I had the lap band about 2 yrs ago and I got down to 217 lbs. I am now back at 270. I have not gotten a fill in over a year and I'm so very unhappy. I know all I need to do is go back in a see my doctor (which is scheduled for 1-21-10) but I am so depressed about this. I could totally be at goal right now. I've seen all of you who have lost like 80-100 lbs the first year after surgery and I couldn't even keep the measly weight off that I lost. Sorry, I just needed to vent!

We may all look successful from our tickers but most, maybe even all of us were failures at one weight loss attempt or another. My most spectacular one was losing 140 lbs and gaining it all back plus 20 more. The good news is that you've got your band and you have an appointment soon. You'll get restriction and you'll put the brakes on your slide. It's going to be ok. Your doctor has seen this before. at my last appointment, my doctor told me to see him at least once a year. He said that sometimes people start gaining and then they are afraid to see the doctor, but that he's the one who can help. He said not to try to handle it on my own. That's why the clinic is here.

Good luck. Things will turn around for you.

Cindy

I say Amen! to the poster above who encouraged you.

Yes, we are all human and fall flat on our faces. I have lost and regained over 100 lbs about 2 other times before this and now that I am on this journey again, I am so hopeful that if I just keep sticking with it, asking for help from the support groups like this one, and seeing my surgeon for regular checks and fills if needed, I will get there. You are doing the right thing admitting you need to put the brakes on and get going the other direction for a healthier life.

If you have access to a hospital support group or other local support group where you can meet people in person, get connected. That has helped me alot.

Also, I just started using www.mydailyplate.com as a food and exercise logging and tracking tool and I am loving it. It makes me accountable for what I am eating and burning with exercise. My surgeon insists that regular exercise must be part of my life for the rest of my life. Start small, 2lb hand weights while you watch TV, exercise DVD, or whatever you can do. I live in an area with lots of snow, so outdoor walking is out, and I joined a gym last year to be sure I had options for exercise indoors if the weather is bad.

P.S. I had a 4-5 month plateau last year that was so frustrating that I wanted to kick myself but I keep on trying every day and I now see some progress, lost 1 lb. last week.

Thanks for the encouraging words! I appreciate you both taking the time out to lift me up. I am definitely going to check out mydailyplate.com. Thanks for that tip SpecialK! :thumbup:

I have another suggestion....GO BACK TO YOUR DOCTOR! I was told by my surgeon that once you reach goal you should see your doctor at least twice a year to make sure your fill level is remaining steady and for some accountability.

You're not a failure if you are ready to step up to the plate and start taking a little time for yourself and finding out what will help you get back on track.

And short term "failures" happen. I hadn't lost anything since 11/17. I was up and down over the holidays. I got on the scale this morning and I am exactly where I was on 11/17. That doesn't make me a failure...but it also means that if I don't start making the effort then I could be gaining some of my weight back instead of losing.

The weather has been crappy (I mean, it was 35 in Key West last week...KEY WEST?!?!?) but it's going to start easing up. Take a walk as many days in the week as you can. Build up your distance and speed. Celebrate every positive thing you do and be proud that you didn't just sit down on the couch and give up!!

Well, I went back to my doctor a week ago and I've lost 8.5 lbs. I have been trying super hard. I have been eating several small 200 calorie (or less) meals a day and I am training myself to STOP eating once I feel that "full" feeling. (Even though I don't feel full in my stomach, it's more like I feel full in my throat) If that makes sense. Anyway, thanks guys for cheering me on.

Can I make a suggestion? Change your screen name. It is a terrible statement to make about yourself. It isn't who you are. Our bodies simply are the container for the us inside.

Take a few minutes and think about all the good things you are and do. I'm sure you will be able to come up with a more fitting name.

Losing weight is difficult. If it weren't, we would have all done it years ago.

Glad to hear you are back on track.

Can I make a suggestion? Change your screen name. It is a terrible statement to make about yourself. It isn't who you are. Our bodies simply are the container for the us inside.

Take a few minutes and think about all the good things you are and do. I'm sure you will be able to come up with a more fitting name.

Losing weight is difficult. If it weren't, we would have all done it years ago.

Glad to hear you are back on track.

I was thinking exactly the same thing about the name obese cow. None of us are cows. You are not a cow. If you have been called that...then shame on that person. Your journey is not only one of losing weight but also of learning that self hatred and putting oneself down is totally detrimental. It also encourages abuse from those who are so inclined. And if you have children .. those kinds of names would have an affect on the way they see themselves. Please change your name to something more reflective of who you really are on the inside and the outside. You are not an obese cow. You are a beautiful human being..worthy of love and respect. And the respect starts from you. Being unhappy with ones weight and/or health does not make you anything other than being unhapy with your weight/health. It doesnt change your status as a human being.

Edited February 21, 201016 yr by married
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Can I make a suggestion? Change your screen name.

Amen--you deserve better than that!!