Okay, so this is terrible. I think I'm only losing weight because I am (basically) starving myself. I try to eat and it all comes back up. However, if I take any cc's out -- then I GAIN weight (small but I still gain -- & not from eating unhealthy)

My mindset is that I should just wait it out until my stomach stretches a bit to where I would need a little bit more restriction and then just not make that app. to see if I can lose weight by eating more (which some people swear by)

Not sure if I can MAKE it to that point -- I'm BARELY losing anymore but it's better than gaining right?

Surgery date: Nov 2008

SW: 289

CW: 171

GW: 130

i think you should go back to liquids for a week. Have you heard of the Audio Diets ? its a CD that tells you how to loose 40lbs in 90 days with your lap band. If its hard for you to eat food now would be a great time to start. Otherwise when I find im choking or having trouble eating and vomiting alot I go back to my protien shakes for a week and im fine.

may i share my thoughts here in a non-judgemental way, please? i feel a few factors need remembering - it can be quite shocking to see the portion sizes which make for a meal for a well-restricted bandster. it is not a side-plate, it is hardly even a saucer... and while a mostly liquid life sounds grim, when i have my correct restriction, that is how i live - a small coffee goes down in stages, no glugging a full big mug anymore - nothing really till evening - maybe a nibble of a lil something - my band always opens up early evening so i am able to eat but must chew well etc - 'slider' foods can be a temptation but i love cheese so this is a big feature of my diet - am trying to be vegetarian so it helps to struggle with hard meats. beans on a small piece of toast or a can of sardines on toast is a typical meal for me. But it is such a personal thing, weight and being banded - that lifestyle works for me and i live in terror of having to lose my band and regaining - i do try to keep a grip on the fear but its just how i am - and i will admit that 5 yrs banded, i still cannot believe when i look in the mirror and see the slim me - dont jump on me - but i am stopped by strangers and told i am stunning on a regular basis - it bemuses me when i think back to the taunts and looks of repulsion at my heavier times - for me, the trade off of a very restricted life is how i look and feel now - my nails, skin n hair are in great condition - when i have an unfill (xmas and summer holiday) i enjoy a good pig out but physically my body doesnt deal well and i feel lethargic n not as healthy. I think the poster was very brave to share her situation - she wasnt promoting it as the way to live - just sharing -and i ll bet there are many readers who are silently acknowledging that what she worries about as 'starving herself' is their reality n how they live. These forums are invaluable - rightly a place to support and celebrate but of equal importance is the safe, anonymous place to expose yr demons - even typing it out can help - and if we are honest, didn't a good number of us need banding due to emotional inbalances regarding food? There are bound to be some who after banding and weightloss, just swap demons - i have. Please dont let this forum be regulated into an overly 'happy-clappy' zone - the darker, less comfortable posts are of equal and possible greater help. 5yrs banded, i know how to control my weight - i'm stil working on the other stuff good luck to you all, whatever stage yr at :thumbup: