Have been banded since 2010. Lost 40 in the first 3 months, than maintained for a year ( still needed to lose 30) and this year I have gained back 20. I don't know what to do. I feel so confused. Going to gym 3-4 times weekly, tracking calories of less than 1400 daily with about 60grams protein a day. I have 5cc in my band and think I'm good with that. I can go easily 4 hours between meals. Protein drink or turkey bacon/sausage for breakfast, salad with protein for lunch and cooked veggies and protein for dinner.

Any ideas of what I can do. I find myself only thinking of food all day and hating myself again. Also no longer fitting in my clothes cause I got rid of them as I was shrinking. Please help.

I would make two appointments- one to your doctor and one to your nutritionist. The doctor can do a full physical and blood work up to make sure there isn't a medical reason you're gaining weight. The nutritionist can go over your food journals to help you see if there are places changes should be made.

Best wishes.

When was your last maintenance appointment? Are you getting nutritional counseling or are you involved in a support group?

I only eat 1000 cals a day, and I'm not suggesting you do that, but I think a typical band diet of about a cup of food per meal with two small snacks is about that.

Also, I find when I "carb cycle" I have a better week. That is when you eat healthy carbs one day, and low carb the next.

Good luck and I hope you have the support you need in your area!

You may also want to find a counselor to talk to about food stress.

I'm not sure I understand....since 2010 you lost only 40 lbs?

Why do you feel the 5cc's in your band is good....is it making a positive difference?

Also, I'm old school..in other words loosing weight is all about calories in versus calories burned...I do not count calories, just eat good healthy foods...and for me, I have always found the best weight loss when I eat less, yet healthy...then burn the majority of it all off at the gym along with some stored fat to use as energy.

IF I were eating 1000 calories a day, (I'm really not sure) I also easily burn 6-700 calories a day at the gym...that leaves 300 that gets burned off just from daily activities, instead of storing it away as fat....

But that's me...many people here will tell you from their experience to loose weight you have to eat more....whatever works!

Thanks for all the quick response. I will call my doctor tomorrow. I haven't seen him since my surgery. When I would schedule an appt I would only get to see the fill nurse. So I think I tell them I need to see only the doc. When I have gone in for the group sessions or seemed like the counselor didn't know what she was talking about. If it wasn't on her paper she didn't know how to answer the questions.

Thanks for the suggestions I will keep you updated.

Lu,

Please keep us updated. I am currently in the same boat... My first year after banding I was quite successful. I hit a plateau - which I figured was to be expected... but this past year, I have been putting weight back on - I know stress management is something I need to work on, and it certainly wouldnt hurt me to walk a little longer or farther either.

But I do find it discouraging... In someways I am embarrassed to go back to my doctor because I feel like a failure.. But in my heart and mind, if I do nothing, than I am destine to fail.. Best of luck to us both!

Hi Lu, put that medical team to work; they want you to be a success, too! I am pre-band but know it is a process, that our bodies change and the band requires adjustment. You can do this! I've been seeing a therapist to deal with food issues -- determining whether my hunger at the time is anxiety (big one), boredom, habit, emotional eating, etc. It is helping me to really notice what is going on. The band is intended to signal fullness but if it's not tight enough that won't happen, or of course it's possible to override. Hope you have an excellent appointment and you are able to get on track to meet your goals. Here's to our health!

Just got off phone with doctors office. They don't schedule appt with the doctor unless I am having pain. So here is what they said... They want me to do only liquids for next 3 weeks, then come in for a group counseling than they will give me a fill. I was hoping to speak with a doctor but I will do this first. She said if I was having complication I would be in pain which thankfully I am not. Wish me luck. I will be checking in a lot to keep motivated. I hate the fluid stuff but they said they want my stomach to shrink before a fill. I hope this is all I need to get to losing again. Thx everyone !