I was banded December 09. I haven't had a whole lot of success. I'm a member of Sparkpeople and I have been tracking my calories, carbs, fat and protein for at least 3 years, going on 4. I don't know what numbers I should be aiming for and I can't seem to get much of an answer from anyone. I've been trying to keep it around 1000 to 12000 calories, 150 carbs or less and at least 60 of protein. Am I eating too little? Seems like I keep losing and gradually gaining the same 15-20 pounds and I can't get below the 275 mark. I'm just getting frustrated is all. Anyone have any thoughts? I thought having the band was going to help me lose weight and it's kind of just been nothing but frustrating so far.

I was told to keep my calorie intake around 800 to 1000 a Day. They did not want me to worry to much about this, but concentrate on getting at least 75 grams of protein daily and my 2 - 1 oz servings of food three times a day.

I supplement my meals with 2 protein drinks daily.

Are you exercising? The band will help but won't do it all for you. As for the calories, carbs, and Protein count, it varies per person, depending on your weight, height, and activity level. But generally speaking:

Protein: .8g-1g per lean body weight

Fats: .35g-1g per lean body weight

Carbs: Varies; the heavier/less active you are the less you need.

I started off eating 800 calories and below 40 carbs, nowadays I'm eating 1500 calories and 90+ carbs so it really all depends. But for you I'd up the calories, lower the carbs, and incorporate some sort of exercise.

I've been trying to keep it around 1000 to 12000 calories, 150 carbs or less and at least 60 of Protein. Am I eating too little? Seems like I keep losing and gradually gaining the same 15-20 pounds and I can't get below the 275 mark.

Some people lose fine on a restricted calorie diet that is still high in carbs (which yours is). Some of us would lose *very* slowly. I was eating 1200 calories and about 30-45gm carbs. I was averaging a bit less than a pound a week and then *only* if I was consistent. Have a couple bad days and I wouldn't lose anything that month.

Over the last month I've dropped my carbs down to <15 and eliminated all grains, starches and (of course) sugar. I was aiming for 1200 calories but found that my hunger completely disappeared when I got rid of the grains and starches, so now I'm around 900 calories and losing about 2 lb per week.

Personally, I'd just drop your carbs and you should start seeing some loss.

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I'm losing 1-2.5lbs a week. I don't track my carbs.. but I am eating a lot. I eat around 1200 calories a day. I started trying lower carb today to see if that makes me lose a bit faster.

I'm losing 1-2.5lbs a week. I don't track my carbs.. but I am eating a lot. I eat around 1200 calories a day. I started trying lower carb today to see if that makes me lose a bit faster.

Heather,

Has anyone ever told you that you look like 'Rose' (the stalker neighbor) in the show 'Two and a Half Men'? You could be a dead ringer! LOL...not that you look like a stalker, but that you look like the actress.

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I thought having the band was going to help me lose weight and it's kind of just been nothing but frustrating so far.

I try to stay at around 1000 calories and dont watch my carbs much at all. I may have to do that in the future but so far I am losing 2 lbs a week so its coming off.... just slowly! I am hoping that helps with hanging skin in the future!

3+ yrs seems like a long time. I am wondering if you have enough restriction? Or if you are eating a balanced diet? Have you discussed this issue with your dr? Granted I am in the beginnings of this journey and in no way an expert but it seems to me staying under 1200 calories should promote more weight loss than what you have. Have you considered there might be other medical issues? I'd make an appoint ment with your Dr. ASAP.

Best of luck!

I have been tracking everything so far, I was even before the band. I add exercise and it doesn't seem to help. I was doing the EA Sports Active 5 times a week for a while and that didn't seem to make a difference. Then I switched to hitting the treadmill at least 5 times a week for at least 40 minutes at a time and that didn't make a difference. Now I'm trying upping my calories a little, lowering my carbs, upping my protein and hitting the treadmill 3 times a week now for 40 minutes at a time to see if that works. I think part of what I need to do is stop focusing SO much on the quantity of what I eat and focus more on the quality of what I eat. I had no restriction for a long time as I had gone 4 months without a fill, but, 2 weeks ago, I got a fill of .5 cc and now it seems like I finally have some restriction again, so, I'm hoping that makes a difference as well.