Hello,

I was banded on January 7th, 2011. My starting weight was 275, my lowest weight was 198 and my current weight is 225. I'm struggling so much. I feel like I'm never going to lose my weight. It's been two years and I blame myself. I feel like a failure. I see people every day losing and being so dedicated to this process. I dont know about any of you but I just cant seem to break the "fat girl habits". I love food. Its a problem. I eat bad things all the time. I try so hard to stay on diets but they only last for about a week or so. Has anyone else ever felt sick after a week or 2 of dieting? I feel shakey like I need the food. What foods do you all eat on lapband? I can't eat Soups forever....they arent satifying and I feel like if you have the lapband your expected to eat Soup and salads all the time. For me it's really not practical Has anyone else had this problem, where it took them over 2 years to finally do the right thing and get out of the 200's? I can't believe this january is 2 years and I'm still this big! Everyone I know is so dissapointed in me and ask me why I even got the surgery. It hurts so bad. I'm planning on getting a fill as soon as I can make an appointment. I'm 23 years old and a full time student, daycare teacher, and full time student teacher. My doctor is only open 2 days a week and those two days are when I'm in school until 9pm. I can't see my doctor for a fill until December break. I'm really trying to get back on track. I'm just scared I'll never be able to do it . Someone help. I could really use any advice.

There are a lot of tasty sugar free options too. I really like jello brand chocolate mousse if I am having a sweet tooth. You have to limit it to one or a skinny cow icecream bar. Again, not an everyday thing but for those cravings they are tasty.

I feel like I'm starting to sound like a broken record on here but I'm such a big fan and I want everyone to know about this: www.shrinkyourself.com. It's a 12-week online program that helps you overcome emotional eating. I'm on week 4 and have become so much more aware of my eating habits and have begun to change them. This program is not a diet. In fact, it doesn't even address what and what not to eat. You already know that. This is about fixing YOU!

I had my band placed on 10/11/12. I also started therapy for compulsive overeating the next week, since I know my battle with food is far more psychological than physical. Perhaps you'd benefit from the same approach? I'm totally addicted to bad carbs and I still have no idea how to get over that, but I know someone does, and I'm going to learn....I promise myself...

I've tried before and I KNOW I can't do this alone. And I can't just read a book to make the urges go away. I have to heavily invest in my own recovery and myself. I want to like myself again more than anything. The rest, I hope, will come.

Good luck and I admire you for putting your fears out there! You CAN do this!

You are not a failure! We are all food addicts, you just need to find out what or who can help change your mind. I am very stubborn and once I set my mind to cutting out all sugar, bread and pasta I was on my way to my goal. I have been at my goal for 3 years, been banded 4 years. I have my good days and bad days. I keep telling myself you can eat whatever you want but I know if I eat all carbs I will be back up to 235 pounds tomorrow. A piece of pie or cookie once in a while is more than enough to satisfy me and it will you too. My first year banded I did not cheat but once every 4 or 5 months. Even though I never had fills, my stomach is so sensitive and the slightest stress tightens my band where I can hardly get food down. Get yourself some pretty small dishes to eat off of and use small utensils. You would be surprised that it really makes it seem like more food by putting it on smaller plates. When I went to the nutritionist here before surgery, she was absolutely useless to me. I know what to eat and not eat, my mind tells me it wants what I am not suppose to eat. 40 years of dieting has taught me what to eat and not eat but it never taught me control of the amount of food. The band will be a reminder to you on your portion. Maybe you need a fill now not a month from now. Pick yourself up and brush yourself off and get back on the program. You can do it if all of us can do it. Sometimes it just takes more times starting for some people. We have faith in you and the band, keep focused and you will be fine.