I have had my band since Jan 2012. I lost about 55 pounds, but I gained about 33 pounds of that back. I have been depressed over this. I felt and I felt like a failure. About a week ago, I decided to take my life back (again). What I failed to realize is that this struggle is mostly mental. I was eating full size meals like I was before, hamburgers..tons of slider foods which resulted in me gaining some of the weight back and I stopped working out. Once I was able to identify my problems, mainly being a emotional eater, I decided that I have to have control over my emotions and not let them control me. At this moment, all I can see is the finish line, even though its so far away, I can see it. Everything that I said I cant do, I WILL do. I will not allow this word CANT to control me. Earlier today, I was looking at past pictures of myself before my surgery and a picture of me currently (I posted them on my profile; the after is really the current) and I realized that even though I had that setback, I still made progress, and I now know that I can do this and eventually reach my goal and maintain it. Everything is a lifestyle, with or without the band. We choose to eat what we do, so the choice to eat healthy or unhealthy is totally up to you. Its like a lightbulb went off in my head and I totally get it. If your mental isn't in it, you will potentially fail the band. Its a tool, but ultimately its all in what you choose to put inside your body and let the band control how much you take in. Thanks for reading and Congrats to everyone who has made the choice to live healthy. :wub: :rolleyes: :D

congratulations!!!! Welcome back.

Keep that great attitude up. It is a lifestyle and we do have to change our eating habits. The mental side of this journey is the hardest. You have taken the first step and acknowledge this, congrats.

Good luck I know you can do this.

very well said:

Everything is a lifestyle, with or without the band. We choose to eat what we do, so the choice to eat healthy or unhealthy is totally up to you.

I have had my band since Jan 2012. I lost about 55 pounds, but I gained about 33 pounds of that back. I have been depressed over this. I felt and I felt like a failure. About a week ago, I decided to take my life back (again). What I failed to realize is that this struggle is mostly mental. I was eating full size meals like I was before, hamburgers..tons of slider foods which resulted in me gaining some of the weight back and I stopped working out. Once I was able to identify my problems, mainly being a emotional eater, I decided that I have to have control over my emotions and not let them control me. At this moment, all I can see is the finish line, even though its so far away, I can see it. Everything that I said I cant do, I WILL do. I will not allow this word CANT to control me. Earlier today, I was looking at past pictures of myself before my surgery and a picture of me currently (I posted them on my profile; the after is really the current) and I realized that even though I had that setback, I still made progress, and I now know that I can do this and eventually reach my goal and maintain it. Everything is a lifestyle, with or without the band. We choose to eat what we do, so the choice to eat healthy or unhealthy is totally up to you. Its like a lightbulb went off in my head and I totally get it. If your mental isn't in it, you will potentially fail the band. Its a tool, but ultimately its all in what you choose to put inside your body and let the band control how much you take in. Thanks for reading and Congrats to everyone who has made the choice to live healthy. :wub: :rolleyes: :D

Congratulation on your recommitment to healthy living and a successful weight loss journey!

The most important part of your post to me is that you arrived at your decision to move forward the right way by your new understanding of what you want to achieve, and what you need to do to get there.

Best wishes as you resume your journey!

Thanks everyone got the kind words. It is so good to have a support system.

It seems when I stay away from this board that I gain weight and find my way back

My lowest weight since banded was around December 2009 around 190. Afterwards stop exercising and even though I still ate properly during my meals I went back to heavy duty snacking and the weight started to creep back on. In June 2011had a complete unfill due to esophagus dilation and during the next three months gained 25 lbs

On January 1 2013 after reaching 250 I recommitted myself and am losing weight again

Good for you! Every time I feel like I could eat more than the slotted amount, I knew it was mental and it still is! When I feel like I can eat more I think about my prize at the end of the tunnel. I'm not at goal but I'm already claiming part of my prize and that's a healthier me!

You are a winner for realizing that you can do this and you will! Good luck!

This journey is very difficult, but It is so worth every second.

Congrats on coming back

Congrats on coming back

thank you