So, I have been banded since the end of May 2011. I did well at first, I have lost about 45 pounds, but I need to lose another 40 and I haven't lost any weight in a year. My band seems to still be tight enough that I get food stuck on a regular basis if I am not really careful, but I am not losing weight and battling to keep it off. I sort of feel scammed a little but then I also have not followed up with my doctor for a while. Getting food stuck occasionally would be fine, if I was still losing weight..but I am not. Has anyone else been through this? What did you do to kick start everything again? I don't want to give up and just say it wasn't as successful for me as it could have been, oh well. I want to get back at it and see where I can get back on track. What have you done? And words of wisdom for me? Pretty please and thank you.

I think it's important to realize the band is there to control your hunger not make you lose weight. You lose weight by consuming less calories than you burn. When you're not hungry all the time it's easier to eat less- that is how the band works.

The very first thing I'd do is follow up with your doctor. I'd also start tracking my calories if I were you. It's the only way you can be 100% sure you're not eating too much or too little.

Remember, the band is just a tool. It won't do the work for you it'll just help you do the work.

I've been stalled for about 6 months myself and I still get stuck. But, I know why I'm not losing weight. I eat the same amount of calories I burn off. So, no weight loss. Funny how that works eh? So, if you want it to work, consume fewer calories than you burn. Count your calories. If you don't have restriction or near the green zone, find out why?

Talk to your bariatric WLS nutritionist too. They have great insight into how you can make this work. Like Missy said, it's not going to make you lose the lbs if you don't use it properly.

tmf

45lbs is alot of weight. My rule is.....if it comes off and stays off, it's considered successful! If you aren't already exercising.....this could jump start things for you.

Good luck!

Mcteri,

I'm right there with you girl. I lost about 50 in the first 8 months post op, then nothing. That was four years ago. In the last year I've started to creep a little back on. I have just made up my mind to get my act together and get back on track.

I moved 6 months ago, and joined the YMCA recently. I've made a commitment to go 4 times a week. I love spin class, and agree the seat kills my butt! However, I feel so good after and have a good time doing it.

I also began using My Fitness Pal asking several bangers from this site to be my friend there. It definitely had help keep me accountable and honest. I've lost 6lbs in 2 weeks! I completely abandoned Protein shakes, and also started have 1 to 2 a day. I forgot how much they help with appetite control. There are wonderful recipes here.