I was turned onto this site by a friend considering banding. I had my band placed june 2010, and have had little to no result with it. I dropped pre-op weight however after being able to eat again gained it all back. I have had no problems with vomiting, things getting stuck and have had 5 fills in 2 years. My Dr. Told me that simply the band does not work for some people and suggested that I consider conversion surgery where they remove the band and perform bypass. Has anyone else had this kind if problem with the band? I exercise about 3 times a week and never feel full off 1cup of food. I make sure i am drinking plenty of water and eating enough protein as well. Lately I find my sf seriously considering the surgery but i don't want to find my self in a similar position again after spending thousands more and putting my body through another surgery!! Help, suggestions are greatly appreciated! Melody

Hi Melody,

Honestly, food for most of us will always be a struggle. The band or any other surgery for that matter does not magically make our weight dissapear. We really do have to work hard at it. Even if you were to have a conversion to bypass, you will find yourself in the same situation.

On a good note, you do actually have a tool that can help you, but you have to be willing to put up the good fight (like we all do). The band as you know is not suppose to make you 'full', it suppose to make you feel 'satisfied' on less food. Even though we can eat over a cup of food, we shouldn't (that is the golden rule).

A personal note from me to you. You can do this! Believe in yourself! The reason why you had this surgery in the first place is because you want to be healthy and avoid any future health problems. You did the best thing for yourself, now all you have to do is get a plan in action!

Start from basics, plan your meals daily and track the food you eat. Speaking with a nutrionisit may be a great idea as you both can sit down together and figure out a meal plan that can work for you. Don't give up on yourself and give this another serious try! Surrounding yourself with people who are supportive is key. You also have people on this site who know exactlly what you are going through. Reading all the success stories on this site can be truly motivating.

We are all here for you and rooting you on!

I wish you nothing but the best of luck in your weight loss journey...

((hugs))

Well said Patty! and Mello, I agree.. give this another serious try.. it seems like you are working hard but something is missing. Maybe change the mind set just a little bit. As she said above, it is not suppose to make you full, I thought the same thing and after I read a link that Mis provided and I believe it's on her profile, I had a better understand on how to work better with my band. I to have been stuck and am stuck at the moment, granted I just had the band about a month ago.

I suggest you get a my fitness pal, add me my name is destynee13 , we can help each other! It makes you accountable for what you are intaking, every little bite!! and it truly does help, you'd be astonished how a little of this and that can really add up!!

As far as the bypass goes, The reason I choose the band is because it had the least complications. I know a few people with the band, and I honestly would rather stay fat or work my ass off with nothing then to get the bypass. Those few people are in and out of the hospital all the time, it's just not a life I know I would want for myself. When it works and things go smoothly .. they do work well, BUT! and thats a big BUT! I wouldn't want to take that chance. Believe in the band.. see a nutritionist and work it girl!!

OOH! and also go to the food/nutrition area, there is a section on carb cycling.. a bunch are doing it, and seems to be going very well.. I am starting mine tomorrow! it's VERY interesting. look it up!! Good luck and send me a message whenever! You can do it!!!

Get back on track and try again! It's the healthy choices that are the hardest for any of us. See your doctor again and discuss where you are at. He can check port for slippage.

Best wishes

Thanks Ladies! I just have been feeling overwhelmed lately and have been trying to figure out where I have been going wrong. I see a nutritionist and a weight loss specialist along with my surgeon monthly. I think some if my issue is I have no one to relate to in my life about my surgery and banding struggles and triumphs. Some of my friends look at me and say "its been two years, your not skinny yet?" Which sometimes pisses me off but more so makes me depressed that I seem to be failing at something I want sooo bad. I was diagnosed with PCOS and was told that my chances of having children was 20% unless I lost a significant amount of weight. I have several reasons why I had the surgery as well as motivating factors to get my but in order however i seem stuck as I have read many others in similar situations. I am really glad that my friend directed me here!

Well we have your back.. and ya friends shouldn't say things like that, it's insensitive. Well, we all know your struggles and can really help. Have a great day !

I cant believe your doctor would work with you for 2 yrs and offer as differasnt surgery if you are following all the eating rules and not losing. Is there any other medical problems going on? if its poor food choices then you know whast you need to do and we are all here to help you..if its medicasl then your doctor needs to fix that ASAP..Good luck we are here for u

I dont believe its medical and yes at times I do make poor food choices but I truly think that 90% of the time I make great food choices! I appreciate the feedback!