Thinking about going from my band to either. I have had band for 3 years and had list 70lbs first 2 yrs then problem with band , gained it back , now weigh more than I did when I started. I'm so ready to give up hope. I hate being this big but all the exercising, dieting, and it all seems to just not work for me. Any suggestions ?

I really want this to work ! It's just constant disappointment so far

What problems did you have with your band? Do you still have your band?

The thing is, it doesn't matter which WLS you choose, you will have to change your diet and exercise to be successful losing weight. Gastric Bypass and the Sleeve aren't anymore a guaranteed weight loss than the Lap Band is. They're all just tools not magic fixes for obesity. I have two friends who had Gastric Bypass around the time I had the band. One has only lost about 30 pounds and the other about 60 but is regaining. Why? Because neither changed their diet. They expected the surgery to do it all for them and because of it they're failing miserably.

Take the time to learn about the other surgeries before making such a huge decision. Best wishes to you on whatever you decide is best for you.

If you really want to change then I would go with the sleeve because with the bypass they reroute your intestines and you can no longer absorb vitamins or nutrients from food. With the sleeve they do still cut the stomach but the intestines stay in tact. But you still have to change your ways or neither of them will work either. I just had a patient today that had the bypass and she was a mess. She can't eat food but there was a pizza box on the floor next to her bed. Might be the reason why she still weighs 400lbs 7 years later.

to gain weight, one must take in more calories then they burn off

as mis and cheryl pointed out, compliance with eating the proper portions and type foods is in effect regardless of what WLS one gets..i think if one says i need to get the sleeve or bypass in hopes they will lose because of the surgery itself, unless a change is made, it wont happen in the long run.

have you talked to your surgeon and nutritionist about the foods you are eating?

Wise women here! They speak the truth. Do some self speak to see if you speak the truth to yourself! Best wishes! Karen

When I do eat , it's small amounts, mostly fruits, a lot of water , some crystal light. I exercise 1-2 hrs a day 5 days a week, no weight loss. My band was working great, then I started getting real bad reflux, couldn't hardly swallow water. Had to have it emptied and refilled. I'm not where I was yet so not much restriction but I'm hoping I can get it back so I can get the help I need. I ha lostlike 70lbs. Now I'm back up more than I started. I just wish I could get that 70 back off, he'll, even 20. Make me feel like what I'm doing is working.

When I do eat , it's small amounts, mostly fruits, a lot of Water , some crystal light. I exercise 1-2 hrs a day 5 days a week, no weight loss. My band was working great, then I started getting real bad reflux, couldn't hardly swallow water. Had to have it emptied and refilled. I'm not where I was yet so not much restriction but I'm hoping I can get it back so I can get the help I need. I ha lostlike 70lbs. Now I'm back up more than I started. I just wish I could get that 70 back off, he'll, even 20. Make me feel like what I'm doing is working.

Has your band ever checked? Like via barium swallow? It might be a good idea to rule out a possible slip.

Unfortunately just eating small meals isn't enough for a lot of us. Small portions doesn't necessarily mean low in calories, in fact you'd be shocked how much calories and fat can be in what seems like a tiny portion. I would strongly suggest counting calories to see how much you're actually consuming then go from there. Weight loss boils down to simple math, if you burn more calories than you consume, you lose. Counting calories is often the easiest way to do that.

While fruit is great for you it needs to be in moderation, too. If you're eating mostly fruit and crystal light, your body isn't getting the Protein you need. Protein is really important not only for muscle but for controlling hunger.

I'd make an appointment with your nutritionist, too. Let them help you get on a food plan that fits into your life and needs.

Best wishes.