I had my surgery on Aug 25, 2010. I weighed 297lb at my heaviest (I'm 5'11") and after the preop diet and recovery I was down to 256. My weight stayed there for about 6 months and and I wasn't really following the rules... Drinking when I eat was probably the hardest for me, which enabled me to eat a lot more than I should... I got my act together last summer and started exercising regularly and following the band rules again got down to 233 lb. ever since then I've been slowly regaining weight and am now back up to 260 lb. I'm having a REALLY hard time not eating out of boredom, am eating normal sized portions (probably larger in some cases) and just feel like a complete failure. I really struggle with separating my actual hunger from head hunger and eat a lot when I'm bored. I know I make bad choices but I feel helpless and I feel like I'm spiraling out of control. I need to get a handle on this before it goes any further... I feel like I blinked my eyes and have gained 25 lb... I don't want to gain any more. I'm going to start tracking my calories with myfitnesspal again... Is anyone else on here using that? I currently have a few non-band buddies on there but could really use some friends who have the band to help me learn how to use it properly again.

You dont list any fills you've had on the band. It's important to have your surgeon check you during post op. Maybe you didn't receive enough fills for restriction. Go back to your doctor and explain your situation.

Best wishes

I had 4 fills after my surgery in 2010/ early 2011. I'm pretty sure I'm in the green zone (and have been since that time). I rarely get hungry and 1 cup of food usually keeps me satisfied for 4-6 hours. I don't think the band is the issue... It's all me. That's why I'm having such a hard time and am being so hard on myself... I know this is all my own doing

I'm so sorry you're struggling.

I would strongly suggest finding a good counselor. The band is a wonderful tool but it can't fix our heads. food addiction is VERY real and extremely hard to combat. Unlike an alcoholic who can walk away and never have a drink again, we have to eat multiple times daily just to live. A good counselor can help you win the battles that the band can't- within in your own mind.

Best wishes to you.

I had my surgery on Aug 25' date=' 2010. I weighed 297lb at my heaviest (I'm 5'11") and after the preop diet and recovery I was down to 256. My weight stayed there for about 6 months and and I wasn't really following the rules... Drinking when I eat was probably the hardest for me, which enabled me to eat a lot more than I should... I got my act together last summer and started exercising regularly and following the band rules again got down to 233 lb. ever since then I've been slowly regaining weight and am now back up to 260 lb. I'm having a REALLY hard time not eating out of boredom, am eating normal sized portions (probably larger in some cases) and just feel like a complete failure. I really struggle with separating my actual hunger from head hunger and eat a lot when I'm bored. I know I make bad choices but I feel helpless and I feel like I'm spiraling out of control. I need to get a handle on this before it goes any further... I feel like I blinked my eyes and have gained 25 lb... I don't want to gain any more. I'm going to start tracking my calories with myfitnesspal again... Is anyone else on here using that? I currently have a few non-band buddies on there but could really use some friends who have the band to help me learn how to use it properly again.[/quote']

Friend me on MFP-rkimom. I had my band done in July 2010 so we are at about the same time out. I also messed around for the first year, then got sick and had to be completely emptied out. Just finally getting back on track. I agree with MIs about the need to get some guidance from a trained counselor.

The thing that got me moving again was reading the book "bandwagon" by Jean McMillan. I don't think I really understood how the band worked and what I needed to do to be successful until a few months ago. Her link is on the bottom of this forum. I stopped drinking my calories and took a new stand on journaling. If I eat it, I own it. No excuses, no apologies. I was shocked to see how many calories were in some of my splurges!

I am now down to my lowest post-banding weight, and lowest weight that I've been in so many years that I don't know when the last time I saw the scale reading its current number! My first target is only 15 lbs away.

Okay, so here's my final advice to you: GO BACK TO THE BASICS!!!!

Eat 1200 calories a day

Get 60-80 grams of Protein daily

Take your Vitamins

Chew,chew, chew

Drink your water!

Good luck my friend! I understand your struggle, more than you can ever know. One day, one bite, one second at a time.

Breathe in and start over.

rkimom is right on! You may also want to invest in a lap band cookbook to help you eat healthier when craving. Your food choices will make a difference....I was banded oct 2010 and really watched what I ate in the beginning and tried to exercise through the winter...at that time,my insurance covered my monthly /tri monthly visits with my weightloss clinic for fills and evaluations/charting. Now, insurance has changed and I no longer visit. (nor need fills yet) I feel satisfied as long as I start my day with the protein drink and eat one packet of instant oatmeal during my workday (no access to lunchroom). I don't walk everyday but when given the option, I'll park a bit farther and take the long way to walk somewhere. When you're feeling the need to eat...perhaps that would be a good time for a protein drink or bar. chewing extra long was a good technique too. Good luck my friend!

I'm so sorry to here about your struggles. I would suggest a counselor as well. And good luck to you!

yes, honey there is more going on here then weight loss check into some help its never a waste of time or money good luck and thanks for sharing we have all seen ourself in your struggle..

Hi! Feel free to add me on MFP. I am Dawn200321 on there also!

Sorry to hear of your struggles. I agree with Missy, a good counselor would make the world of difference. Also, have you been getting regular fills?

I'm sorry to hear your struggling. I am only two months post op and understand how hard it is to fight off the head hunger and boredom eating. I am on myfitnesspal too. Feel free to add me goalseeker32.