How many times have we said that to ourselves over the years? I know myself it was an annual ritual, deciding once again THIS is the year I finally make the changes I need to make that will let me lose weight once and for all.

My banding decision was made more than four years ago, but some things never change. In the last couple of months I've gained about 20 lbs, due both to poor restriction and poor decisions. Well here we are in another new year, and I'm making the decision again that the tide has turned. The scale is NOT going to go up again, I am NOT going to face the distressing fact of nothing in my closet fitting, and I WILL get moving once again.

These holidays are brutal. My pre-banding prayer was always that I'd just be able to get through the holidays without gaining. This is the first time since banding that I've been unable to manage that. But with this little band of silicone that I still have in my corner, this will be the LAST time I have to undo the damage my loss of control does to me at this time of year.

Posting about the struggle really helps, I know, and it's not for response that I do this. It's for me. I'm sure many of you are facing the New Year with similar thoughts and determination, so let's join hands and declare our determination to move forward in HEALTH and ACTIVITY.

Happy New Year to everyone!! (BTW, I remarked to my husband this morning that even a rainy New Year looks much better when we're not dealing with hangovers! :party: )

I can really relate to your post. Although I enjoyed spending time with friends and family this holiday season, I too, gained more weight than I imagined I would. But, you're right...the new year marks a fresh start to get back on track. We'll get there but it is apparent to me now that I must drive the band...it won't protect me against myself. This is something I thought I understood already but apparently not well enough! At any rate...I'm refocused and couldn't be happier to see life return to the normal humdrum for awhile so that I can finish what I started!! Good luck all and Happy New Year!

Alexandra, thanks so much for putting into words what I've been thinking. I am a relatively new bandster, but find myself falling into some familiar and unhealthy patterns. I look at the New Year as a great time to re-commit to the things I have let slip -- and it's the end of COUNTLESS food related events for awhile!

Hey Guys!! We Can do it!!! Happy New Year!

Hi ALex,

I am living your frustration. After getting my weight down to 180 and then gaining 30 ish pounds due to pouch dilation and the struggle to lose it again, I have made a New Years resolution that I am going to go back to the gym. I am heading there today I did have a brief time with the "refill" where I had good restriction again, but it seems to have gone away and I am able to eat 8 ounces of meat in a sitting and I am hungry all the time. So either my pouch is dilated again or I need another fill which I am reluctant to do. So I am back to dieting again to keep the weight off.

UGGGGGH!

Babs in TX

334/190's and stuck since September

Alexandra, congratulations on taking the first step. We can do this!