I was banded in Dec 2009, the only documented weight I have was prior to my first visit, it was 323. After being banded the lowest weight I have was 248. I started having trouble after I had around 8cc in a 10cc band. After going in I was diagnosed with a dilated pouch. All my fluid was removed for 2 month. I gained 8 pounds back. This happened each time the band was filled past 7-8cc's. I have now reached a weight of 279. I am very frustrated, part of this is my fault. I live 2 1/2 hours from my dr and so I do not go as often as I should. I have an appt June 11th. In the experience of others can you start over and with the right guidance and support succeed with the lapband?

Did your team/surgeon know or say why they thought your "pouch was dilated" each time they increased your restriction level?

Yes, I think its possible to "start over"....with the correct adjustments to the band and ourselves.

No they did not. I however feel like I probably did it to myself. I'm a very visual person and the whole concept of 1 cup per meal is hard for me to grasp. If I can visualize 4oz of protein, 3 oz veggie and 1 oz carb/starch I'm good. If not I tend to eat to much. Does that make sense?

Yep! makes sense to me. I was wondering if that was the reason for the dilation. So, it sounds like you think you were eating too much volume? If you feel you can break that habit, maybe by eating slower/less, then a fill could help. I suppose your surgeon does fills using fluoro, not sure how they would detect a dilated pouch without it.??

Yes they detected by flouro. I just want to learn how a successful bander deals with a daily meal plan. I want to be compliant just need a good support system.

I just try and eat FRESH foods as much as possible. I don't physically measure out 1/2, 1cup anymore. Years ago, yes. I do occasionally weigh things (solid protein) to remind myself how much or little of something I'm eating.

How long have you been banded if you don't mind my asking?

I was banded Sept 09

We certainly don't measure food by cup sizes in the uk, the normal is just a small plate of food with around 3 to 4 ounces of fresh protein like fish or meat and then green veg or salad, I would think it a nightmare to try and measure your food for the rest of your life, take a side plate and make that your dinner plate, that will give u a good portion size. Every country has different guidelines how to eat with a band, we tend to be more aligned with Australia and not drinking our calories but eating fresh food .. both seem to work for most but no harm in trying other ways if one isn't right for you

Are you tracking your calories?

Good luck

My surgeon removed .1 ml yesterday because he said I was too tight and was eating around my band. It sounds like maybe, you also, are too tight. Ask your surgeon tomorrow if hat could be the case. Best wishes, I also, was banded in 2009, and have gained back some weight. Karen

PS: you can start over, I am on clear liquids for 2 days and then full liquids for 2 days to jump start my start over!

I try to track my calories, mostly carbs as I am diabetic. Some days better at it then others. I have good intentions, just not as compliant as I need to be.

YES, it can be done, I did it lost 70, regained ( life stress) and lost 80 again.. I used good old FEAR, I heard all the bad things prior to the band, don't drink b4 or after, don't drink carbonation, chew,chew, chew, vomiting etc.. So when starting out I was scared crazy to do anything wrong. After life settled down I decided I worked to hard NOT to MAKE it work again. I restarted 04-12 originally banded 04-09. Either way it's not easy,but nothing that you REALLY WANT ever is. My advise, re- fill slowly, count calories, exercise do whatever you know that has worked for you in the past. If your not a calorie counter then Don't. Find an exercise you can live with, if you like to walk, then go do it!

i know you can do this

If you are compliant you can definitely restart the process. Are you exercising. If not, start slow. Walk to the end of your driveway, move up to the nearest corner, etc. Also I would recommend you log your food in a tool like My Fitness Pal. Best wishes to you!

tw1968 How's things going for you? were you able to get back on track?