123crod

Me too! But then I think what could happen to me if I keep carrying around this weight.

I feel for you, I really, really do.
I got banded in 07, took it seriously for about a year, then the experience that you are having realy hit me hard. I became disillusioned, got an unfill and spent the last 4 years eating like I had no band at all. I gained some weight during that time. 3 years ago I was hooked up to my umpteenth therapist, and we hit it off big time! 4 or 5 months ago, I realized that I was in a BAD way and needed to change that. We discussed my food addiction, which I will always have, and I decided to go back to my WLS clinic and start over.
They took me back with open arms, re-taught me, gave me a teeny weeny fill and I joined this site. I am now 25-30 pounds lighter (I forgot what my last weigh in was, oops!) , struggling my way through and never giving up. I was once told that if I can't do it (lose weight/change lifestyle) for myself (I don't like myself much)...then do it for someone who loves you. Well, I whittled that down to my Dad, my Husband and all the people here on LBT. I do it for them, until I can do it for myself. "Fake it till you make it."
I tell you this because I was disappointed with my life and the decisions I made after being banded. I was responsible for my weight, ie. fate. I hate to see you feel the way you do, and eat the way you do. You're a bright girl, you will make your own decisions, I just hope someone's words will make sense to you, you take action and become a successful Bandster.
I'm rooting for you from afar, and I wish you all the self love you can dream of!
Polly

It's important to give some thought to what makes you feel "satisfied". There's physical satiety and then there's emotional, sensory, and mental satiety. I had overeaten, and eaten in response to cues that had nothing to do with physical hunger, for so long that it took me a while to understand that the band only helps with physical satiety. As you said, the band is around your stomach, not your mind.
I agree with Missy that some counseling could help. Also, attending Overeaters Anonymous and/or food Addicts Anonymous meetings could help. Go to oa.org for more info.

"and not eating out of boredom or emotion. "
I know you mention you're not ready to give the step for counseling or therapy, but I believe you need it. I needed too, I was sabotaging my band big time, and I found a lot of ways to cheat on it. Cookies, chips, chocolate and I realized that every time that I was eating more than my 4oz, or eating even when I was hungry it was because something was going on my life. (can't handle emotions, that well)
I know therapy is expensive, but you should give it a try, or at least join one of those OA (overeaters anonymous) groups. I joined one that is exclusively for people with bariatric surgery, it has been helpful, and I'm doing therapy as well.
However is you're not ready for any of those, you should at least do some reading, any self-help book could help, Wayne Dyer have helped me a lot. We can't change our body, if we don't change our mind. We're something new, we should live our lives as it.
Will be praying for you, I totally understand your struggles.

I'm very sorry you're struggling.
Yes, I'm going to give you advice because you didn't mention it in your list of stuff you already know. Counseling.
food addiction is very real. When an alcoholic wants to kick their addiction, they never have to go near another drink again. However when we do, as a food addict, we still have to eat multiple times a day for the rest of our lives to live. It's little wonder so many of us falter so often.
A counselor can help you deal with the food addiction and the self destructive behavior it brings.
Best wishes to you.

We all have to have our Mexican food. My last name is not Rodriguez by accident lol.
cheri

We all have to have our Mexican food. My last name is not Rodriguez by accident lol.
cheri

One month one day post-op first time I have real Mexican food ... It was my dads birthday and we went out to dinner to Celebrate I had some grilled chicken from a salad some Beans an like three chips n sauce I think a had a lil to much but did not get stuck n I feel good I know Mexican food is a bit on the no no side because is so easy to eat but I'm a Mexican must have it every once in a while b

i just wonder... mexico or not... will they reband me if i'm under my goal weight? before surgery i was 213, now i weigh 118.

I called my surgeon's office, Dr Almanza and they said that he would but it would be full price of 4000.00 (because there may be something wrong with the old band and it would be best to just replace it while they're in there. The number is:1-855-753-3833 if you're interested. I go August 28th for my lb surgery. Like the other member said you would have to be SURE that your surgeon would still do your follow up care. More are these days, but I would make real sure... Keep us posted hope this was helpful.

Before you even consider going to Mexico, you need to find out if your surgeon at home will continue to treat you after. When you come back you will need considerable follow-up care and if your surgeon refuses to keep you as a patient because a Mexican doctor messed with your band, you could be in big trouble.
Better to be safe than sorry and find out.
Best wishes to you.

I think you need to hang on before going through more surgery and getting your band removed. It is quite possible that your band is too tight. I think all the issues that you are having can be quite easily resolved.

PS. A lot of bandsters have a Protein Shake for breakfast. It solves the issue of wanting breakfast but being too tight too eat in the am.

I doubt you had a slip. Almost all of us have done that, many times. If you PB'd (productive burped) meaning threw up / burpped up from your pouch, I'm sure your fine. If you vomited from your stomach below your band, that is the thing you don't want to do. I have never had a slip but some of the signs are not being able to keep food or liquids down, acid relux. After you have PB'd you can be a little swollen or it might feel hard to get food down for a few hours. that can be normal. My guess is your just fine.

Thank you all for the kind words so much :wub:
For the pic request, this is the closest I have right now. This is my daughter and I together, the top one before surgery and the bottom this past summer.

Today is the 9 month anniversary of my Lap Band surgery.
Since then I have lost 152 pounds.
I still have considerable weight to lose but I am SO happy with my results so far. It's definitely work and I've had to change my entire lifestyle but I am happier and healthier than I have ever been in my adult life.
I absolutely love my band! It's the best decision I've ever made for myself!

HAPPY DANCE!!!

This is normal. They put a catheter in you and combined with anesthesia, you strength of flow is diminshed. It will be normal in a few days! Some people dont notice the difference!

I know you said that you could just track your calories without the band. It sounds simple enough I know. But, the reason the band helps is so that we are not so hungry with 1200 calories a day that we binge.
Go back to your doctor and see about getting a fill. Look through the food/nutrition forum here for advice on foods that won't get stuck. Since you only had two fills it is possible that the reason food was coming back up is because you didn't learn to chew enough eat slow enough or take small enough bites. I'm 8 months out and I still will slip on eating too fast from time to time.
Talk to your doctor about making the band work for you before abandoning ship. Good luck.

What about inches...have you lost any there? I had surgery in Dec 2011 and have only lost about 9 lbs. However, I've lost enough inches to go from a size 14 to a size 11 in pants/skirts. (My tops have been large/ex-large since I was a teen - even after 2 reductions!)
I understand it's quite expensive to have the band removed. Why not just have all the Fluid removed and give yourself some time to reflect before making this decision? We're all experiencing different outcomes so be gentle with yourself, then proceed with your decision.
All the best to you!

I have a Total Gym that I love. If you buy a scratch and dent one from website you get newest version ½ price. It took me 6 months to figure out the small imperfection in mine - a scratch, not rip on padding. Love it.
I also have an incline treadmill. I am not always as disiplined on treadmill but love the Total Gym.
cheri

Yes I did.I was being a wise ass!!

Didn't you notice that she did it on purpose?

I had lbl, inner thigh lift with Lipo on June 21. First pic was night before surgery...second pic 6 days post op. I am still currently at the recovery boutique in Mexico. Love my thighs so far!! No pics yet of LBL...still have drains and incisions...and very, very swollen. I will post pics when it looks a little prettier! Right now my behind looks deformed...but doctor told me, it is going to turn out nicely!!

WoW it may be self sabotage maybe.you actually be afraid to lose the weight.being heavy although we hate it , gives us security. Your security blanket is quickly fading away.

I am with Cheri,
I have depression and have also been in AA for years. I would think most of us used food for comfort like an alcoholic uses alcohol. Now without the food, you may find yourself without the thing you turned to for years. I know that was part of my problem, when I got sober I started using food..then when I was banded I had to deal with other core issues & face why I over-indulge in everything. It might be time to talk with someone or see a doctor. I know I could not pull myself out of depression, I needed help. You are not alone. Patty