Here is the deal, I was banded in the end of March of this year. I am 4 months post op and the weight doesn't want to come off. I've had 3 fills since surgery and the last fill I had I thought I might be finally at my sweet spot, but after a few days I could eat a cow,a horse, a ram partically anything and a lot of it too. I"m hunrgy all the time and crave all type of food. I also feel bad because I'm going through this and it makes me eat for comfort as well. Why am I going through this? I hate feeling like I'm not going to do well. I don't want to fall into the 40% category of people who failed their band. I want to be on the winning side for once:cursing:.

I know I might be a little harsh about the situation but I feel like this is my last hope. I don't think I could continue to feeling like this for long. I want some sort of change. A little change would make me feel better.

Any word of encouragement:crying:?

it makes me eat for comfort as well.

I understand your frustration--truly I do.

But "comfort eating" simply is not providing you comfort at this point. You want the comfort of losing weight the way you expected--not the comfort that comes from continuing to battle the same behaviors that has caused you trouble in the past.

I know it's very difficult to lose when you don't yet have restriction. And getting to restriction is a slow, frustrating process. But you can choose to eat foods in amounts that promote weight loss, even before you reach restriction. You've dieted in the past, right?

The band will work for you, in time. You can use that time one of two ways: you can accept that, until you achieve restriction, you won't lose the way you'd like. Or you can eat as though you do have restriction, accept that you will be hungry (but for the LAST time!), and lose weight even as you approach restriction. It's hard to do--but it's also good "practice" for what you'll need to do when you do have restriction.

Is your doctor willing to work with you to accelerate the process of getting to restriction? If you were to call him, and let him know what you're eating, and how long it keeps you satisfied, would he schedule appointments closer together?

I would add start working out if you haven't already. If you are, try an increase time and/or intensity. It really does wonders for weightloss. I had a stall in weightloss but then kicked up what I do on the treadmill. I lost 1.5 pounds last week. I am happy with that, as I am getting down to the last 15 pounds or so.

You can do this Regine, but it looks like it is going to take a little more work on your part than some others. Some feel restriction from the get go, you unfortunately are not in that category. That's okay. You took a lot of time coming to this decision, and you know why. Eating for comfort and giving in to all of your cravings didn't make you feel good about yourself. We have all learned from others that even with restriction the band can be manipulated. You need to stop worrying about what the band is doing for you, and start focusing on what you can do for yourself. Put the acceptable amount of food on your plate, and don't go back for seconds. If you are craving and "starving" for something between meals, go for a walk. As stated, this isn't a miracle worker. It is a tool. And you are having a problem with the biggest demon we all face, our mind. You need to remember how you felt to even begin this journey and realize that you don't want that feeling anymore. We are all at a point that we need a change to feel good about ourselves. Ultimately that change comes from within us, not from what is put in us. Look for support groups in your area. My hospital that did the surgery has one every Monday. I am sure that would be beneficial to you. Stay strong, do your best, and for goodness sake, stop putting so much pressure on yourself. It isn't the "last hope." Every day is a new day for us. If one day isn't so great, we always have the opportunity for the next day to be fantastic. That's the beauty of living. We live and we learn, and if we screw up, we get to live and learn a little tomorrow. Good luck in your journey, you can do this. We are all rooting for you....

Thanks you guys, I cryed when I was reading the response. I know this wasn't going to be easy but I was hoping it was. By the way I do work out at least 2-3 times a week. My doctor is not the greatest when it comes to talking about my progress. The man always seems as if he's in a rush. At times I'm not sure if i'm being filled for real. Anyways thanks again ladys.