I have gained 10 pounds over the last couple of months. I was banded on 6-26-07 and have lost down from 238 to 163. Now I am at 172. I find myself eating and I am not hungry. I just eat.. Old habits I guess coming back. Sometimes I feel like I am trying to sabotage this band? Anyone else having these problems?

I think you may need a fill.

I agree...it might be time for another fill.

It might help to look at the reasons you're eating when you're not hungry. Are you stressed? Going through something difficult at work or home? Feeling sad or alone?

I would suggest talking to your surgeon AND your regular doctor about what's happening.

Yes you might need another fill, but this is also a great opportunity to uncover why you eat. Are you bored, anxious, stressed out by a particular situation? Combination of a few things? Start keeping a journal now of how you're feeling when you eat and you're not hungry right now.

Thanks for your post. I too eat when I'm not hungry. I think it's just habit. I hate myself for it, but that's why I got banded in the first place. If I could control it, why band? I have an appointment with my doctor on the 5th, and I want restriction!! : ) Good luck with your struggles!

I find it creeps back in periodically for me too, and a fill is not always the answer.

I always manage to get on top of it again, before weight gain gets out of control and exercise helps a LOT to avoid putting on weight when you eat a bit more than normal.

This is what maintenance is for me. Keeping on top of my bad habits, not anything as negative as a constant struggle but to think that I'm cured and never have to think about my diet or exercise is complete fantasy. In reality I have to work on it every single day and will have to do so for the rest of my life. If I let myself just go, I will eat when I'm not hungry, I will choose poor foods much more often etc. I will never be "fixed" but with my band I can manage my situation.

Recommitting is necessary periodically, definitely.

Thanks for your inspirational reply. I really don't want to be a failure at this. I read on another post about the 5 Day Pouch Test and am thinking about doing that to "rededicate" myself. Have you heard of it? You can do a search of it on this site.

Hey there,

Your not alone in this.I'm only 7 weeks & am experiencing the same thing.I too want to eat when I'm not hungry and am craving sweets again! It is scary but this is why we had the band.It's a tool not a cure.But that's hard to remember.I too have decided to be proactive and take charge of what I CAN control and jumped on the treadmill to combat overeating & not the best choices.I try to think of it as "keeping us real" & aware of the battle.It's a constant reminder of us having to work for what we want.And it will be so much sweeter when we get there!! Hang in there you've come along ways already!! Your doing great just keep your chin up!!

Take care!!:tongue2:

The pouch test is a great way to get back on track. It takes a little bit of willpower the first 2 days but after that you should be fine :tongue2: There is a detox thread going right now that is for people to band together and do the pouch test and support one another.

What great words of encouragement. Thanks lacasst! I ordered the book about the 5 day pouch test so I could have it on hand. My doctor is SO cautious about filling - I get a little frustrated.

Brandy, is the pouch test the same as detox?