Hello! My name is Jennifer. I am 33 years old and fat! I was banded in Miami, FL when me and my husband were stationed there in Oct 10. My starting weight was 232 and I am at 221 now. I have the realize band and it's sitting at 8cc now so no more cam be added but I am still fat. I think I went into this surgery thinking it was a cure all and I didn't have to do anything...man was I wrong. I started out on the wrong foot and was eating solid food 3 days after surgery and now I just can't get my brain to reconfigure. I work out now 3 times a week doing Zumba but its not helping. The nutritionist that I paid for was no help at all. I never got like a meal plan so I know what to eat and what not to eat, was never really told about the band. I am just not happy with the band. I am in the process of trying to get the band taken out and get the sleeve done, but it is taking forever since there is nothing wrong with my band.

I guess I just need help in reconfiguring my brain. I eat like there is no tomorrow and nothing gets stuck. It's so frustrating and I think that's why I have just given up with it all.

My mom was banded in 08 and has lost about 85 pounds and has kept it off and she doesn't do anything.

I am a bored eater....I eat when I am bored and I will eat anything.

Thank you for having me and I look forward to making this band work for me and to meet some new people!!

Hi Jennifer,

Sounds to me as though you would have benefited with some more education on living and eating with the band. Is there any way that you can pursue that now and give the band a red hot go before revision to a sleeve? I have nothing against the sleeve, but I don't see that your band has failed. In fact, I believe you could be successful with the band with some education and support which would avoid putting your body through another surgery at this time.

Just my opinion....

Yeah I never really got the education on the band or really on any of the options. I found this site and it's been great reading most of the stuff I have read so far. I am picking a date next month to try and retrain my brain. I really do want this band to work. I don't want another surgery.

Thank you for your opinion.

How big is your band? If it's 10cc's, why can't more be added? I know some people have to be pretty filled to reach restriction.

I know sometimes it helps me to go through the 5 whys of why I'm eating, then try to do something else other than eat. I want to eat this- why? because I"m bored. Why? Because everyone is out and I'm all alone. Why? because I chose not to go with them. Etc. THen- if you're really hungry eat, if you're bored, make a list of things to do INSTEAD of eat.

It can be a big mental game, and you have to take charge. This is YOUR journey, and the band is not magic, it's WORK- but it's so worth it!!! Good for you for doing zumba, I do too and I LOVE it! It's a great workout!

Also, track your food. I use myfitnesspal- they have an app for my phone and I'm religious about tracking everything! It keeps me honest and on track and- it keeps me losing weight! You can track your calories and exercise and Water.

Keep posting here too, it's totally a great place to get support and ideas!