Hey everyone! I have not posted in a long time...I read but don't post. I was dismayed to see how many prominent bandsters had lost their bands like DeLArla, La Madam, and Penni. They truly helped me early on and I wish them the very best here today. I have managed to stay within 147-152 pounds for most of the time except when I needed an unfill due to illness. I have learned when I get sick with a mucus related thing I don't tolerate it well with the band. Both times I was unfilled and gained.. I just wanted to say hello and say yes I am so much happier and would do it again today. If i ever have any problems I will get a new one and this latest weight gain has brought me to my knees emotionally making me realize again I have no control. I never have never will. I just was filled today and am getting mentally ready to stay focused and start losing again. I never thought I would go up two sizes again... I was in Florida over spring break and covering up my stomach in my bathing suit. It hurt to come this far and start to go backwards... I must pull myself up out of being down and keep using this tool. I should never have put off my refill for 8weeks!!!!! I won't let that happen again!!! Cheers to you all out there !

Hi Kelly Ann,

I have not been banded yet. I hope to have mine done about mid-May. I can relate to your concerns, though. I am a compulsive food addict and I have not EVER had control over food. The best I ever did was in OA. For a year I was abstinent and had reached my goal. Then I went through some emotional junk and started eating...gained everything plus a whole lot more. One gal wrote that she sees a therapist on a regular basis to help stay on program since she's done the band. I may have to do that because of my cravings for sugar/sweets in general.

After your surgery, did your cravings go away?

I want you to know that I hope that I can do as well as you have done when I get my surgery. All I can do is hope for progress, not perfection.

Take care, and write sometime.

Robin:clap2:

Thank you for posting your update. It's great to hear from "experienced" people who were banded and to be reminded that the lapband is merely a tool and not a substitute for healthy eating. I think it's wonderful you were able to maintain your loss and hope to see more postings from you as you continue your downward journey with the refill.

Hi Kelly Ann, nice to see you! Glad to hear you're doing well.

I can totally relate to the problems you have when congested with mucus. I have the exact same issues, and I think I'm just going to have to stay on allergy medications at certain times of year. It's a drag, but just now my band is completely unfilled and though I'm not gaining, I do worry what I'd do if I had another congestion/reflux attack. There's no more Fluid to remove! The good news is that I'm fine with my level of restriction, and not gaining. Thank goodness.

Good luck and keep posting!

thank you for all of your comments and good wishes for my continued journey. Yes Robin I do still crave sweets at times. Those times I find are the typical week before my period. I emotionally crave them too I think. My posting and coming back on a regular basis to this site is probably my first step toward getting more emotional help. I am deep full of pushed down hurt over many years and eating, drinking, shopping , getting on a plane and getting away when I get overwhelmed are symptoms of something I need to deal with. I am very happy with this weight loss it has been incredible! A true re-birth. The reaction I have had from people has been great. I had a 20 year high school reunion, my daughters sweet 16 party, holidays and so forth where I wore things I never dreamed I would ever again. The months and the pounds coming off the past year and half are something you new people will relish like I did. Already this tool of a lap band in( 24 hours) has already stopped my overeating . I can feel the fill working however my allergies are killing me and the mucus thing did bother me last night ... I forgot all about my allergies until you said it Alexandra! I am hoping to get back on track and feel better about myself instead of (dare I say) a failure again??? I have no right to say that because I am lucky to have gotten even to this point. It is just me and my own deep issues that I think I better finally do something about. I have told so many people at my doctors' office about this site because it is so great and the people on it the best. I may consider the OA Robin that is a good idea. I also am planning on going to a support group at my doctor's office next week for bandsters 12 plus months out from their operations. I have never been before. I still am a closet bandster except for my kids, and hubby. That may explain me a little more....