need some encouragement...

Well, I had my lap-band surgery Feb. 16, 2011, I have 8 1/2 ccs in a 10 band.  I've only lost 30 lbs and I really don't eat that much, I try to follow the diet and I've just started walking 2 miles a day.  I wish I would have had the gastric bypass, I'm so disappointed with my results and mad at myself for not making the right decision.  Any encouragement would be appreciated.. 

 So you have lost 30 pounds in 18 months?

i don't know how much you want to lose, but I would be disappointed by that.

I saw my bariatric surgeon every month or so for the first 6 months and then every 2 months after that until I was at my goal.

What does your surgeon say?
do you have access to support groups in your area, or nutritional support?

What is your meal plan like?
do you 
Avoid liquid calories (except for low fat milk)
Avoid drinking with meals or for 45-60 minutes after eating
Eat 3-4 ounces of lean, solid protein per meal
Eat veg and whole grains as suggested
Avoid processed carbs and sweets

Not every surgery is fool proof. I had a gastric bypass 12 years ago, then had a band placed over my bypass. it is possible to fail with the bypass too. Don't be disappointed and don't give up! Take a step back and re-evaluate the situation. It's great you have now incorporated exercise, this will absolutely help. Have you met with a support group? I go every month and I find it hugely helpful. Hang in there. Just take a step back, try to fine tune things and if I were you, meet with your surgeon!  Best of Luck!   ~Kelly

 Hi Kelly
I read your post and was wondering when you had your band over bypass?
I had bypass 8 yrs ago and just had the band put on.
Lost about 14 lbs right away but now,,,, nothing for about a month.
also getting a litle pressure in my chest.....
Wondering how you are doing and how much you lost since your BOB and how long it took.
thank you
Joann

Hey Joann!

The band is MUCH slower than the bypass, so please be patient. I actually just wrote about this the other day. I remember being able to eat anything I wanted and the weight STILL melted off. Those were the days

The band is completely different. i have had to work hard at this. I am in the gym 3-4 days a week and journal everything that goes in my mouth. I made a total lifestyle change. I dropped 102 pounds total over 2 years and it's still coming off slowly, but really I'm just trying to maintain what I have.

You have to work for the band in order for it to work for you. You'll get there though. From the sound of your post, you're still a newbie with it, so hang tight. Eventually the weight will have no where to go, but off!

 Thank you for yyour reply
Wow 102  is that since the band?
I lost @120 with bypass and put on @30 so thats why I got the band. 
You r right
I just got it in June and still trying to adjust
Hiw much fill do u have?

Still little concerned about this pressure I feel sometimes

Yes, 102 is with the the band. I had put back all of my weight since the bypass, so I was 338 at surgery.

I have 10cc VG band and I have 4cc's in it.

Is it possible your band is too tight? Maybe getting it adjusted to where you can more easily eat vegetables, fruits, and solid protein would do you good. I cannot imagine 8.5 ccs! The most I've ever had was 5 in my 10 CC band and it was definitely too tight. Everyone is different but I'm curious if you think you'd make better food choices. Or do you really have no restriction? 

Carol the band just does not work for most ppl long term. Hell it doesn't even work for many short term! It's not too late to get RNY. Check into a revision. You'll be much happier with RNY than the band I am sure. Good luck!

Others have given you sound advice. I would add that even though you are disappointed and discouraged it is important to decide that you will do the best you can with the tool you have.

I would also suggest journaling every bite you put in your mouth. If you are indeed eating not very much it could be that you need a few more calories to boost your metabolism into losing again. On the other hand if you discover that you have allowed the carbs to creep back in you may try decarbing for a while. It always boosts my loss. There are many things you can do and it actually helps to mix it up, anyway. Our bodies get complacent with the same ole' same ole'. Lifting weights instead of cardio, bumping up the calories by around 250, changing the things you eat, etc.

The last thing you need to do is to forgive yourself. For mistakes, for not losing like you want, anything at all. Holding on to those things actually keeps us bound to them. We are not perfect and never will be. We suffer from a chronic disease that will never be cured just put into remission.

Good luck, and Hugs
Sue