Well, on October 26th, I hit my 6 month mark. As of now I have lost just about 20lbs. I was hoping for more really, but I guess I haven't been "working" with my band as I should. I just recently stopped drinking with my meals, and started a regular exercise program. I don't have restriction and as we all know I just went for my 2nd fill and found out my port is flipped.

I know I shouldn't be thinking this but I can't help it, I spent all this money and went though all the pain of surgery and all that, and I have had to work just as hard as if it was a regular diet, and still....I have little to show for it. I know most of it's my fault, but I guess I just thought things would be easier. I still find myself reaching for my comfort foods when I'm feeling bad, or eating more then I should because the food is there and it looks good.

Old habits are hard to break but I thought by now, 6 months out, I would have been able to. I can come up with loads of excuses about why I didn't do this or didn't do that, but reality is I just didn't do as much as I should have.

I'm remaining optimistic however, I should get my port flipped back and get my 2nd fill on the 8th of November, hopefully that will get me some restriction and hopefully with that and my new gym routine the pounds should start coming off. I would LOVE to be around goal weight in July of 2007 when I'm moving back to the states. So I will keep a happy thought.

Heather --

Once you get good restriction, your band will be a better tool for you. Think of it this way. When was the last time you could say that 6 months have passed and you DID NOT gain weight??

Let us know how your port revision goes.

Melissa Lea

I totally agree! Once you get some real restriction things get easier. The physical hunger really diminishes and it makes it SO much easier to make better choices and stick with smaller portions. Hang in there, this isnt a race! It might take you a little longer, but you WILL get there.

Heather...with that flip and fill you're going to love your band. I didn't feel much restriction with the first fill other than the first few weeks but the second fill did it for me. Just think....that 20 pounds...could still be there ya know? That's 2 10 pound sacks of potatoes you carried around with you each and every day that you no longer carry. Don't get discouraged...the gym, the flip and fill and girl...you're on your way again Good luck with everything in November. We're routing for you!

It took me until my 4th fill to feel any restriction. Then with my 5th I was so tight I had to have an unfill. But since getting restriction things have been much easier. I was banded in March and am hovering around 45 pounds. I'm hoping to hit 50 before the end of the year. Hang in there, things will get easier.

Hey! I am nearly at my six month mark, and I've lost only 20 pounds too. I lost most of it the first week, so its been sad for me as well. I got a fill, thought I was too tight, got an unfill, and have had to work really hard. I was so discouraged. however, i got another fill this wednesday, im at 1.8cc's now. I am noticing already that if i follow the rules and learn how to work with my band, things are great. I just had tea and a few spoonfuls of oatmeal, and im very full. I think that this is going to work. I also do weight watchers. The offer sound nutritional advice and in person group support. I may not follow the program per se beacuse I make modifications for my band, but im super happy. I've lost consistently for the past three weeks, and now that i Have my fill, it's even easier! Stay motivated. It can work for us! If you ever need a friend to talk to, since we're so on the same page, drop me an emaiL!

Thanks guys, I feel a lot better to hear you all say that. Hopefully I'll get that restriction with this fill...it's nerve racking everytime I have to go up to the hospital even if its just for a fill. I'll keep you all posted with how it goes. Thanks again!