March 29th 2014 marked 3 years that I've been banded. ... I consider myself to be one of the unsuccessful patients. ..... I started out at 268..... last June I had gotten down to 218..... and I was so excited to had finally reach the 50 lb mark...... I'm now back up to 235...... I just got a fill last Friday..... I was 240 Friday. ..... down 5lbs..... but not eating or drinking very much....... omg this journey

Don't beat yourself up...everyone is different and this journey is different for each one of us. I'm almost 4 years out and still have 20 lbs. to go until I reach my goal. It took me 1 1/2 yrs. before I reached my "sweet spot" and was well on my way. But with life's ups and downs, I too, had ups and downs with my band. I yo-yo'd a few lbs., got off track, got back on track, exercised like crazy, and slacked like crazy. All while struggling with my food addiction! Maybe you just haven't reached your "sweet spot" yet. You mentioned that you recently got a fill and lost 5 lbs? Be proud of that! Every lb. lost brings you closer to your goal. Keep up the good work! Maybe that's what you needed to jump start your weight loss again. I wish you much success in your weight loss journey.

Do you know what the green zone is and have you been there? Do you know why you're not losing and why you gain?

So glad you're working with your surgeon on fills as until you're in the green zone it's just a diet and we know how good we all are with dieting. That's why we got banded! I have to watch out for sliders and remember to eat real food well-chewed so the esophagus does it's signaling thing. Those esophageal squeezes tell my brain I've reached satiety -- not "full" but satisfied. I listen for that and stop, even though the old me wants to keep on. I stop and clock it so I'm not going back for more until at least four hours have gone by. I count it off on my fingers and think that helps register the event. I've eaten, I'm good now until 4PM or whatever. If there are problem foods for me I get them out of the house. Don't forget to thank yourself and to celebrate your successes -- it's a new day for all if us and here we are. Don't look back -- know that this is the right time for you. Now. Best wishes!