Hey everyone, its been awhile since I've been on the boards! I just wanted to share my story...

I was banded September 2012. I learned pretty quickly how to eat (and drink!) "around" the band. I did not commit to an exercise routine, and have chosen mostly foods that I know will go down (carbs and lots of high-fat snack foods, mostly). As such, the only weight I have lost to date was due to the pre-op and post-op liquid diet. Now I have gained that back, and more. I have not been in for a fill adjustment since probably last Spring.

Over the past year, I definitely have had some issues with what I believe is called "transference" - or turning to another addiction in absence of the ability to binge eat. For me, it was alcohol. I have always been a social drinker, but in August 2013 I ended up in a mental hospital after a drinking binge - the booze had interacted with the medications I take to help regulate my moods and I had become suicidal. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks, after which they wanted to send me to a 30-day rehab. I opted for an intensive outpatient program instead, which I attended for about 5 weeks before I relapsed. Since that relapse, I have continued to drink daily, with periods of heavy drinking interspersed. There is no doubt that the amount of liquid calories I consume has greatly impeded my weight loss attempts, though I have had no further bouts of deep depression since my hospitalization.

I'm sharing all of this because with new year, I am making a new commitment to myself. I am going to try my best to do everything I need to do to help the band help me with reaching my weight loss goals. This includes scaling back the drinking (currently 24 hours sober!) and quitting smoking. Luckily, I am pretty well educated about band-life, as the one thing I did do right in the beginning was my research. But I believe the learning neve stops and I can always learn from others' experiences. Anyway, I have about 100lb to lose now and though I am not very confident, I am committed to at least doing the absolute best I can.

Thanks for letting me share

Welcome, I am glad to read that you are committing to yourself again. Since you know what you should be doing, I suggest an appointment to the surgeon's office, you might need to restart with a fill. Trading one addiction for another is a problem, have you seen a psychologist? Starting the New year with a new start to your life is great! Keep up the strong commitment. Best wishes, Karen...aka..kll724

Edited January 3, 201412 yr by kll724

Good luck to you in this new year. God bless you.