Hi everyone!!

I am planning to recommit to my weight loss journey and I was just wondering if all you very successful bandsters could help me please. I will give a quick background so you all know why I have be finding the journey so hard.

I was banded Dec 2008 when I was 311lb at 22yrs old. I got banded at a lovely hospital in Central London and had a very good experience. I went down to 253lb by Nov 2010 when my band was filled to 7.8ml in a 10ml band..... here's where the problem starts!! After I had 7.8ml in my band, my period came (cringe) and my band became sooooo tight I couldn't even drink! Ii had never experienced that and it was very scary...so I got 0.8ml taken out out my band in Dec 2010.

I am now at 7mls and I actually feel as though I have no band!! I know its hard to believe but I have NO restriction!! I was great at 7.8ml before my period but now I have gained weight since Dec 2010 and now I weigh 280lb (in only 4 months!!).

SO... on Friday I am going to have my band filled and hopefully get it to 7.5ml although I want 7.8ml again.... either I need to get a mirena to sort my period or stick to 7.5ml so I think I'll just do that!

Ok so back to the point hehe... I need help and advice as if I were a newbie banster... I will read the newly banded forum too but just wanted help as an old bander. I am 25years old now and I feel like I am wasting these years of youth being fat and not being able to wear and do the things I advise my skinny mini friends to wear/do! I'm also getting married next summer and I will not be a fat bride, I am currently a UK 22!

Ok that's all but any meal plans or things to completely avoid or any exercise routines etc will be gratefully received!

Thanks guys x

The basic premise of weight loss is that you need to burn more calories than you take in. That being said, I believe sticking to a low carb/low fat diet speeds weight loss. Eat lots of lean protien like chicken and fish. Stick with non starchy vegitables- no corn, potatoes et..) Also, excersise is vital to weight loss. Start out slow and gradually increase your duration/intensity. Hope this helps and good luck!

Hi there!!! It's good to hear about your journey! I also have problems with how my period affects my fill level, and currently have a call in to my dr. to get it l sorted out.

Here's been the most helpful thing for me:

1. Solid Protein at EVERY meal.

2. Solid protein FIRST

3. No liquid calories

Just stick to the basic rules and you should be good to go!

Thank you both so much! I am getting sooo excited now about my fill so I can restart my weight loss!

The only issue I am having now is how much of a fill to ask for, I was going to ask for 0.5ml to get to 7.5ml but now, as I actually liked being at 7.8ml I may break even and ask for say 7.7ml or 7.6ml!

Also I am going to get some cup measurements so that I can monitor how much I am eating, you know the 1/4, 1/2 and 1 cup measures.

Ooooh! I can't get rid of my smile... I mean my goal weight is about 80-100lb away! I'm lucky to not have more!

Thanks again guys!!

Hi again,

I was wondering if anyone eats 1 cup of food per meal. It was recommended to me by a fellow bandster and as I am having a fill tomorrow I was wondering if it was a good place to start.

Thanks