Well, its been 4 months since my surgery and nothing. i lost 11 lbs in the first two weeks but since then...nothing! i dont understand what im doing wrong. Ive long said good bye tomy dear sugary and fried foods and for what? Compared to my past eating habits, i hardly eat anything...im not loosing anything. Im begining to feel like i've made a big mistake. all this band has brought me was grief, discomfort, and false expectations. i just dont know what to do i mean ive already had a fill. so whats the problem? why does my body insist in keeping my weight? i just feel so down about it and im so very hurt right now that i cry almost every week. :'(

First take a look at the things within your control: How many calories a day do you eat? Do you get in all your protein? Do you restrict your fat intake? Are you sticking to a cup or less of food per meal?

In addition to everything Missy said, how about exercise? Are you doing anything to burn calories/fat and getting your heart rate up?

ANY level of physical activity will make a difference. I personally do not like walking on the treadmill because I feel like a hamster but if I have to, I have to. I walk at a local lake 3 times a week, play tennis 2 nights a week and there is a Zumba DVD that is a 20 minute ab workout that I do on the days I don't walk at the lake.

I was banded in 2010 and lost 10 pounds. It wasn't until March of this year that I made up my mind that I was going to get this right! I have Post-It notes on my mirrors; I see an outfit that I must have and I buy it a size smaller and hang it on my closet door so I see it morning and night. Since my changes in my lifestyle, I have lost weight, built muscle and feel so much better.

Hang in there, keep a journal and set some personal goals. It does work and I know you can do this!

In addition to everything Missy said, how about exercise? Are you doing anything to burn calories/fat and getting your heart rate up?

ANY level of physical activity will make a difference. I personally do not like walking on the treadmill because I feel like a hamster but if I have to, I have to. I walk at a local lake 3 times a week, play tennis 2 nights a week and there is a Zumba DVD that is a 20 minute ab workout that I do on the days I don't walk at the lake.

I was banded in 2010 and lost 10 pounds. It wasn't until March of this year that I made up my mind that I was going to get this right! I have Post-It notes on my mirrors; I see an outfit that I must have and I buy it a size smaller and hang it on my closet door so I see it morning and night. Since my changes in my lifestyle, I have lost weight, built muscle and feel so much better.

Hang in there, keep a journal and set some personal goals. It does work and I know you can do this!

You're right about the exercise. I have Multiple Sclerosis so I'm limited on my ability to exercise. However, I can walk. The more I walk, the the more I build my endurance and better I feel. When I had my Lap Band surgery in January, I had to park in a handicapped spot and was winded and dizzy by the time I got patient check in. Now, every night I walk a couple miles with my son with ease. If someone had told me I'd be walking a couple miles a night 8 months ago, I'd have thought they were drunk lol.

I figure if a woman who has MS and once weighed over 400 pounds can do this- anyone can.

You're a true inspiration, Missy. What a great attitude you have! I know a lady with MS and I'm not being judgmental here (well, I might be but I don't like to think of myself as one who judges others) but honestly, she uses it as an excuse as to why she CAN'T do anything instead of finding reasons that she WANTS to. God Bless you, sweet one!

OP, keep on keeping on. You have to really make sure you're eating quality foods and not just empty calories. My band is a 10cc and has 4cc in it and I'm very satisfied. I was so discouraged from Nov 2010 to March 2012 with only 10 pounds gone. My appointment in March was to discuss taking my band out. I didn't do it and instead had a fill and I see my doc once a month. I don't eat fast food and I only use a portion plate when I eat so I make every bite count! Look at the results I've achieved since March, I was 202 and here I am at 175 with only 50 pounds left to go! We can encourage each other!

I want to thank everyone so much for responding. I really needed this since i have no other support. Well one thing im confused about is..i dont know the difference between empty calories and good calories. and as far as exercise i try to be active atleast twice a week. Im trying for 4 times starting soon.

Please don't give up yourself. You can do this! It's hard but so worth it.

Empty calories vs good calories... you can never go wrong with the basics. meat, fruits, and vegetables. Some healthy carbs (whole wheat) in moderation as well. Since your body cannot consume as much anymore, the food you put into it needs to give you the most nutrients possible. You want to avoid liquid calories and remember not to eat and drink at the same time. Measure your food out if you aren't already. 5 days a week of exercise is what's recommended. Try a Zumba class, dance class, new machine at the gym, or bring a friend to break up the monotony. And it sounds stupid but cute work out clothes and a good playlist are really motivating!

Have you found WLS support groups in your area? Worth checking out.

Wish you all the best.