I could use some mentoring if anyone is up for it. I was banded in April 2008. I haven't followed the plan at all. I eat all wrong. I've gained weight back. I'm also a compulsive eater and sugar addict. I eat emotionally. Learned all that in the last two years. I overeat and my stomach bloats and is distended. I am suffering from a multitude of problems from binge eating. I did think lap band would solve all my problems. When I went in I thought I was ready. Clearly I was not. Later I learned about OA and I do attend meetings. I can't remember lap band guidelines cuz I never really tried to follow them. But I'm suffering with a lot of stomach pain and bloating and need to change the way I eat. Thanks!

Edited May 26, 201412 yr by rivergirl14

Rivergirl, you got the tool. Make it work for you.

Rivergirl, you got the tool. Make it work for you.

And I am gonna do that. I have had a bad week. Really bad eating wise. So thankful I discovered this site yesterday. So much info and support here. I just downloaded the ebook, the Big Book of Lapband, which I found out about reading on here. Looks like it will be a great source of support. I feel much better already. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me know what you think of the book, I've been thinking of ordering it myself. Also where did you order the ebook?

Edited May 25, 201412 yr by SandyM

Sandy, I just downloaded it from Amazon on my kindle. And I really like it so far. I think it is just what I need. I also just sent you a PM. :-)

Here's some videos that can re-acquaint yourself with your band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa3Lwt6ElIs&list=UL Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4jYJipQ7vc part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbdhf44ZweI&feature=relmfu Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF3TCKUn3YI Part 4

And here's another aid: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Here's some videos that can re-acquaint yourself with your band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa3Lwt6ElIs&list=UL Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4jYJipQ7vc part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbdhf44ZweI&feature=relmfu Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF3TCKUn3YI Part 4

And here's another aid: http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

Thanks fun! I will definitely look at those.

Hi there, sending best wishes. It sounds to me like you are READY. For whatever reason, the timing wasn't right before but now you have the willingness to face the food issues straight-on and take control of your life and your health. No need to look back or beat yourself up -- you are showing up for yourself now and that's what's important.

I benefited from a therapist. We broke down my particular triggers and now when I have an automatic reaction to lean on my old friend food to help get me through a stressful time or to "prep" me when I have to do something, or feeling I need a reward in the form of food, etc. -- all those old behaviors -- now I am able to stop that mind game right in its tracks. The band has given me willpower.

The obvious things are, well, obvious -- like clearing out all the sugar from your household. Some people do a liquid diet for a few days or the Five Day Pouch Test (available on Google) to "reboot." I am sensitive to artificial sweeteners which tell the body food is coming -- look out for ways you may be getting sugar that is setting off a craving for more. Are you adjusted properly? Do you need to see your surgeon? Is there a nutritionist who could help you put together a plan?

I'm so happy you're here on the forum as there is so much great information and support here. Best wishes to you as you navigate this time of change. You can do it! You deserve health and happiness, freedom from food jail. You went through the surgery and have your band waiting there to be put to use.

Edited May 25, 201412 yr by Bandista

How nice your reply is Bandista. I appreciate it. Perhaps you are right. I will "act as if" you are right. I was not ready before. I thought it was a magic pill. I had a friend who went to Mexico and got her band 2 years before me. She dropped weight fast and hardly ever ate. I made up my mind to pursue it once our ins. started covering it. I thought my path would be the same. In fact, ppl were amazed I was going to have it done....b/c I thought, and they thought thru my explanations, that I was essentially giving up eating more than like a 1/4 cup of food 3 times a day. I somehow really believed that was my future when I went in the day of surgery, had wrapped my head around it and embraced it. I was gonna be skinny for once in my life! Well, that has not been my story. I never expected to get hungry. I also didn't realize I was such an emotional eater before.

So, do believe in the changes I need to make now, and am willing to start those ODAT. I guess I should look at my band as a tool. I honestly never wanted to tell anyone before I have one. I'm very guarded still at who knows. BC I feel like a lapband failure. I have all along. I have resisted it and denied it, and thought it just didn't work for me.

Maybe it will work for me now. I am thankful to have found support here. I think that also, is a big part of it. I don't know anyone else near me or even personally, who has a lapband. So, support has been lacking.

I think it works just fine. I do not think I need a fill. I had tohave some taken out a few years ago, bc I could not swallow meat, and other solids. I think if I will use it and eat like I am supposed to, it might just work.

Thanks for the support!

ooooo, the 5 day pouch test! I had not idea. I just googled the site. I am going to do it. I had never heard of that. Thanks for posting, I feel like I KNOW NOTHING about the lap band. Yet I was banded in 2008. Ack! My head is spinning. So much help out there. Thanks!

Edited May 26, 201412 yr by rivergirl14

BTW, I just rejoined myfitnesspal. If any of you are on, my name is dbradley2010. Please friend me! Thanks

Welcome Rivergal14, I am Karen(kll724). I have been banded since 2009. I, also, know someone who went to Mexico and lost all the excess weight and never looked back. i am not that girl! I have had 2 slips, and had to have my band revised. The last two years have been a struggle for me, as I seem to not ever lose any weight since the revision. I am hanging on, and would be glad to be your friend. i can't mentor, because i have trouble too. I have gained weight but not all the weight back. I love sweets and peanut butter!!! There I said it! Hang in there, and join us for us for a talk, when you like. Karen

(Karen)!!!!! Hugs!! Thank you for your honesty. I feel so high right now. There is do much support here I never knew about. I plan to come here often and chat often. I don't feel alone and confused anymore. I feel like trying again. Everyone is super supportive. ????

(((hugs))back at you!Have a great holiday tomorrow!

(((hugs))back at you!Have a great holiday tomorrow!

You too! And how do I find my friends on here. Or add them? I can't find it. :-[ well st least not from the app. My lap top is acting up.

Edited May 25, 201412 yr by rivergirl14

If you click on their names, you can add them as friends. You should be able to see who you friends are by going onto your own avatar. I hope that helps