My take on the Band

I have not been around much, just lurking mostly, but I had to comment on the band and my success with it. Which has been hardly any weight loss and regain.  but I can't blame the band and I can't blame the Dr. and his crew although I do think they have let me down and  I have not been given the support I needed.   I had Food addiction when I got the band and I still have it.  even though I have learned a lot about my eating and my life and am still working on trying to eat like a person who is healthy, but it is hard to change a life time of a eating habits  and along with my age and cir****tances  around my weight, I am in limbo, I am trying each day.  I know that I do not eat the amounts and the things I used to but. I also think I thought that  the band would do it for me even though I was told hundreds of times that the band was just a tool.   but I knew that  I did not want to go bypass or any of the other invasive  surgeries  I think it is a control thing with me . and I thought that I could be one of those that succeeded. 
I would never discourage anyone from having the procedure and I do not think I would encourage anyone without adding that there are things that need to be understood.  I hope everyone  is having success and I am going to continue because even though I have lost that much, I am starting to learn about my mind and my body. 
Thanks all for listening.    Carolyn

Carolyn,

Im sorry you are going throught all this.  If you are not getting the support from your doc can you find another one that will give you the support you need ?

I know you need to have a good doc that cares, and listens to you for your afercare .  Mine is really really great about that . His nurse a different story though lol but I do love my doc :o)

Maybe if you could find that , then you get the support you need and help you to get where you need to go with your weight .

I hope things get better for you and try to find another doc that could make the world of difference right there .

Thanks for the support.  I go back to my Dr. on my Band anniversary and I have not seen him since last year.this time.   I have considered  trying to find someone else and if I do not get any help in may then I think I will consider it.   I do not think I have any restriction even though I get stuck often and if I do not pay close attention.   Like I said being a Food addict is not a good take on this. and all my old habits that I have tried to replace with new ones are still lingering.    I try journaling every day and I try to  concentrate on  health at this point.     Thanks again.   

Carolyn,  I am so sorry you are having such problems. I think that we are so desperate to lose weight by the time we consider wls that it is very easy to hear what we want to hear from the docs! So many people think it is going to be easier than it is.

Don't start to shoulder all the blame! Clearly from what you say you have not made the necessary lifestyle changes but this isn't all physical, it is a mental issue as well. We obese people (and I include myself even though I am not obese now, it is still lurking there ready to return) have psychological issues to sort and the band doesn't do that.

First of all - do you have the right level of fill?

Then - are you eatign dense protein first?

Are you really checking the quantity and the cotent of foods?

Have you considered counselling? Or joining Weigh****chers?

kate

Carolyn:
I just wanted to add to the comments that the Band  just does not work for some people.  I know where you are coming from.
Have a great day!!!

Carolyn:

You mentioned in another post that you are going to see your doctor and you saw him this time last year. Were you not seeing him on a consistent basis after your band was placed? How many fills have you had and what level is currently in your band?

First off, the band isn't for everyone! But secondly, I would tell ANYONE prior to having any weightloss surgery that they might want to seek counseling and look into what drives them to emotional eating in the first place. A cognitive therapist can work wonders with helping you come into touch with why you chose food as comfort.

And I'm going to point something out in your message and give you a little tough love here(and I do this with great compassion). Count how many times you say BUT in your paragraphs. But is a statement of failure. You are giving yourself an option to fail! You can say, "I know what I'm supposed to eat, BUT, it doesn't taste very good!" Think about it! You are always giving yourself a way out!

When you see your surgeon, I would see if there is a nutrionist you can see or talk with and ask if they can referr you to a food addiction specialist. 

I pray you are successful in whatever you decide to do.

 
~~Count how many times you say BUT in your paragraphs. But is a statement of failure. You are giving yourself an option to fail! You can say, "I know what I'm supposed to eat, BUT, it doesn't taste very good!" Think about it! You are always giving yourself a way out!~~

Oh my gosh... you are absolutely correct!  Very insightful!

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions and comments, what you all say is true, like I said when I opted for this I think in the back of my mind that I thought I would not have to make the tough choices,  I have always sabotaged myself  when ever I have been successful  .   But thanks again.   And Kate I have 73/4 cc in my band. and you know I do not think I eat the protein 1st. I think I am still eating like before . 
Another thing  I haven't faced.   Also when I seen the Dr. Last was my 1st year anniversary, and  I had gained and I talked to one of the nurses but at that point my next appointment was for  one year.    Well my choices so only I can make this work.   Thank you To all again, I just wanted to say that a lot of the times when the band is blamed for no weight loss it is not the band but the person   wearing it.     Ok   have a great day and      love  CArolyn

Carolyn- Have you ever tried overeaters anonymous? It's a great program for us food addicts- maybe with the support and insights that you can get from that program and the benefit that you have from having a band, you can get a grip on things. OA has phone meetings, just check out their website and maybe try one. One of their sayings is "take what you like and leave the rest". I found it very helpful.
I wish you well and hope you stick with it! One day, something will click for you!