Hi fellow banders.

I was banded a year ago in August, and I am still struggling. I could really use a band buddy if anyone else can offer some inspiration and encouragement.

I have not lost much weight (my fault, I know) and also struggle with frequent throwing up. It isn't everyday, I don't think the band is too tight. But I've had a hard time dealing with giving up so many foods... even healthy foods. I can no longer eat bread or toast at all, no beef unless it's mince (and then I struggle with it) no chicken cooked in any way, I don't eat fish anyway.

I wasn't expecting to be SOOO limited in food choices. Sadly, I don't struggle with chocolate or ice cream and that has been my downfall.

I weigh less than pre-op, but not much. Anyone else out there struggling?

Hi there!

Don't worry about struggling... I think a lot of people with the band are struggling. I think it's a lot harder than I imagined when I signed up. But in saying that, I still don't regret getting my band and am glad I had it done as I dread to think about what weight I'd be if I didn't have it done. My "bandiversary" will be 4 years in December... wow that's gone quick!!

I lost nearly 40kgs in the 7 months after my surgery (eating basically nothing and doing 2 gym classes a night, 5 nights a week!!), then I fell pregant. So I had my band loosened and hello... I got 30kgs back

My son is now 2 and I've decided to use my band again, so I'm going back to have it filled on Friday. I'm actually really excited and can't wait to see the numbers going down again.

I think if we are honest with ourselves, stop the junk (which is always the easiest thing to go through the band!), drink heaps of Water and do some exercise, there's no reason why the weight won't come off.

But anyways, I completely understand where you're coming from in regard to your food choices being limited, I don't have any advice but wanted to reply to you and say that I'll be your friend if and when you need support from someone who knows EXACTLY what you're going through

I know exactly how you feel, I will be 2 years out in January I lost 85 pounds intially but now I've remained the same for about 6 months, I feel like I will never make it to my goal. I have been experiencing some problems eating regular food too and I just had some fill taken out so I'm not sure what is going on. I know I don't sound like much help to you but I think eventually we all go through the same issues and we can help each other through this.

I feel like I'm gonna struggle the rest of my life but I still don't regret getting the band, It's just so hard staying motivated when the new wears off and it is very hard to not eat the wrong things when you can't eat! like you said chocolate and ice cream go down so easy!