I Am Back After 4 Years Away....

Hi Everyone!!

Well i have been away from this website for way to long.  Quick refresh i had the lap-band back in 2005.  First year went great but after that i have slowly gained almost all my weight back.  I am trying to get back on track.  I go to the gym at least 3 times a week and i have started to see a counselor that deals in food issues.  I am also going back to the surgeon June 6.  Not sure if i am going to work the band or see what other options i have.

I am hear looking to talk to people who have maybe gone through what i am going through now and what advice they have.  Just anyone that wants to help me stay motivated to try to loose weight again.  I hate this struggle!!!

 OMG.  I needed this post.  I won't say I'm in the same boat, but one nearby... literally!  I was thinking about going to the support group meetings at Memorial, still need to look into that.  I am almost 2 years post and starting to gain.  Stalled at 198 and back up to 207 at the moment.  I just haven't been in the band mood so to speak.  Can't seem to get back on track and I so don't want to go back to where I started.  

I'm sorry that I can't tell you anything magical.  But I'm here.  Same town, same struggle.  Glad you're back, this is a good start.

((HUGS))

Welcome back Kate! Glad you are working hard at the gym and seeing a counselor. We all obviously have food issues or we wouldn't be here. Definitely check out all the options and make the right choice for you. You can do it, you are worth it! I agree..I hate this struggle too...it stinks. I'm still waiting for the magic pill, but I guess until then, we have to still together and work hard.
Sherie

Hi Kate-

I am in the same situation as you. I had my surgery 4 years ago in March. I posted a similar post on friday night and I got some great responses, you should check back to Friday and see what they said to me.....You can do this, we can do this. Stick with it my friend.

Glad to see your post, Kate!
I'm struggling as well 3 1/2 years post band. I went to my dr on Friday and found I've gained almost 25 pounds back. I got another fill.
What I love about the band, as you don't have with the other surgeries, is the ability to have it work the same way as it did post-operatively. so, I really find that a postive for the lap-band.
I've resolved to follow the same rules that were given to me post-op. It's what works. I've also decided to come back to the OH forums for support as it kept me honest 3 years ago
We have to resolve to ourselves that we are only human and still have to deal with the issues that make us eat. The band can't stop that.
What you are doing is the right thing. We'll all be here for you, so don't give up. You did it before and you can do it again!
Deb

Hi Kate,
I'm a year out and I'm having a hard time getting on track again.  Coming to the board is helping me not eat as much.  I started back at the support group and I see a counselor.  I'm hoping to get back on track soon.  With all the birthdays and holidays in the next few months it's going to be hard.  But I know I'm worht it.  Good Luck !

Tracy

Hi Kate, I am pre-lapband surgery. I am currently doing my 6 month Physician monitored diet. However, I just wanted to say that I think you are taking the right steps to get back on track! Especially, by seeing a counselor. I have scheduled my first counseling meeting for the month of June. I know that I have a deep unhealthy relationship with food and in order for my band to work the way it should I need to deal with my food issues. So hopefully while I am participating on this diet and receiving counseling I will have an easier transition. I wish you the best and once again stay determined!!

I am in the same boat, my band was placed 2/6/06...did well for a while now having GERD so Dr withdrew all the fluid and I am going for a revision to Gastric Sleeve.  I've had 2 nutrition appointments, endoscopy, and cardiac clearance as of today...one more nutritionist appt and I am ready for surgery...that is when my patient advocate will submit  paperwork to insurance. 

Things are really getting interesting.

What is GERD?

Hi Kate,

I think coming back to the site is a great idea!  Support is so important...but ultimately you have to make the decision to do this for YOU!  Girl, you are WORTH it!  I think seeing a counselor is imperative to success.  It is a struggle, and the issues go VERY deep.

I used to be on the site all the time.  I have food issues, I'm addicted - it's bad.  I had the lapband put in on 12/31/07 and have had quite the journey.  I started having trouble with my band, not being able to keep food or liquids down without explanation.  Got my band tightened and loosed 100 times (well, seemed like it)... finally one day I was so dehyrated I found myself in the ER (again) and had to have emergency surgery to have the band removed.

So, I have been without the band for over a year (out on 04/07/10) and have managed to maintain my weight loss but I have the some really unhealthy habits.  I used to simply overeat, but I have developed new bad habits...that I attribute to my "issues" that haven't been resolved.  I guess I always thought that if I lost the weight everything would be fixed.  Well it's not!  The food is not the issue, it's gotta be emotional!

Food is just food!  I've read about 300 books about all of it, and encourage you to explore the reasons WHY you struggle (and I get it, it's the hardest thing in the world)...but it's deeper than just the weight.

Wishing you all the best!

Hugs,
Kristen