I was banded 5 years ago. Did good the first year and then gained it back. Had an unfill about three years ago. Well here I am again. Decided to try again in September of this year. After the first fill, I got the "full" feeling. That lasted about a week. Went for another fill. No full feeling. So here I sit depressed because the band is not stopping me from eating. The reason I got the band was because it was supposed to tell me when to stop eating! It hasn't. I did diet and exercise and lost weight without the band and lost 50 lbs. Of course, I gained that back too. Not sure if I should just get another total unfill and give up on the band, after all it doesn't do anything for me. Maybe I'm supposed to lose it the old fashion way. I really thought the band was my answer. After struggling with my weight my whole life I'm tired of it! I would really like to lead a normal life without my weight being the center of it all!! No replies necessary. Just needed to vent. Thanks.

I'm so sorry you're struggling.

I think a big part of the problem is, you were mislead about what the band is supposed to do. It's not supposed to make you feel full nor is it supposed to stop you from eating anything. In fact, that's part of the reason it's so important for banded people not exceed a cup of food per meal, so you don't overeat. If you're eating until you have that "stuff full" feeling, then you're eating too much.

Here's a really great link that I think explains it all very well and may help you: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

The band is an amazing tool when used properly and with realistic expectations. The work will always be ours to do and the lifestyle changes will always be ours to make.

Best wishes to you. Don't give up.

You are just like me. I lost 45 and gained 40 back! I am starting over now. It was 6 years ago when I was banded and I am going to begin all over again! I will embrace the band and go get my fill this week. I have loaded up on protein shakes and have an exercise buddy. I plan on asking for an aggressive fill to get me off heavy foods for a while and give my gut a rest! Lets do it together!

How full has your band been ? I did not get ongoing restriction until 10.6. Plus band will never stop you 100% from eating. Esp. Sliders- any food that dissolves in your mouth. I would continue getting fills. You need to give it time. Took me over 6 months.

The work is in your head, not in the band. Back to the basics... measure, log, small bites, chew, no more than 1 cup per meal.

Have your Dr. check for a leak. I am on my second band because the first one became "unbuckled". Didn't lose weight until Dr. checked for a leak.

I have to disagree with some of the posters. The band DOES make me feel full on very little food.

Good luck!

I agree the trick is to feel satisfied between meals not full. Part of it is eating good solid protein foods. Things like shakes, yogurts and cottagecheese just act like sliders to me. Also the more water you drink the better it will help. Lots of people who thing they need fills are just not eating correctly. This comment is not aimed at anyone specific. Measure, track and chew. Best of luck!

I never feel full. Only hungry and food goes through, or if it doesn't then I am uncomfortable and feel pressure. I have not had success and am really thinking of getting a revision and getting a Gastric Sleeve, which really does make you attain the full feeling with smaller amounts of food. I am trying and just had a .3cc fill in my Inamed band am up to 2.1cc in a 4cc band. I am scheduled for another fill in 6 weeks. I see no real difference with my fill. Have to chew longer but sits the same and no decrease in hunger. I hear more bands are being removed and it may be taken off the market due to failure.

I never feel full. Only hungry and food goes through' date=' or if it doesn't then I am uncomfortable and feel pressure. I have not had success and am really thinking of getting a revision and getting a Gastric Sleeve, which really does make you attain the full feeling with smaller amounts of food. I am trying and just had a .3cc fill in my Inamed band am up to 2.1cc in a 4cc band. I am scheduled for another fill in 6 weeks. I see no real difference with my fill. Have to chew longer but sits the same and no decrease in hunger. I hear more bands are being removed and it may be taken off the market due to failure.[/quote']

I don't think you've had the band Long enough to say it's not a good tool. Took me 6 months to get restriction.

I never feel full. Only hungry and food goes through' date=' or if it doesn't then I am uncomfortable and feel pressure. I have not had success and am really thinking of getting a revision and getting a Gastric Sleeve, which really does make you attain the full feeling with smaller amounts of food. I am trying and just had a .3cc fill in my Inamed band am up to 2.1cc in a 4cc band. I am scheduled for another fill in 6 weeks. I see no real difference with my fill. Have to chew longer but sits the same and no decrease in hunger. I hear more bands are being removed and it may be taken off the market due to failure.[/quote']

My dr told me that only 60% lap band patients are successful. I find the ones that are only eat a cup of food at every setting. And they eat the things their doctor or nutritionist asked them to. I suggest going to a support group in your area and asking those around you for help. Or going to see the nutritionist that you may have worked with before your surgery. I hope you find success.

I was banded in August and have lost over 50 pounds. I don't get that full feeling that you speak of unless I don't measure my food ( if I'm away from home). I am only allowed to eat a 1/2 cup and I stick to " the rules" till I get the 1/2 cup down at least 20 minutes have passed and I satisfied not full. Full is not the feeling your aiming for. If you feel full you have eaten too much. A support group would be good to help you work through that.

Good luck stick with it.

Thank you for all of your feedback. I don't remember ever being told to eat 1 cup of food at a time. What I do remember is to eat your protein first. Also, when I go in I continually ask for a fill to get that full feeling. The girls that do the fill never say anything different. I am now confused. Guess I better do some more research on the this tool that is implanted in me.

I have had my band for 6 years. Want to get the sleeve, continuing to work on it. All is cash pay.