So I began my lap band surgery June 25, 2012, almost a year ago. After the first 3 weeks or so I went back to old habits, eating the way I did before, drinking while eating, not measuring my food, breaking all of the rules. I was 17 when I got my surgery and two months later went off to college and it just got worse, the all you can eat cafeteria really got me, I stopped working out, over ate at every meal, ate unhealthy foods all the time. It was so bad that it got to the point where I even forgot I had the lap band. I no longer get discomfort from over eating or diarrhea. I'm almost positive I have stretched out my pouch. & I want to restart my journey. I want to succeed with this weight loss and finally feel good about myself, however I don't want to have surgery again. Given my brief description, does anyone have any suggestions as to how to fix this? It's almost been a year since my surgery and Im not sure if it's too late to just empty out my fills completely and start over that way. What do you guys think?

Ps- I realize I was in a bad state of mind when first getting my surgery. My whole family is over-weight and they criticized me and talked poorly about my lap band decision. & I think that might have made things worse. Now that I no longer speak with my negative side of the family I feel like Im ready to do this thing for good now. Also Im almost complete with my first year of college and I don't want to go through another year of being obese. Please give me your insights and opinions, suggestions.

First off, see your doc again. If you never had restriction you may not have damaged your band, but your doc needs to check it. Then restart your journey. Do a week of liquids, like you did before, and move forward, then actually stay on track.

It is so easy to slip back to old way, just remind yourself each time you have that desire why you don't want to go back. It is easier said than done. The journey isn't easy, but like your college journey- it may not be easy, but it's worth it.

I agree with Kime-Lou, the very first thing you need to do is go back and see your surgeon. I don't see why he'd want to empty to your band to re-do fills but I do know it's never too late too start over.

The next thing I'd do is go see your nutritionist. Be honest in the areas where you struggle and what your needs are and let them help you establish food guidelines that fit into your lifestyle.

Remember that weight loss boils down simple math- you lose when you burn more calories than you consume. Perhaps you could start tracking calories? I know for myself, tracking calories is the only way I can be sure I'm not eating too much. It holds me accountable, too. I also measure everything I eat to be sure I'm sticking to band sized portions. These two things have been a very big part of my successful weight loss.

I would also look into a support group either near your home or college. I know I'm going to sound like a mom (I have a daughter your age) but it's so crucial you have good support as you restart this weight loss journey. If your family can't do that for you then a support group to lean on will be a truly invaluable resource.

Just remember, it's never too late to start over and you can do this

Totally agree !! See your doctor... and it's NEVER too late to start over!!!

Once you have seen your doctor if you have access to a support group try and connect with a weekly or a monthly group... this will really help you stay focused and on track.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

Riah.815.d first I'd like to ask are you done with college? I understand wanting to lose weight and be healthy. But you took on allot emotionally . Your RIGHT college cafe food isn't conducive to weight loss. and a Band isn't easy. Your changing allot of life long eating patterns and also stressing over your education. I agree 100% to starting over YOU CAN DO IT! But, you need help we all did. See your Doctor, go to support meetings or even get an online LB mentor. Just because you can eat around the band doesn't mean you've done any damage, or need to completely unfill the band. Have your doctor treat you as a new patient and ASK questions, see the nutritionist, seek counseling, do whatever it takes to get back on track.

BEST OF LUCK in your restart!!

In addition to seeing your surgeon and a nutritionist, I would also suggest a therapist. (Not in a bad way) but Having a great mental plan is just as important as the physical plan!

Thank you for being so honest. I am in a very similar situation. Let's start over together!