I'm a failure.

Hi my name is Debbie I have'nt been on this forum in about 8-9 months I think, I got my band 6/11/07 lost 32 pounds in the first 3 months then bam gained it all back and probably more I was over filled , couldnt keep anything down  couldnt afford to go back  for unfill so I ate whatever stayed down and did'nt get stuck which was of course junk food  and I was so embarrased to go back to see the doc. but went yesterday after 8 months he says everything looked good just needed to get back on track. ok so here I am how do I do that ? so far I again stopped  drinking sodas , can't stand  plain water so I went out and bought alot of them vita splash to flavor my water plus Im still eating sweets but very little and suger free, ( can't stop  completly)  I m using my treadmill  but only 15 min. aday I have arthritis and bad knees. ok so now what anybody have anymore Ideas please help .

Debbie,

Try water arobics, it is easy on the knees and back and is very good exercise.  Girl, you have the will power to stop the nasty habits and replace with very good habits.  Did you pay for the band or did insurance pay.  It will get better, you just have to put your mind to it.

Have you thought about RNY, DS, etc?

I have but I figured if I failed this the lap-band I'll probably fail any other weight loss surgery too.

I wouldn't say that - lap band requires a LOT more discipline than RNY or DS - there are some 'automatic' restrictions with RNY or DS - like dumping, that help control what you can/can't do.  For me - I get sick as a dog on junk food, so I naturally stay away from it for the most part, and I dump on things that are too sugary - so I avoid those too.  It might be worth a look.

And I agree with the exercise part - since my surgery I have worked out 2-3xs a week like religion. With any WLS, change of lifestyle is key and HAS to include exercise.......

Good luck to you!

I feel really bad reading your post , cuz you didn't fail the band, it failed you. They fail LOTS of people, and the statistics bear this out. You may want to look into a revision. I got the DS because it does the work for you, and I have a life to live that doesn't have time for dumping, stuck food, closing or stretched stomas, fills etc.
You need to quit kicking yourself, because it's just not your fault. Seriously, if our weight could have been maintained with exercise and diet, we wouldn't have needed a surgery. Go talk to your doctor, and see if he can give you real help with that band, and when he can't, ask him about a revision. Now cut yourself a little slack, and feel free to ask me any DS related questions if you ever consider a revision to DS.

Debbie,

My name is Beth, and I had my Gastri Bypass done almost 3 years ago.  First and foremost, YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!  You have had a minor set back.  I'm so proud of you for realizing you were in trouble, and going back to the doctor.  I totally can appreciate the knee pain.  I'm to the point; I'm just waiting to have mine replaced.  All you can do, is take it a day at a time.  You are a a success, and will continue to be a success.  Had you failed, you would have never gone back to the doctor, nor would you have started using your treadmill.  Please remember, it took years to put the weight on.  It will be a lifetime of changes, to keep it off.

Take care of yourself, and keep up the hard work.  YOU ARE AWESOME!
Beth

PS. I used to live in Dallas.  It's nice to see a friendly Texas face.

Hi Beth,

I am two weeks post op, I am feeling depressed right now because I have made some bad choices in the past two days.  I have eaten some lobster brisque soup  and I have ate cobb salad only 2oz of each at a meal I digest it well and I know I shouldnt eat that stuff but I am so struggling with the broth pudding and jello and applesauce. Have I hurted myself already and set myself up for failure?  I feel that I can get back on track tomorrow and never look back I feel jsut a minor set back it is also hard being at home all the time now I dont go back to wor****il the 6th of jan and once I am back into my daily schedule I know things will be different what do you think?  Also how do you know you stretched your pouch I only eat 2 to 3 oz at a meal and I wait an hr to drink after or 1 hr before?  Just need some support

thanks to all ,I forgot how helpful this forum is and how awsome you people are again thanks . DEB.

I'm in a slump too. You might check to see if your ins. will pay for visits to a dietician that is familiar with what you're going through. Just call the Customer Service number on the back of the ins card and ask them who is in the network that they would pay on. Good luck!!