I went to the doctor yesterday to see if I could get a little more filling. It turns out that my esophagus has stretched and that is why I can eat so much and not feel satisfied. She drained my band and put me on a liquid diet for a month. Bummer. She said that the esophagus should go back to normal. I guess I needed a wake-up call, because I was binging so badly. Even though it was small amounts, I was eating all day and night. I am so hooked on sweets. I feel like I'm constantly trying to adjust my body with food. I want something sweet, then I want something like crackers, bread, or nuts - then something sweet, then on and on and on - the circle never ends. Sometimes I scream at myself in my head, "Stop eating !!!!!" I always say that I can't. But I think I have been using negative self-talk in that area. I'm good at positive self-talk in other areas of my life, and it truly works. I'm going to practice positive self-talk with regulating my food intake now. I realize that everything you say or do is a choice, and saying "I can't" is choosing "not to." I have been so disappointed that my band did not seem to make any difference for me. If I had the will-power to do everything that is expected of me with my band, I would not have been fat in the first place. I guess the band has helped some, because I've lost 40 pounds over 4 years. That's 40 less than I have to lose now. That's positive. I did good today; I have had only my 30g Protein drinks. I can have Jello or yogurt tonight. Thanksgiving will be hard, so I'm going to enjoy it at home alone this time and enjoy some movies. I'd like to know how some of y'all are doing now. Success stories ......... problems .......????

Coming up on 5 years banded....

I will go all liquids for a few days every 5-7 weeks or so....

The band keeps my portion sizes under control. also I cannot eat thing like cheeseburgers, hoagies, etc....so that is not a problem with me...

However, as you described, when I notice it is becoming easier to eat certain foods, and my portions are getting larger....(I can't believe i finished all of it) then I know it's time to go all liquids...

THIS is the only maintenance I can think of being banded....

Having you band drained as you had done, accomplishes the same thing...gives the band a rest...

I stay away from solid foods, giving the band a rest.

Thanks, B-52. Sounds like a good idea - preventative. I'll do that from now on.

Good Evening,

I understand Carol TX. I'm going on my 5th yr. I have to say I'm very disappointed with my band. If I knew I had to work harder than I did pre-band, I would not have had it done. I feel like I have to totally rethink things as far as how, what and when to eat and drink which is totally opposite of how I did before. Before the band,I would lose 30 lbs when I really tried but then could lose no more. With the band, I slowly lost 40 lbs but with a lot of effort on my part. I have since gained 10lbs back. I still have 70lbs to go. I struggle with my band being too tight as evidenced by vomiting and that aweful stuck sensation and then having to getting the band unfilled. I think I've gotten more unfills than fills because even when I get unfill I still get those isolated episodes of being stuck. I can eat plenty of unhealthy foods such as chips,dip,cookies,crackers,cake,etc and it goes down fine but if I eat healthy-tuna, chicken breast, fruits and vegs these do me in. I just don't know how to do well with this device. I just want to be healthy and fit.