I had lapband in January of 2007 and lost 50lbs over one year. I stayed about the same in 2008 and then in 2009 started having some issues, and at the same time moved from Texas to Arkansas. I couldn't find a Doctor in Arkansas that would take me (since I already had the surgery), so I had to see my Doctor back in Texas. When my problems began, it was after my last fill, and I couldn't eat ANYTHING, and was continuously stuck. I began to lose weight again, but also was having major spasms in my esophagus. When I was finally able to see my Dr. in Texas, he completely emptied my band and we left it that way for 4 months. Needless to say, I ate everything that I hadn't been able to eat for the last 18 months. In September, after X-rays and other tests confirmed that my band was fine, we started from the beginning and began filling again. Right now, I have some restriction (very minor), but my eating habits are horrible. I've completely forgotten how to eat as a bandster. My weight gain has stopped and I've held steady, but obviously I am not losing. It came to me early this morning that I hadn't utilized this website in a long time, and that I needed to get back here. I would love to have a mentor who can help me get back on track, and focus on the things that are important . . . my health!

Hi Cha-Cha! I’m almost in the same predicament as you are. I’ve been through a lot with my band. I’ve recently recommitted myself to it, and it would be great to have a little support group here for those of us who need to get back up on that wagon!

I still need to lose at least 80 Lbs, but it just seems after a few days of being really good, I will revert back to my old self. The one where I feel I’ll eat this and worry about it later. Well I need to remember that later is TODAY… RIGHT NOW!!

I hope you don’t mind my asking, but what are you at right now? It’s just good so I kind of get an idea of how far you have come, and how far you need to go.

Never worry, our band will just sit there and wait for us to use it. When I use my band, it works great! When I’m not… I just go up and down, up and down. It’s so unnerving.

All the best!

can i join in. we i seem to be in the same spot as you all to. went to the dr's today and got a sm fill dont think .25 is gonna do any thing but, das what i got. im having really issues with my eating habits cant seem to get back on track back eating sweets as i know food is gonna get stuck. had a test done and he thinks it might be a sm leak in it thats why he put more in. and by all means i know the band is a tool and of course im not using it right. funny thing is ms diva my dr said the same thing to me today said i know the rules and when im ready the band is there to help. i gained 6lbs and feel like ive fallen and cant get up. its like im ready to get it going then i go eat a cookie. what the hell, i did make a wkly menu, and talk to the lady at the ymca wanna try and do water arobics. so i guess thats a start i just gotta do my part. as i know i should have lost way more than i have im a much bigger person and thats what makes me feel like i have failed.

well its a new day and all i can do is try and make it thru the day.

Hey girl!

Well, yes I do know exactly what you mean with the sweets. It’s like ever since I’ve been banded I have this weird crazy obsession with anything sugar laden. I’ve never had this issue before. I was always a crunchy salty eater. I could have a big bowl of ice cream sit in front of me all day and never touch it. Now? Not the case.

I will do great for a few weeks, then all of a sudden I’m right back into the cookies and cakes and candy. I just don’t know what I have to do to just do the right thing.

For the last few days I’ve been taking the Jillian Michaels detox pills. I had to change that up because it has been leaving me feeling really almost depressed like. I only take it just before bed now, and this morning I’m feeling pretty good. We’ll see if that will get me back to my whole workouts like I used to do.

How are you doing today china and cha cha?

I too have fallen off the wagon. I was doing great and sticking to everything the doctors advised. Now I am going through some very stressful situations and I find myself going back to my stress/anxiety eating ways. I fill up fast but I'm still making unhealthy and foolish choices. Now the holidays are here - I don't want to get so lost that I won't be able to find my way back on track. Anyone in the same boat or have suggestions?

yes im were you are right now. hang in there things will get better it just has to.

ms diva i know rigth im in that situation right now. how every here is an update on me i went and got a fill wednesday only .25 and its helping alot. i got on the scale today when i went to the dr's and i have lost 3lbs. i still crave the sweets but i think im gonna try the slim shots and see if that helps. oh what is that pill you was talken bout. well i will be going off liquids starting 2morow so i will see how every thing goes.

I too have fallen off the wagon. I was doing great and sticking to everything the doctors advised. Now I am going through some very stressful situations and I find myself going back to my stress/anxiety eating ways. I fill up fast but I'm still making unhealthy and foolish choices. Now the holidays are here - I don't want to get so lost that I won't be able to find my way back on track. Anyone in the same boat or have suggestions?

China, the slim shots are found in the Diet Aid section of any drug store. They actually look like little coffee creamers. I will take one then drink 8oz of water with it. Firstly because they taste awful, secondly because the oil in the slim shot is better coated along your stomach wall that way. It coats your stomach alleviating hunger pains. It really does work for me, as the Lap-Band never really gave me the hunger suppression as it has for so many others.

im gonna try it i think im gonna get some of my fill taken out thursday as once again i feel to tight. i have a bubble like in the back of my through. im hungry when i cant eat anything. what i had yesterday

chix salad, sw.baby peas, cajuan rice 1/4cup total(pb)

then 5-6hrs later 1/2c lasanga. 1/4c ice cream,2bite of cake. and a 16oz coff,cream,splenda and that was all i could eat but, was hungry just couldnt eat. when i pb its bad.ause they taste awful, secondly because the oil in the slim shot is better coated along your stomach wall that way. It coats your stomach alleviating hunger pains. It really does work for me, as the Lap-Band® never really gave me the hunger suppression as it has for so many others.

:willy_nilly: I too have been struggling to stay on track. Banded in june 2009, lost 40 easily but each time I got a fill and things get stuck I find myself going for the sliders. Finally had to have some taken out and kinda feel like a failure. To ease that guilt I have starting eating like before and have kinda lost my will to remain good when I choose my food. Its been three months with no change on the scale. I go this tuesday for a refill. Any suggestions on how to motivate myself during the holidays

Hey all. I had my surgery 9/29/08. Lost 50-60 lbs but for some reason all the eating healthy and making good choices have disappeared from my mind. I can relate with the sugar thing. I could eat sweets all day and nothing else. My real problem started when I was working 2 nursing jobs. Stress! So more grab and go fast food. And stopped exercising. Once I get out of my routine, its SOOOOO HARD to start again. This week i've had some surgery so im in bed with a lot to think about. I really want to get back on track and 1st of all, STOP GAINING, and 2nd start loosing again. It's so frustrating! I was feeling so good. I need to figure out how to get back to that place. Seeing others with similar struggles is encouraging. Thanks to all who have shared. Ambra:wub:

Hi, I haven't been on site in a long long time and my story is very similar to yours. I was banded 08/07, lost about 65 lbs, has held steady (kelp losing and gaining same 5-10 lbs). Since Nov (my brother passed), Ive gained 15 lbs so had another fill 1 month ago.............I only feel restriction that 1st week.............but like you have terrible eating habits. I was wondering how you are doing now and if you've started to lose again? Thanks and please stay encouraged!

Hi. I got a fill last thurs. Might have been too much.I hurt everytime I eat. Have been throwing up a little, when I eat too much, too fast, or something bad. I'm like a crack addict with rice. I know its gonna hurt but for some reason think "maybe this time it wont hurt". I hate veggies, crave sugar and feel really mad at myself everytime I eat sugar. And its always at night.:scared2: I haven't been doing well with protein supplements. They all taste like "butt"! Gross. But I'm trying to have at least 1 per day. Thats only been the last week. I also started walking 30 minutes per day again last week. Its hard cuz I want to see change RIGHT NOW!!! I know in my brain that if I stick with it and continue to work on good habits, it will pay off. So hard it sucks! I'm hoping now that I'm back on this site, maybe it will help. Hows it going for you?

Wow... it gives me so sort of comfort to know that I am not the only one having issues with my band. I have really been feeling like a failure... I a had not been to this site in so long. After I was banded I lost 50 lbs. Then I started having issues and the opened it up... I gained wait. I have got it filled but my eating habits are a mess... i tried a liquid diet and it work for a while... my excuse is that I am discovering more emotional issues that lead me to eating and therapy is tough!!!

I do too crave sweets!! a lot!!!

I have decided for one to cut all sweets and exercise...

I try to tell myself that if I did it before I can do it again... but so far I cannot make myself do it...

I get depressed!

I am a member of the club--lost 67 and put back 42. I lost the momentum and excitement of going from a size 20 to a 10. Yesterday was my 2 year bandiversary.

The last few months have been filled with anguish and disappointment. How could I do this? I had surgery for God's sake!

I have come to the realization that I am a compulsive overeater. My habits are not those of normal (sane) people. I have been attending meetings of Overeaters Anonymous and am finding help. Right now, I am not concerned with the weight and the scale; I am concentrating on having a good food day TODAY. This is an addiction and I am out of control. Seeing that--I feel I can now go on....at least, for today.

Happy to talk with anyone.

Hi everyone. I was banded 3-6-9 and have lost 83lbs. I still need to lose 50lbs and learn what I need to keep the weight off. I am facing the same problems. I keep trying to eat foods high in Protein, yet I stay hungry. I will go for the foods that make me feel like I am actually "eating" something. I would LOVE some really good recipes that are high in protein and support to help me continue to try and make this life long change for a healthier me.

I don't understand why most days you can't eat much and then you have a day where everything go down easy. Does anyone else have this happen?

One thing I know for sure--the band is fickle. There is no telling what will stay down. The same meal can "register" differently when I eat it.

You are doing very well. You should be proud of all success you have. The hard part for me is maintaining. That is why I am in OA. I now have 20-25 more to lose and then--that is when I am challenged. With OA, I have different tools. Good luck to you.