best advocate - dont let him make you feel bad - go and tell him "this isn't right yet - I need another fill". As far as exercise goes - it is a must but I dropped my first 50 lbs with very little exercise - the lower my weight gets the more important exercise becomes. On a very general issue - not every surgery is right for every person. The psych eval that they give to make sure this one is right for you in my case was a joke. Luckily I knew from extensive research what I was getting myself into. It seems like this isn't so for a large number of people. They like the less invasive, safer aspect of banding but dont understand the self control and consistant follow up that are involved. There are people that the band is just not going to work for - period. You may want to sit down and do an honest (very honest) evaluation of what you want and what your behavoir patterns as far as eating goes. This may not have been the right surgery for you and to beat yourself up now won't help your weight or emotional well being. Maybe a therapist that specializes in WLS would help - someone that is aware of all of the pros and cons and can help you decide if you need to change you or your surgery. (I would insist though that your doctor gets your band working properly - you never know, once it is adjusted you may find that it was just what you needed) Good luck - I hope it works out for you what ever you choose to do! (Don't let anyone make you feel bad - you are trying- that is the hardest part!) Lynn Banded 9/12/05 300/275/230/140

Re: "I see nothing in your post about exercisinbg. No WLS will work if you do not hit the road running as soon as you can after surgery." I can't speak to all wls's, but I lost about 60 pounds in the first two-and-half months after my DS surgery and barely moved off the couch. I'm three months out on Tuesday and trying to force myself to go do SOMETHING. Sue

Hi Brandy, The only thing I would suggest to you before getting additional surgery is to try some of the techniques for speeding up a slow metabolism, especially if you are not having any complications from your band. I too have a very slow metabolism. I ride my stationary bike at a high speed for 90 minutes, 3 times per week yet I still lose weight very slowly compared to other RNY patients. My doctor has told me to put something in my mouth within 1/2 hour of waking and I need to put some food in my mouth, every 2-3 hours (piece of cheese, a few nuts, etc). Also my support group leader told me that resistance training is the only way to permanently improve a sluggish metabolism. I have started doing light weights. By eating more often, I lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks when I normally average 1/2 pound a week (that's since WLS). I also follow the low GI diet which is great for people that are insulin resistant. You should also have your metabolic rate checked. Some people on OH said they had to be put on glucophage because they discovered they were insulin resistant and it helped. I really don't want to take medication so I am trying to speed my metabolism up naturally. Good luck.

Thank you. I found that after I posted the question. So very sad.

Just wanted to let you all know I did find out that Jessica passed away in November, 2005. I am so very saddened to hear this. She fought long and hard to stay alive for her little boy. I shared long emails with Jessica in the past. She was a great lady.