Hi all, just introducing myself. My names Anne I'm 41 and live in the Netherlands

I'm originally from Australia, I was searching for support groups on the net when

I came across this one, I had my banding operation back in February 2006. The only

support I have here is my husband. He comes with me to every appointment as I don't

speak Dutch .Any way moving on to my banding I haven't done very well when I had surgery

My weight was at the highest Id ever been at 313lbs and a BMI of 49, since my banding I've

only lost 44lbs and MT BMI is now 42.1 not much at all considering my surgery was 2 1/2 years ago. I read so many

success stories here and get very depressed and feel I've been a BIG FAILURE. My mother had

The banding done back in Australia and she has been a big success starting out at 330lbs in after

5 years has got down and stayed at 154lbs. Things are done so differently here than in the States and

Australia I read that most people on the forum had to drink clear liquid for the first 2 weeks after their surgery

In Australia mum had to be on liquids for 6 weeks after operation I guess that gives time to heal,

Here in The Netherlands I was put on solid food 2 days after the operation, I don't understand why the big difference.

I think may be that's why I haven't lost much. In the 2 1/2 years of my banding I have only had 2 1/2CC put into band.

Am I the only BIG FAILURE with my banding.:thumbup::frown::laugh::frown:

Hi Anne! Welcome! You might want to check out the "slow losers" forum (scroll down on the main forum and you'll see it). There are many people who are struggling losing all the weight that they had hoped to lose. Also, I'd quit calling myself a "big failure" if I were you--nothing good can come from putting yourself down like that. If anything, I'd blame your dictors/aftercare--why do you have such a small amount in your band? Do you have a particularly small band to begin with? Maybe you need another fill? Are you exercising? Do you have friends that speak English--so that you aren't eating out of lonliness or boredom? I'm just thinking off the top of my head. Hope you find what works for you.