support and advice need... this journey is getting the best of me...

I was banded on February 28, 2008. I am one of those that it took 10 ccs in a 10 cc band before I had any restriction. When I finally got restriction, which took eight months to get me there, I lost 12 lbs the first month, the next month I lost 10 lbs. Since December, I have not lost anything. I know I do not always eat my protein first, and when I do not plan my meals I do horribly. I have lost 60 lbs since being banded, and I am very proud of that fact. However, I really need to lose between 70 - 80 more pounds. And I just do not know how to do it. I am no longer restricted like I was in October and November. When I measure and am really mindful of what I eat, I feel satisfied at 3/4 cups of food. However, I do get hungry between meals, and somehow the late night eating has come back. I try to not give in to the urge to eat, but in all honesty, most of the time I lose the battle, not every time, but more than I would like. I am a full-time student and I work full time. I recently started working out, so I know that will eventually yield some results, but I am becoming very frustrated in my journey.   I really want to be successful with my band, maybe I am wanting too much too fast. But I see folks that have lost 70 lbs in six months, and I wonder what am I doing wrong. I know and understand that I have always been a slow loser, no matter how much I work out, or what I do, the weight comes off very slow, but I really believed that this band would make things just a little bit easier. I know it is not a cure, and I have to do my part, but I am feeling like I am not winning at this. You may be thinking, but you have lost 60 lbs, and I am so grateful to God, for those 60 lbs, that I believe will be gone forever, but I have such a way to go.   Some of you may think I need a fill, however, I do not think I need a fill or anything, I really believe I am at a good place, however, I think there is something I am lacking to help me win this thing. I am almost positive it is something mental. Maybe lack of discipline, maybe lack of will power, or maybe I just self-sabotage.  I am not ready to give up, but I really need to see a shift. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I am not eating near what I used to eat before being banded, but I am now at a plateau, and I don't know what to do about it. For example, I had lunch at 1 p.m. My best friend and I had lunch at o'charley's. We shared a house salad, which, if I had right mind, I should have stopped eating, because after the salad I was very much satisfied, but I also ate a chicken tender and a cheese wedge... then I was done. I never drink with my meals and I always wait an hour after I eat to drink anything... Okay I am going to stop rambling now, but I hope and pray you can give me some kind of advice as to what I need to do. I have several friends that have been banded and they have lost a lot of weight, however, they are so darn tight some days they throw-up water, and can only take two to three bites of food. If that is what it takes to get the rest of my weight off, I don’t think I can do it! I just do not believe that is the purpose of the band. Okay, now I am really going to stop.     Thank you all in advance for your help, Michelle

hmm michelle...your story sounds a little like mine...It seems like your doing everything right but remember you cant compare yourself to other people. Some people just lose slower... Maybe you should try cutting back on the carbs if you consume a lot and up your water intake??? im not even  a month out so i dont know what else to tell ya... also i would try not to weigh myself too often... when we are at a stall that scale can be depressing....trust me i know and everytime someone ask you how much more weight you are down..you just want to slap them lol.... but jsut remeber the 60 you did lose!! Thats great so far and you will get the rest of the weight off..so dont give up!!

Ashley Nicole,
Thank you for your kinds words... You are very correct ont he weighing thing, I sometimes weigh three times a day... I am obsessed with the scale. I do need to increase my water intake, that would more than likely help also... Thank you for the great suggestions...

I'm brand new with my band -- as in 4 days!  But I'm already struggling -- so I think thats just maybe part of it all.  Relish in your accomplishments -- go get a pair of pants you could barely wear at your highest weight and marel at your accomplishments!  And from what I've been told -- don't be afraid to go back to your surgeon and ask what gives!  Maybe he can find something that you're missing :)  I applaud you for your journey so far!  I'm just trying not to cheat on my clear liquid diet! (I suppose watching Food Network was a bad idea!).  I'll keep you in my prayers :)

hollinsprincess,
Congratulations on your recent surgery... I would not take anything for my band, but at this moment I could kick its butt....
I never doubt that I have lost weight... that is far from the issue. My concern now, is to get this 70 to 80 lbs off. I have not lost any weight in the last month, and that is starting to bother me. But through it all I am blessed, and I am excited about where I am today, as opossed to where I was almost a year ago.

Keep doing those liquids, before you know it, you will be sampling solids...

I can tell by your post that this is heavy on your mind and it would be on mine too!  I am sorry you have to deal with this.  What has your doctor said?  It seems when you reached 10cc's he might have started making suggestions about possible next steps.  The best part of this is that you have lost and you have a "can do" attitude, even though you are discouraged at times.  Low to no carbs, varying you work outs and maybe adding intensity may help, getting a 14cc band may help (that is a big deal though).  My prayer is that you are granted the solution that is best for you and that you are able to meet the goal that is optimum for your health.

Needtoseemeagain,
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I would have responded sooner, but I have not been online all weekend. I have talked to my doctor several times, but he says, he knows I will get the weight off.  I too know that I will, but knowing and getting there are two different things. I am going to try a few different things over the next few weeks, and see if I can jump start things again. I often think maybe I do not have the correct size band, but in the same breathe I chose my doctor because I knew he was really good, and he is very knowledgeable in what he does. I have been praying for the strenght to endure this, I just need to hang in there.... this journey can be so mind blowing.... Thank you for you thoughts and prayers....

Blessings,
Michelle

Hey Michelle,
Stay motivated Sis, I believe you can & will meet the gials most healthy for you!

(I suppose watching Food Network was a bad idea!).  I'll keep you in my prayers :)

That's all I watched when I got home from the hospital. Lol!!

Tender, you are doing great! Cut out the late night snacking, because that may be your culprit. Stay focused and continue on this magnificent journey of yours. You lost 60lbs, you will get to your goal.

ayoung77,
Thank you darling, Good luck on your journey... As frustrated as I am right now, I am so grateful to God for this chance to change my life.... It will get better, I am sure!!!

Be Blessed,
Michelle