I got banded about 2 1/2 years ago - self pay. I was about 266 at my highest and this morning I weigh 224. I have gained about 24 lbs in 2 months. My lowest was 198 lbs about 6 months ago.

I know I am over stressed, working too much, etc. and I know the food choices I am making are not good ones - and I am feeling sad and depressed. That is why I have gained the weight back.

I had to get an slight defill in July and since then I have been able to eat anything. I had a barium swallow and the band is fine and they are leary of giving me any more fills as I had to get defilled.

I thought the band would be the answer for me. I researched, I studied, I read case studies, and what I am learning from personal experience is that it is really just a tool. I spent $16,000 on the band and much more on fills - and I feel it has just been another waste of time, energy and effort.

I would love to hear about some success stories to help me raise my spirits and remind me of why I chose the band over gastric bypass.

Coco, just because you needed a bit of an unfill a few months ago certainly doesn't mean that they can't add some fill now! Make an appointment. Make sure they understand that you are not at your sweetspot.in the green zone.....

Next, start journaling. I had to do this. Remember that you are the only person who reads that journal so please be very honest. If you eat 1 M&M, write it down. Once I did that I saw 2 things. First, I was waiting too long between lunch and dinner to eat so when I got home and started cooking, I was also grazing like crazy. Cure for that, a small snack (around 60 calories) such as low fat cheese or fruit. Second, I work in a small law firm and there is an abundance of free junk food in the kitchen....chips, crackers, nuts (and I realized I was eating a couple of tablespoons of peanuts every day) ....and now I'm starting to lose again.

Not one of us here is perfect. If we were, we would never have needed a band. So take heart that just because you've had a wobble, doesn't mean you've fallen and can't get back up on the wagon.

Don't give up! Re-think all the reasons for having the band and start again. Journaling is a great tool too.

I got banded about 2 1/2 years ago - self pay. I was about 266 at my highest and this morning I weigh 224. I have gained about 24 lbs in 2 months. My lowest was 198 lbs about 6 months ago.

I know I am over stressed, working too much, etc. and I know the food choices I am making are not good ones - and I am feeling sad and depressed. That is why I have gained the weight back.

I had to get an slight defill in July and since then I have been able to eat anything. I had a barium swallow and the band is fine and they are leary of giving me any more fills as I had to get defilled.

I thought the band would be the answer for me. I researched, I studied, I read case studies, and what I am learning from personal experience is that it is really just a tool. I spent $16,000 on the band and much more on fills - and I feel it has just been another waste of time, energy and effort.

I would love to hear about some success stories to help me raise my spirits and remind me of why I chose the band over gastric bypass. :thumbup:

There is a thread called "I'm here to help...." If you want some inspiration, go to the start of that thread and read through it. There are several people that have lost 100+ pounds and are keeping it off. You can do it, but it's work. Keeping track of every bite really helps. That's what I'm doing right now because I'm stalled and it's because I'm eating too many calories.....I graze too.

The best to you.

Can't you start getting fills now again? Of course you are going to gain weight back if you have no restriction.

Like it was said before, it would be a good thing to go and get another fill, if they refuse to give you one then you should see a diffrent surgeon. Keep your head up and don't be discouraged, its a long road but one that is defintely worth it. Good luck to you.