Okay so I have been banded since Oct 29th of 08 and I am at a stand still. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I have had to be unfilled 3 times and gained weight during those times. I am going to have to get another fill in 3 weeks. I am not eating as much and I am still gaining/maintaining weight. I don't eat bad things, I chase after and clean up after 2 young children. I had surgery on 2/24 (hysterectomy) and I am still not losing weight. What am I doing wrong? I am soooooo pissed! Can anyone help me?

Hi Texas,

I'm sorry that you're not losing. I am sure it's very frustrating. Your ticker says 52 lbs, so you should be proud of that loss!!!

When you were unfilled, is it because you had stuck episodes or another reason?

Since I don't want to barrage you with questions, here are some things that my nutritionist/doc told me would be key to losing weight:

1. Take in at least 60-70 grams of Protein per day

2. Drink 64 -96 ounces of Water every day

3. Exercise (not mandatory, but if you can get in a 15 or 20 minute walk per day, it counts)

4. Calorie intake (you may get a few different responses on this)-- 800 to 1000 calories per day. Try to be INconsistent so your body doesn't go into starvation mode. Keep it guessing and trick the metabolism

5. If you are hungry in between meals, choose a healthy snack with protein (i.e. light cheese stick or apple with reduced fat peanut butter)

6. No grazing. If you feel legitimately hungry, again #5.

7. Listen to your body and try to figure out head hunger v. real hunger

I hope some of this helps you. I am sure other posters will have great advice too, but everything above has really worked for me.

CONGRATS on your 52 lbs lost! It's an accomplishment and something to be proud of!

Can I suggest a book that I found helpful - "The Gabriel Method" - talks about nutritional deficiencies that can stop us from losing weight and about how our mind can control our metabolism - there is a website that has a better explanation, perhaps google it? I have found the book helpful when I have been stuck at a particular weight for a while.