Hiya everyone. Just wanted to make my journey official to try and gain some control! I was 364lbs before surgery in August 2007 and have only lost 50lbs since then, so I still just have over 150lbs left to go. I am starting to feel very dismayed with my band I don't really know how to use it and don't feel like I have a lot of support. So I was looking for someone to really get me over this stop I have been at and help me along the way. So many of you are doing well. If any of you have any advise or words of encouragement I would be grateful!

I have a pretty good level of restirction I think, my surgeon won't add any more at the moment, he said I need to try and sort out my eating habits but doesn't seem to help in that way! By the evening my band is pretty loose so that is mainly when I think I need to be more careful.

Thanks Jack, I know I am my own worst enemy! Perhaps you could tell me the one thing that you find essential to using your lap band. I know the basics are don't drink with food, which I always do, don't eat slider food etc. But what one thing should I focus on to get this moving again? Also what do you all think should be the calorie allowance per day? I wish I had a proper eating plan but my surgeon only gave me details for the mushy stages and then said "all you need to do is eat healthily and small portions" Well if I could just do that I wouldn't have had surgery!!

Hi,

I started at 359 and it is 3 months later and I have lost 44 pounds. It only happened because I am exercising every day! Are you exercising?

Fairydust/Bella,

Have you ever thought about going to see a nutritionist? I think it would really help give you some ideas. I have been going to Overeaters Anonymous since September and it has put me in a really good place to get banded in March and not have to worry that my eating habits are going to be super out of whack. Again, this is just my experience but I really think they have helped. Also, what about a personal trainer at the gym? That might work.

Thanks everyone for your ideas. I have just joined a gym to up my exercise so that will surely help. I am going to look into seeing a nutritionist i'm not sure how to go about it but think I will make an appointment to ask my Dr.

Any more suggestions or things which help you is always brilliant to know about!!

Hi Fairydust. sorry that your weight loss isn't going to plan and great idea to turn to this forum for some help.

I know you are intending to see a dietician but in the meantime, why not keep a food diary and post up a typical days eating so we can spot any obvious flaws in what you are eating now.

I am early days with my band and am not fully restricted yet (only one fill so far) but I have steadily lost weight since my pre op diet in August I am down 52lbs.

I follow the weight watchers plan as i have always lost weight with it, although pre band ended up putting it back on. I keep a daily food diary to help me keep on track.

Sue

fairy dust,

I must say, I'm here for you! I too haven't enjoyed the success I was "hoping for", however its VERY important that we both understand its more due to our inability to EAT properly and not blame this slow weight loss on the band.

I believe, and am sure you are the same, that the band is a tool for weight loss that I carefully decided upon.

Now, nearly 6 months later its still a work in process.

I've started eating early in the evening, and have went with a healthy diet of FISH! Its the easiest way for me to eat healthy, and for me personally FISH offers me the quickest restriction while allowing me to take in a decent portion with great flavor.

Try blackened fish! Its become a staple in my diet and I'll post this one positive note for you, IF YOU CAN GET BACK ON TRACK THE WEIGHT LOSS WILL COME BACK QUICKLY!! When I have a good week, I just feel great because the loss is evident very fast. Now the key for me is to do it back to back weeks rather than "well I did great this week, I can slack off this next week"

Wrong!

But we're learning, this is a long journey.

Lets help each other out!

Thanks for all the replies I agree with everything that has been said it is a tool and I KNOW IT IS MY FAULT!!!

Going back to basics I am gonna try a couple of days on liquids to try and get out of any habits and plan the next few days healthy meals and concentrate on portion size.

Lets sort this out!!