I'm going for a consult next week (thur-fri) regarding band removal - I am one of a few banded folks that can't lose weight and I'm leaning toward removing it before/if problems happen down the road. The band has worked to stabilize my weight and lord knows I eat so much less, better, etc. but it is still a struggle everyday to not pb, what food/diet to try this week etc that the emotional and mental struggle just seems exasperated with the band. I also know without it I will be bigger no doubt - when I can eat more I know I will - as I've said many times, the band has definitely opened my eyes as to why I am fat. But here I am.

I don't feel I could be tighter - i think I'm restricted properly and even though I eat 1200-1500 calories (before banding it was closer to 2-3000!) my body will not shed pounds. I know if I work out 4 hours a day I will lose weight but I did that once and loved my body etc but I don't have that in me anymore.

I've given up losing all my weight and would've been happy with even 20lbs - thrilled even but that seems impossible. I've been working to accept myself as is and that seems to be possible.

I feel sad but not hopeless - I'm not sorry I did this as the band has taught me a lot - just sorry for me and for other bandsters I know that can't share our weight loss - it's a lonely place! Thanks for letting me vent.

Thank you for posting this. It seems that almost everyone is so happy with their band, there must be a catch. I totally empathize being in such a lonely place and facing such dissappointment. I think you have real courage, however, which will see you through the next phase, whatever that may be. Are you considering gastric by-pass at all?

You're welcome - I try to be truthful of my experiences and journey. I will not consider any other type of wls as this was my last resort. I'm done. Thanks for your message of support/concern. good luck to you and if you are not banded, please don't be discouraged because of me but as my doc said you can do 4 procedures and have four results - there is no accounting for the few of us who fail.