I paid $7000 for this band in July 2005 and got down to 154 from 211.

But over the years I have just gone back to my old habits and learned how to eat around the band. I now take in as many calories as I use to when I was 211 pds just in different foods. I think I am mentally ill or something.

I can't stop eating. Even though it hurts so bad.

I have made myself so ill in the past I ended up in the hospital twice with dehydration because even though I get sick when the food stops I just keep eating, spitting up and easting more.

The tissue under the band swells shut and I can't even keep small amounts of Water down.

My surgery was in Mexico and no Dr's will see me here (Utah) I have the fills done (use to anyway) in a hospital radiology dept. but they don't know much about the band, diet etc.

Is there any hope for me? Do I need mental health counseling? Please HELP

I paid $7000 for this band in July 2005 and got down to 154 from 211.

But over the years I have just gone back to my old habits and learned how to eat around the band. I now take in as many calories as I use to when I was 211 pds just in different foods. I think I am mentally ill or something.

I can't stop eating. Even though it hurts so bad.

I have made myself so ill in the past I ended up in the hospital twice with dehydration because even though I get sick when the food stops I just keep eating, spitting up and easting more.

The tissue under the band swells shut and I can't even keep small amounts of Water down.

My surgery was in Mexico and no Dr's will see me here (Utah) I have the fills done (use to anyway) in a hospital radiology dept. but they don't know much about the band, diet etc.

Is there any hope for me? Do I need mental health counseling? Please HELP

I think you do need some counselling - but we all do. We have to learn about the emotional issues underneath why we abuse food. Many addicts use food, drugs, alcohol. gambling etc to displace feelings of hurt, anger, helplessness - it sounds like you have not faced these issues and are determined to continue to abuse because you don't know what else to do. Don't beat yourself up over this - it is your addiction. Get some psychotherapeutic help and find a Dr. or clinic who will see you and in no time, you will be back on track and alot healthier both mentally & physically.

Best of luck - let us know how you are doing.

You should try Dr. Mckeen. I think he is out of the Salt Lake area. He is a wonderful surgeon and I'm sure he will help you.

You should try changing the foods you eat. If you just want to feel full all the time, try eating 1000-2000 calories worth of brocolli or spinach in a day. I assure you it will be a task

Seriously though: If you're bent on eating bad foods and a lot of them, then yes I would seek counseling. Sounds more like a mental block or food association you haven't been able to break free from yet.

Eating healthy, however, can have a drastic impact on your weight and overall health. Whole foods tend to have quite a bit of volume as compared to processed/packaged foods. Tastes are learned. You can learn to love healthy foods just like you learned to love whatever you ate to get you overweight in the first place. Just start eating them and it will grow on you. None of that "I don't like the taste" crap. Get over it and just eat better. You'll thank yourself later.

Dear IMandet,

I have a question for you? Are you restricted enough?

I too was eating way too much and wasn't loosing any weight in fact I was gaining and I finally went in for a fill and everythings been working well. I'm loosing and feeling more motivated and man thats the key to any weight loss program no matter what the weight loss program.

the problem is that, even with good restriction, if you don't eat the right foods, or don't follow the rules (not drinking while eating, avoiding high calorie liquids, ice cream, chocolate, not eating slowly, etc.) you can still get too many calories/day.

One of my last attempts at controlling my weight before my surgery was going to a PhD therapist that specialized in weight control...she helped me see that so much of my eating habits were emotional and stress related. I think that my sessions with her really set the foundation for my success (so far) with the band. She also helped my with work/life balance issues, which helped reduce my stress levels.

I truly believe that 'mindset' is a huge part of success with band surgery...moreso than with bypass.

There was no stigma attached to me seeing the therapist...I do have to report it when my periodic re-investigation comes round for my clearance, but my work was very encouraging about it.