Anyone ever lost it all then gained it all back with the band in?

Eileen:  Excellent question -- eating around the band is usually eating soft foods or drinking with meals.  By doing this you are not allowing your band to do its job and "restrict" the amount of food you eat.  Soft foods will go right through the band, so while you could certainly live on mashed potatos and ice cream, you won't lose any weight while doing so.  Also, I learned after several months that drinking fluids with my meals was not helping me.  I could eat pretty much the same amount of food I had pre-band.  Always wait at least 30 - 60 minutes after eating before you take any liquids.  As for alcohol, the occassional drink isn't going to hurt.  Just don't go overboard.  For me, my weakness is margaritas.  I usually have 1 or 2 on the weekends, but not more than that.  Personally, I don't think 1 or 2 vodkas and diet 7-up a week will hurt you.  Good luck!

As long as you leave room for those calories and account for them I'm sure you could make it work for you. It's all about devising a system that works. Alcohol is calorie dense so if you are a very heavy drinker be honest with yourself I had a marguerita last night. But I only indulge maybe 3 times a year!

Very, VERY true that.  The margarita(s) are usually a precursor to mattress aerobics with DH, which he would do every night if I would.  I don't NEED alcohol to get in the mood, but I do like that it makes me a little more free and open to things, and DH loves the affect it has on my **** factor!!  I know TMI -- Anyway, if I could feel sexy enough without it, I would.  I just haven't gotten there yet.  Maybe in another 20 pounds or so?  I've wondered if it deterred my weightloss any, but with losing 3 pounds this week and still having my usual margarita last Sunday and last night, I'm not sure??  Any tips for drinks with fewer calories or another "facilitator" I can try?

I think, don't quote me, that chapaigne has the least calories...that's why the models always drink it. I don't care for it too much unless it's in ,say, a mimosa...so something like that may work. And I know what u mean about it increasing the **** factor! Hahaha

I would definitely be interested in the data on this topic.  I love all the dialogue and communication going back and forth.  I know that posts like this (those with lots of feedback) have really helped me in the past and I'm sure help others too.  Thanks Linsey for yet another insightful and thought provoking post - as usual. 

The couple that is buying our business were both banded two years ago. Neither one of them have lost a pound.  I dont know why, but I do know that they dont get fills and arent learning new eating habits. I suspect its far more common to get the tool and never really use it...then to use it, get to goal, and then regain weight. (again like you said..for people without complications or illnesses) I sometimes still have a diet mentality where I think "at this meal I am really going to splurge and treat myself to whatever I want" then the band doesnt let me go there. I hope thats how it always will be...

Me too... Linsey