Question:
I am almost 1 year out of getting banded...

I have lost approx 55-60lbs..I have stopped loosing weight...I am going back to my old ways of eating...My dr. is soo busy, I can't get a fill until July! Help!! I don't want to gain weight but I am out of control...I have 30lbs to go!!!    — rhammgag (posted on May 27, 2008)

May 27, 2008
The band is only a tool and will only do what you let it do....all of us go thru bouts of not losing but we have to keep focused...sometimes we stop losing but we lose inches instead of pounds.......the band is around our stomach's not our heads and it is important that we take control when it takes a while to get a fill......maybe you can get in to see a food counsler before your fill.....you can also make a weekly list of all your food you intend to eat...but only what you need....clear all bad stuff out of your house...stay away from facst food places and star back to eating ONLT the amounts you are suppose to...will it be hard??? Probably but you need to do it anyway...no eating between meals...up your protein and stay full with liquids between meals......if you are committed you can do it...you can't rely soley on the band to do it for you. Good luck. Pam / Ft Worth Bandster Bites Silverware [email protected]
   — pphillips4720aol.com

May 27, 2008
Hey there, I completely understand. I would suggest making small changes that when added up make a big difference. Get the junk food out of the house, write down your short and long term goals and sign a contract with yourself. Tell everyone in your family and your friends that you are re-committed and ask them to help keep you on track, meditate, positive self talk and visualization of yourself at your goal weight. Track your intake, do ten minutes per day of exercise. Drink all of the water you can stand to flush out your system. Have you ever done a liquid carb detox? It is what I do when I need to get back on track and off carbs. Do liquids (low cal) and/or protein shakes only for 3 days to get through the carb withdrawal and stop craving them. Then go back to eating only protein and veggies without carbs and get back into ketosis. Once you see some quick results, you might just want to do more. Is there a different doctor you can get in to see? Call your surgeon's office everyday and ask if anyone has cancelled- be put on the cancellation list. Call the office and tell them how much you are struggling and beg for an earlier appointment. You can do it, you're so close..... forget about yesterday as we can't change that. Good luck, Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

May 27, 2008
Keep your eye on the prize. Remember why you had the surgery in the first place. YOU CAN DO IT!!
   — bariatricdivalatina

May 27, 2008
I had RNY...but...no matter what WLS you had, there is one thing in common...It's forever. Sweetie, you have got to get yourself used to eating right and in control. This is the first year of the rest of your life...Oh yes it is. Having trouble only a year out is signs that you need to get real and take your surgery more seriously. You can't go back to old habits. Non WLS people LOVE to say how it's the easy way out...and you convince yourself that you can just go back and the surgery will save you...You've learned that it's NOT "The easy way out." It's hard...and it's work...and until you get that fill, you have to work on cutting out the crap foods and getting in proteins...Drink a protein shake as a replacement of junk foods for now...Do whatever it takes to get you to your next fill, but don't allow yourself to feel badly when you KNOW you can do it. Get some really good snacks and plan them out...DRINK water inbetween meals...Stay away from the junk! Even if you stop losing til you get your fill will be better than gaining. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
   — .Anita R.

May 27, 2008
Dear Roxanne, Ok.....I know a lot about the Lapband, since my mother had it performed over two years ago (and I'm due for the surgery in late July--hopefully--dang insurance). My mother has since lost 85lbs and she has hit a plateau as well. Just because you've hit a plateau and stopped losing weight doesn't necessarily mean you will get a fill. What you need to do (and any good surgeon's office should help you get back on track with a bit of nutrition counseling) is to figure out what you're eating. Sounds to me you already know your answer. You're going back to your old ways of eating (probably the wrong things). Listen, I'm here to help ya and if I come across as a jerk...I'm sorry :( Sounds to me like you're in need of some good ole' protein. Protein will keep you fuller longer...so, try eating some protein like a hard boiled egg, or a little serving of tuna fish or chicken salad, or even a protein shake. Protein will hold you much longer than something full of carbs or sugar. Also, sounds like you'd benefit from six small meals scattered throughout the day. Remember, protein is your friend!!! Also, remember......don't drink half an hour before your meals or an hour after. This is highly important if you want to get the nutrients from your food. Take your time and give yourself a good amount of time to also chew your food. The more you chew your food the more nutrients your receive from it (your body will not chemically digest large bits of food). Also, you won't have the problem of regurgitation if you chew the hek outta your food. My mom has only had two fills since her surgery two years ago and she has a small band (4cc). She's had over 10 follow up appts with her surgeon since the surgery and they always seem to give her helpful hints like the ones above I've given you. My mom has only gained a pound or two over the course of the two years, and never more than that. She recently has been under a lot of stress and found herself going back to her old ways of eating as well (cakes and ice cream--any girl's weakness..right? LOL!). Also, she found herself drinking while eating. She realized all this when she was following up with the surgeon. So, she's back on track and has since lost another ten pounds. Oh---and now that the weather is nice enough she is out walking. That's a big help, too!!! Ok, well I hope I've helped!!! I know you can do it....keep strong and you've made it this far. Old habits are hard to break, but you can do it!!!! I am so excited for my surgery I can hardly wait!!! Hugs, Shannon :)
   — Shannon42774

May 27, 2008
Roxanne, Stop now. Go back to the foods that you had right after surgery. Also eat the correct foods. Food is NOT your life. the surgery is just a tool, you have to use the tool. Its all in your mind. Mind over matter. Realise how far you have come. Don't look how far you have to go. Eat to live don't live to eat. get out walk, get a hobby. Keep your mine occupied. E-mail me if you need to talk. DON'T give up so easy. My next goal i will hit by the end of summer is a total loss of 300#'s. I have 45 # to go till then. then i want to loose 55# after that. I am out 15 months right now. DO NOT GIVE IN TO FOOD ! Bobby [email protected]
   — obx100