I am new to the site and have banding scheduled for 7/31.

I have been reading lots on the site and a lot say they have gained back. I am now very worried about this. Is this a common occurance or is it mostly people who don't get Protein and follow the program?

I guess I just want some great reassurance that this will be successful as I believe it will be.

The thing I've learned is that being banded and losing is still all about doing the traditional things you need to do to lose weight.

Its not quite so life and death as a prebanded diet though - your bad days arent nearly as bad, nor are your bad weeks, or even months. You can always get back on the bike and get going again. But I guess some people just arent the best candidates for banding, their issues are too deep set and too troubling to be controlled by the band and if you want to find a way, you certainly can consume easy to eat foods in huge quantities and gain weight.

Missy, I think all of us have had to work through the 'head' issues. I know that I lose well for awhile, then seem to plateau for 2-3 months, and then start losing again. I think my 'head' needs that plateaus to adjust to the fact that I am a smaller person.

I remember after my sister had bypass, she lost 150 pounds but she wouldn't go anywhere crowded. She is 4'10 and would get lose and intimidated in crowds. She has since overcome that.

I am also working through many issues associated with the weight loss but I think the toughest will be when I return to the US for vacation next month. Even when I left in April, I was wearing tight size 12 pants. I can easily wear 8s now and have fit into some sz 6 skirts. That change is making me feel vulnerable at times.

Success is there but you have to be ready for it and adjust to it. Good luck on your journey. Celeste