Failing my band

[reginemichel 1]

This saturday (6-26-10) will be 3 months post-op and I feel like I'm failing my band. I started my journey March 1,10 before surgery and I losted about 21 lbs. Then 2 wks after surgery I losted another 15lbs. Since then I've been flucuating between weight, which is very fustrating:cursing:. I've got a total of 2 fills and about 2cc out of surgery. So I may have a total of 4 cc's in a 10cc band.

My problem is like everyone here I would think. I wouldn't have this surgery if I was able to do this on my own. I do put a lot of effort into my weight loss journey, but I feel like I'm not doing well. The weight is not coming off. I'm able to eat everything and anything, to top it off I'm always HUNGERY:drool:. Which I hate because I'm forcing myself not to choose something bad. I hate Protein Drinks but I do drink it. So I really don't know how to feel or what to do to keep myself motivated. My mind set has changed since surgery which makes me a little afraid. I would really like to see some more progress.:biggrin: I ask myself "when does bandster hell over"?

Just need some word of encouragement. :thumbup:

[serenity55 15]

Reginemichel, don't be too hard on yourself. You haven't failed your band. It isn't even half full yet, and it's only been three months. You're doing great, and you weigh less than you did before your surgery

A lesson I've just learned after almost 17 months is that restriction really makes a difference. Once you have restriction you really won't feel hungry. If anyone had told me that five months ago, I would have said they were crazy, but it's true.

I was told that I might even gain weight, so the fact that you're fluctuating doesn't mean you're failing. The beauty of the band is that we can always lose those unwanted pounds and know that we don't have to repeat what we went through before we got it. .

Hang in there, keep posting, and don't give up! You're heading in the right direction!

Debbie!

Edited June 23, 2010 by serenity55

[btrieger 21]

You need to change your attitude. If you keep telling yourself you are failing then eventually you will fail.

You are losing weight. That is great!

Do the math, in other 9 months you will have lost 60 pounds at this rate.

You didn't put the weight on overnight and it isn't going to come off overnight.

Be patient. The fills will help.

I had my surgery the day after you and am heading for fill number 3 in an hour or so. I can still suck down a 6" sub and that satisfies me for 6 or more hours. That beats the 2 12 inch subs that I would eat for lunch prior to surgery.

Good luck and keep your chin up!

[TN_girl21 1]

Regine, don't beat yourself up. On June 30, I will be 6 months post op! I just now got my 3rd fill. I now have 6 cc's in a 10 cc band. Before that, I could basically eat anything (minus hamburgers and hot dogs). I am still on my post fill diet. But this last fill has already pushed me passed my plateau!!! Check with your doctor to see when you can get another fill. And I will be honest, there are days where I'm a horrible bandster and eat bad things, but I take responsibility for it. And I get back in the game the next day. And btrieger is right. You didn't gain the weight over night, and it won't come off overnight (even though we wish it would!). I'm 5 pounds from my first goal of being under 200. I would love to lose it in like 2 weeks, but I'm giving myself a month. Because if you do the math, I am losing 7.3 pounds a month. Just take it slow, know that you made a great decision, and just keep telling yourself that you can do this! Because you can do this!!!!! I've lost almost 5 pounds since Monday (granted I'm on my post fill diet, and I am very very stressed out right now). But every pound lost is one pound that is not gained!!!!

[BetsyB 9]

You're not failing your band---you're just not quite where you need to be yet, in terms of restriction.

Hunger makes it very, very hard

[Astrasmom 1]

My doctor told me that before you reach the right restriction you could lose and gain weight. You aren't failing the band. And you can't base your weightloss on others. It takes time for your body to adjust and it will take you time to get to the proper restriction. My doctor doesn't beleive in telling me how much Fluid I have in my band because he doesn't want me focusing on that fact. Especially when I get to capacity he doesn't want me thinking "OH my god I can't do anymore restriction what am I going to do." I guess this is maybe why I have been so successful. I will tell you that I have had 5 fills and yesterday I had a tiny bit taken out because I was over filled. I eat my 3 meals a day and I can go 4-5 hours inbetween without being hungry. I do not do Snacks. I do reward myself once and awhile with the good things (ice cream, wine, cookie..etc).

You will get there. You have to change your mindset though as someone else posted. You aren't a failure. You are a success. food is a failure. And as someone else said, you didn't get this way over night. The lapband is not a miracle cure all where you will ultimately become thin as soon as it's placed in your body. It all takes time. You just hit a bump in the road, get back on the path and keep going. Work with your doctor. Call him and tell him what you are feeling. That is what they are there for.

Good luck to you. Things will get better. I would also suggest that if you have the ability near you, find a local support group. It really helps.

[lakegirl88 13]

Hey I am in the same boat as you. but as every one said we just have to get to restriction. I am having a hard time because I had to have my first fill postponed due to a possible port site infection. I think it would have been fine but my Dr. and I decided to wait an extra month, big investment to be taking any chances. I have had 2 fills so far with very very little restriction. I have also not lost any weight for a while.

Hey btrieger how did your 3rd fill go ???