Please give me all the advice you can. Banded for 6 years and started Whey Protein drinks equal to 52 grams a day. I had slipped up and instead of putting effort into this band I was grabbing ice cream drinks, so I talked to the DR and increased my protein. Regardless, I am at 182#. I sip all day but can eat at dinner time and after. What advice do I need to kick my a^& into gear?????

I'm afraid I cannot be much assistance unless you want to start the process over with me. I am only 5 days post op and feeling it!!

So I am not an expert, but it sounds to me like you need another fill. If you are still struggling like this and can eat a full meal you probably dont have enough "restriction". I know this means different things to different people, but you should only be able to eat about 1/2 to 1 cup of food at a meal. If you were at restriction, but loss some more weight, you might need more fills to get restriction again. Also, perhaps you should be counting calories strictly (at least for a while) to see how many calories you are really consuming (including condiments/dressings/snacks etc.). My goal is 1000 calories or few (and once a week I have about 1500), 80 grams of protein and 80 ounces of water (or more). If you are working out you can have more protein (80-100 grams). Also be sure to drink 60-100 ounces of water a day. I was banded on 1/17/11 (4 months ago) and I am at 8cc's in an 11cc realize band. I have lost about 55 pounds - I still have about 50 or 55 to go, but I am finally feeling some "restriction" - before my last fill I was just dieting (and it was super hard), now I take a few bites and then I feel full. I may need a little more in my band as I do get hungry after 2-3 hours instead of 4-5 hours, but before the last fill I was afraid I was going to be stuck on a restrictive diet for the rest of my life... now I know the band can help me to eat less and make better choices (my band doesnt like dense food, bread etc.). Try to watch your calories, protein and water intake for a few days and talk to your doctor (or another WLS doctor, if yours doesnt want to give you a fill) about getting more restriction. You CAN do it and the band DOES work... you just have to find your zone. Keep up your diet and the rules, until you find your zone... Good luck to you!

My 2 cents is to start excersising if you haven't already. Start out slow and gradually increase your intensity/duration. It has so many benefits, just one being weight loss. You can do this!

What advice do I need to kick my a^& into gear?????

Stop replacing your meals with Protein shakes. Eat regular healthy low calorie solid foods... plan your meals and count your calories is the best advice I can give you. That and the fact that you very well may need a fill. I would mak and appointment with my Dr and get back on track.

It may help you to recall why you got the band 6 years ago and draw on that enthusiasm to "kick yourself in the butt"!

Best of luck to you!