when I started this journey I had the best frame of mind and VERY excited about the process. I went down 40 lbs then last summer something happen and I think I got too mind hungry and since then I have been throwing up ALOT and it got to the point that every time I would eat I got stabbing pains in my chest the Dr thought my band had slipped and was sent in for an upper GI (that barroum is very gross). the results came back that it didn't slip but since i was throwing up so much the area around my band was swollen, so the Dr removed my fluid and now I have gained 30 of the 40 lbs i lost and the hunger is so amazingly huge. at this point I am feeling kind of hopeless of being able to get back on track I have been empty for 8 weeks now and the Dr says he wants me to wait for another 4 weeks. even then he couldn't say that he would refill it.

I hate reading these stories. I so feel for you. I'm so excited about my journey and I would be crushed if something similar happened to me. I want this so badly and for me it's the only way I'll ever be thin again. And thin or "not fat" is health for me.

Somehow you have to get back up on that horse and ride it again. Think about your health, your family, your partner. It's just another hill for you to climb but if you did it once, you can do it again right? Keep in touch with the Dr's nutritionist. For me, she was the difference between failure and success just 3 months ago. Be honest with her/him and spill your guts about what you eat and how you eat. Something went wrong, not saying it was you, but don't let it be you!

tmf

So I'm wondering if you had been filled too tight. I go through small spells like that and have to remember that those restrictions mean smaller bites, better chewing, and focusing on protein. I feel bad for you and it scares me, I don't want this to happen to me. Hang in there and you will get back on track... A start over its ok.

I was sorry to read of your situation; it can be so disheartening to feel that after all that time you are back at the beginning.

So many of these issues happen because we loos touch with the reasons we initially had the band surgery...reflect back to those thoughts, and get your thinking centered again. Most importantly, set a few short term goals for yourself. Keep them simple and realistic to achieve.

It has helped my hunger to drink free fluids when I feel hungry. It's a win-win. You get the fluids you need, and stay away from eating anything but the right foods and portion sizes to comply with your diet.

Believe in yourself...and the rest will follow!

Don't give up!!! I had a friend in that same situation. She found out she was rushing the fills and was eating the wrong way for her. What I may be able to eat, she may not. For example, I can eat a egg cooked over medium but she can only scrambled. She has had all her fluid removed and is back to filling again and just past the filled level she was before. She just had to take smaller steps to get there. You were there once and YOU CAN DO IT AGAIN.

Don't give up. It is HARD to get back on track when you get sidelined. All the initial excitement and energy is gone. But it IS do-able. I have had several setbacks along the way and am starting over for the second time. It seems harder each time.

Take it slow. When you start getting your fills again, don't rush it. Don't get to the point where you are eating the wrong foods just to get it past the band. Refer to the green zone chart.

Most importantly.. don't WAIT until you start getting fills to start over again. I used my setbacks as an excuse to eat poorly and ignore the bandster rules. You will only make more work for yourself in the long run!! So you don't have restriction right now... fill up on veggies. Continue to follow the bandster rules for quality! Lean Proteins, avoid sugars and starches, and eat your veggies. Yes it is going to suck... but get your mind back on track.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Then when your fill level get back to a good restriction, you have half the battle already under control. Now you can just reduce your portions.

Hang in there. I am sorry you have had a setback. Don't let it discourage you. You had success initially... so you know it can work for you.

*(*(*BIG hugs!!*)*)*

PLEASE don't give up. You are SO worth it! adorkbl has excellent advice. Try to take it one step at a time, and don't think too much about the big picture. Just do ONE thing today that will move you toward your goal. Then do ONE thing tomorrow. Then do TWO things the next day. No matter how small. You can do it!! <3

THANK YOU SOO MUCH to all that responded. since i live alone and dont have a schedule that allows me to go to meetings it is so nice to know I am not alone. today was better all veggies and baked fish.

Guys, it scares me to read about all ur set backs but in a way its good too. Ive been banded for only two weeks, i had no idea it would be so easy to NOT lose weight due to "cheating"... That scares me because i'm the ultimate cheater when it comes to eating.

I will hopefully LEARN from ur setbacks so i can prevent it from happening to me..

I hope u keep working at it, i want to read soon that you are having success again. Try not to think about this as failure but as a learning curve.

Thanks for sharing