I got my band January of 2007. I don't think I really understood what I was getting myself into. The first year, I made half-hearted attempts at following the bandster rules of eating, and allowed myself to be filled way too much. I managed to lose about 35lbs, down from my pre-surgical weight of 275. Needless to say, I was disappointed in my results. I got pregnant with my first child in December 2007, and only gained twenty pounds. This put me so uncomfortably close to where I had started, I was determined to make something happen. In a few months I was down to 225 - the 50lb mark! And then I got pregnant again.

This pregnancy started off great -- I had barely put on 10 pounds in the first 6 months. Then, in what seemed like a matter of weeks, I put on another 20! As it turned out, I had preeclampsia, and delivered my baby boy seven weeks early. All is fine with him, he's healthy and growing. Myself, well that is a different story. I had a c-section, so there was a little longer recovery. Plus, the stress of having my little guy in the NICU for a month. Plus, it being the dead of winter. Here is what I did with my maternity leave: ate.

Today is March 14. I go back to work in ten days. I weigh 246. The last few weeks, I started to realize how crappy I felt and how much of a stupor I was in. Time to snap out of it! I am here to prove that it's never to late to make your band work for you. I'm three years out, but I might as well be three weeks out! I'm reacquainting myself with the basics, and this time I WILL follow the rules. I've spent a few weeks in the planning stage, and the action stage is about to begin. Stay tuned!

Your story has truly inspired me. I myself was banded two years ago with hardly any weight loss because I haven't been consistent with getting fills, following the program...not to mention I FINALLY have a good doctor to help me! So I too have decided it's not too late. I am only 10 pounds down since my re-fill...but hey 10 pounds down is something! Good luck!

Thanks for posting your stories! I am out 7 months and 77 lbs down and feeling like crap after returning home from a week long trip that I did eat too much on! It hurt to overeat, my tummy and my feelings after I gave in to the food that tempted me, like fries and Ice Cream and just plain too much of everything! I was doing so good too before the vacation, now I have to go and LEAD support group night on Tuesday! And I have to weigh in, but I too will Start over! Life is all about re-starts, and we get as many chances as we need. I always told my daughters and daughter-in-laws, you can always go on a diet, but you have one chance to have a healthy baby, just enjoy your children, and you can get back on track and take the weight off, let your band be your help!

It will be 2 years may 6 that i had my band. In the begining I lost a lot of weight then I got sick and they had to loosen my band and I put some of the weight back on. I go this Thursday for a fill 1st in a long time

I think my illness is finally under control. I am now going for terapy for my food addiction and working with a dietician. I am also planning on going to Shades of Hope

for an intensive 6 day inpatient care. I am looking for a support group in the Fort Worth area. To every one good luck and God bless us in our battle against our food problems

I am so happy for you! You are going to do great! NEVER LOOK BACK! Ps I am pregnant with the band too, I am 9 weeks! (how was it...I am so nervous).

Thanks everyone for reading! It makes writing all this down worth it It's also nice to know I'm not alone!

WOW. My story is alot like yours. I feel the same way you do. I was doing good(cheating) but still doing ok. I got pregnant and now have a beautiful 9 week old baby girl. I need to jump back into things and get back on track the right way this time. I really would love to blog and post my story but I am not the best with computers and don't know where you go on this site to do so. If anyone can help me and walk me thru that would be great. I would even love if someone could call me and talk me thru it.