I've been a member of this community for almost 6 months now and I haven't posted or written anything at all. I'm hoping that I can turn here for encouragement and support.

I was banded May 19th, 2009 and so far I've only lost 30 pounds. I'm disappointed in the amount I've lost, especially considering I am a full 9 months post-op. The really terrible thing is I know that my lack of extreme or significant weight loss is mostly my fault. I'm a chronic over-eater and have been my entire life. I eat for any and every reason and I knew that having this surgery would'nt solve all of my problems. I have cut down significantly on my consumption but not enough to lose more than 30 pounds in 9 months which is slightly less than 1 pound/week. I feel like I have failed miserably at this. But I'm hoping deep down that this isn't the case. I want to get better, I want to improve. I want to control my intake and not compulsively eat just because the food is there....

Now for my motivation: I'm getting married in 15 months. I have 15 months to get down to a "comfortable" weight.... no pressure. A comfortable weight for me would mean I need to lose around 75 more pounds before my wedding, technically before I buy my dress.... man oh man. I want to be successful. I want to show people and myself that I can do this. I can do this.

Hi,I was also banded in May 09. Have you kept up with your fills? That is the key with the lap band, must keep up with your fills. I have a 14cc band and have 7.7 and at my sweet spot. You can do this. This a great start admitting the issues and I'm proud of you! Go back to the basic and dont drink while eating or 45 mins after. maybe measure your food too, protien first. NO slider foods. Make sure you get all your water in. You got a great goal, your wedding. congrads!!! Come to chat on here, it helps me get support and keeps me on track. I'm 42 and started at 258 and now 175. 35 more to my goal of 140. I am here if you need a friend or encourgement.

Forgive yourself and work on lifestyle not a date goal...this is NOT a diet and if you treat it as one (have to lose x pounds by x day) you are more likely to fail.

Get a fill if you need one and get ALL slider foods out of your house and life. The other day I was feeling bingey but could still only cram the gut with a half cup of food! Painful bitchslap I needed!

Good luck friend, you ARE succeeding...

PS I always recommend reading band_groupie's blog from beginning to end as you have time, its funny but also very inspiring!

Thanks for the encouragement & suggestions. I'm scheduled for a fill for next Thurs. so we'll see how things go after that.