I had LAP-BAND® surgery in June of 2009. About two weeks before surgery, I weighed 260 pounds. During the liquid diet I lost about 10 pounds and went into surgery weighing 250 pounds. During the next couple of weeks after surgery I lost another 10 pounds. Since then (8 months), I've only lost a dissappointing 10 pounds. The surgery hasn't been easy for me and I've had a lot of issues. Sometimes too much restriction, sometimes not enough. After my last fill about a month ago, I've had a lot of sliming. All in all, I haven't been eating much at all but the weight isn't coming off. For a while my doctors didn't believe me when I said I wasn't eating but the did after I showed them my food log and they got my blood test results. My body chemistry had improved signficantly despite the low weight loss.

I'm frustrated! Seems like so many people have had such good success with the LAP-BAND® without complications. I can't even go out to a meal for fear of throwing up. The bands been completely inconsistent. Most of the time, I can't eat at all. Sometimes, there doesn't seem to be any restriction. My fill center did a barium swallow and they say everything is in the right place. Does anyone have any advice?

Hi there... I bet you've heard this before but you may not be eating right. When i got banded, i had the same problem. I had ALOT of learning to do and eating was one of them. 8oz was my max. Try buying one of those baby plates with the lil sections and even a baby fork . Taking smaller bites helps. Oh red meats and any doughy foods dont always agree with your band. Ive learned that everyone is different though, i can still eat small portions of rice some cant. well goodluck to you , just rememebr its all about change!!! :thumbup:

I understand how you are feeling as I lost 65 pounds before surgery and 25 to 30 pounds after in 6 months. My bariatric team tells me I am doing great and be patient. I had to do the math I am losing 1/2 to 2 pounds a week but it does slow down and you do get non-weight rewards, I am toning up, am so much healthier but muscle weighs more but my pants are getting baggy again. It is a long hard journey and the weight just doesn't fall off. You have to work it off.

Plus I have to remember back to all the years when I was just happy to only gain 10 pounds in a year so losing 100 pounds in a year is somethng I never beleived could happen. Because I had so much to lose and so much stress in my life, I waited until I realised I had to do something serious.

You didn't mention anything about exercise. I try to exercise 6 hours a week and my bad weeks I still get in at least 3 in. I see the difference that makes alone to my progress. Keep working at it, work the tool and remember it is not a magic wand. It doesn't take away hunger but it does help you to be more realistic about your portions.

You said you are doing good with the food so I want to commend you.

So I get the turtle versus the hare speech my last visit and see this as a 1-3 year process. Join me on the journey.:thumbup: