Hi I am 25 yrs old I was banded on April 1, 2011! My starting wieght was 373 I am currently 309 but I have been as low as 293 but since July I have found that I have let myself go. My goal was to be 220 by April frist, I feel like that isn't to unrealistic but lately I feel like that obese unhappy girl that went into the surgery room! She went away when I found a gym and followed the rules but do to a high stress job I hate as a teacher and other life issues she has seemed to popped her head back out! Is there anyone out there that can help me! I feel like I am dying on the inside! I need to get it together and not waste my parents money because they paid for it out of pocket! Anything would help! I have thought about restarting myself lately I have a protien shake for breakfast and a slim fast shake for lunch and soup/yogurt for dinner with plenty of water. Is this the right path to start on?

You say you had the surgery in April, but you do not mention your progress with visits to the Dr., number of fills etc.

Aside from going to the gym and following the rules, can you say the band has ever made a difference?

Go to myfitnesspal.com and log on. It's free ! and you will count your calories, Protein, exercise etc. , it's all in memory, and you can view other peoples Diary to see what they are eating, and doing. As far as exercise.

It goes hand in hand with the band !

You don't do it ! you'll only get so far, and that' it. (some people never exercise, and it still comes off, were all different, they are lucky!)

so make the time for something, and check out the site.

Shirley.

Hello, I am new to the lapband but certainly understand. Do you have a lapband support group in your community? If so, you really need to go and connect. Second, if you hate your job so, perhaps you need to explore what sort of teaching you really like? Did you like History or Lit in college? If so, perhaps you can find a job teaching to college or technical students. Many of them are older and certainly more appreciative of a teacher who loves what they teach? If not, explore your feelings, find out what you really want to do the rest of your life. I am 1 week post op. I haven't had a fill yet. I am supposed to be on full liquids, which of course I have tried not to violate, but my little self destructive part of me has eaten regular food, some successfully and some (corn dog) not so successfully.

The main thing is, know that there are others that need help too. We are all in this together and we want to be healthier. Get with the support group, make new friends and allies. I wish you the best, know that you are not alone. Make yourself proud girl! Then the rest will follow.

I have had two fills since April I have 13cc band and I have 5 cc in! I actually lost more wieght before I got my fills! I don't have support groups that I can go to in my community! Thanks for the encouragement guys

Get those fills on a regular basis. I get a fill once a month. You have to be strong and when you find the "sweet spot" for your band you will feel the restriction and not the hunger. The weight will come off.

I like your idea of starting over. Start with the post-op diet (1 weeks liquids, 1 week smoothies/protein shakes, 1 week mushies and then normal food) and get your body and brain back on the program. Try not to beat yourself up too much and remember that you are still down over 60 pounds! You took a long break from dieting (try to figure out why you did this), but just start again. And as others have suggested, see your doctor and perhaps get a fill, to help you get going again...Good luck.

when I feel like I have gone astray I also start over. I cut almost all carbs, drink whey Protein shakes, lots of Water.

I exercise every day, even if it's a short walk. anything will get your head in the right place again.

I do this for a couple days, then slowly start a plan. I need to know what I am going to eat. being prepared will help. coming to this site often will help, honesty will help.

thus far you are being very honest that will go a long way! we all want to help, really....

Support group, doctor visit, and therapy...you can only fail this if you quit!

You had your surgery on my birthday I haven't been banded yet so I don't know if any of my advice would help. The only thing I can say is try to get back on track. I have friends that have the band and they also had fallen off track but was able to get back on track by putting their minds to it. They got into drinking and they ended up drinking their calories and gaining some weight back. They have finally gotten back onto their usual routine. Do you know why you fell off track? that may help you if you know why you fell off track. I know stress isn't good and that can cause people to give up. I hope that you are able to get back on track and that you are able to hit your goal. good luck

We started at almost the same place. I had surgery on March 8th and was 371lbs! Whenever I fall off track I go back to basics. Liquids for a couple of days and then mushies finally solids. The aftercare is super important as well. I see my doctor monthly but seem to be averaging a fill every other visit! The thing for me that keeps the weight coming off is exercising. As long as I keep that up even if I have bad week of eating the weight still comes off, albeit slower than if I make good choices but still....can't be perfect. I think starting over is a great choice! You should google 5 day pouch test and follow that - it is kind of a reset! I wish you all the best! You can do it!