I was banded in 08 & lost 80lbs - went into "onderland" for a while - now I'm battling cravings, eating everything, over-eating, etc. I spent four years out of state and didn't have a check-up. Tuesday I'm going to have a fluro, but I'm sure something isn't right. I crave food, I'm hungry, I can eat way more than 4 ounces of food at a meal and just feel like a failure. Not to mention very uncomfortable in my tight clothes that are getting tighter. I eat when I'm happy, sad, glad, celebrating, frustrated, etc...get my point...I'm always eating. Has anyone ruined the band and then had a sleeve? The thing I worry about most is I've lost the "brain function" - when I first had this procedure my brain didn't crave any food - nothing tasted good - I had to force myself to eat...now I just eat, because I can - because I'm bored, sad, mad and so - on...anyone care to share pointers? My new Doc is seeing me next Tuesday for a fluro and I'm eager to see what he finds. I've gained since Feb 35lbs...not good. Help - anyone!

Sorry to hear you're going through this. Maybe go back to your dietitian for food help. There have been some people who have had the sleeve but only because of band troubles.

Maybe find a hobby to get your mind out of the kitchen. I play poker on line every night.

I wish you luck.

Hi Bk,

From what I am reading this doesn't sound like a pouch/band issue. Rather, that you have slacked off your rules and have taken some backward steps. I don't mean any offense btw.

In January 2013 I had to get back on track myself. I weighed 195 and am now 149. It was a matter of revisiting my band rules, clearing out the pantry, eating the same staple foods until I got back into the swing of things. Like you, I am an old bandster, which means you are probably due for some fill tweaks as well. Remember one of the top indicators for needing a fill is hungar between meals.

It won't hurt to get the flouro and rule out any physiological issues. But definitely followup and get a fill and pull out the labpand rules book. Come frequent us, I have found daily visits to help me at least focus on myself and staying strong.

HOpe this helps.

I think you're on the right track -- seeking out a new doctor and going in to see what's happening with the band. Something's not right and you know it -- whether it's the need of a fill or something else. I am seeing a therapist to sort decades of food issues. Maybe something like that would help while you're also on track with the LB doctor? Best wishes to you -- and thanks for posting. There are people here who really care about how you're doing!

I can tell when my pouch begins to stretch buy the portion sizes I am allowed to eat....there are days I realize I'm eating more than normal...

It is then I go on few days of all liquids...shakes and Soups..real sliders that don't stay in the pouch...result is my pouch will return to it's normal size and my portions are back under control..(Green Zone)...some people call it a "5 day pouch test" I call it routine maintenance...about once every 4-6 weeks. It's good to give it a rest.

Spoke with my Dr. about this an he said many people do not have the discipline to go all liquids...it is for that reason he will usually do a complete un-fill, thereby allowing all food to pass and not sit in the pouch....allowing it to get a rest and shrink.