I was told that the best was is to go back to basics. I lost track and I decided to get back to the basics and start all over. You still have the tool, you just have to use it. The power is in your hands. The band is a mere tool that we have to work. I know you can do it. We all have it in us. Good luck

I do a lot of self talk. Do not beat yourself up over this. Just make the decision to get refocused here and now.

Make a plan for yourself and journal. Also, keep coming back to this site. You will be surrounded by people who at one time or another have experienced what you are experiencing. The main thing is to not to give up. Say to yourself...."Self..it is time to get back on board and really put this band to work for me." Also, put yourself first! Take the time to go to the store to get the lean proteins and plan out your days. You will be more successful. When you want something that you know really isn't that great for you...allow yourself 1 or 2 small bites to get the taste and move on. Just walk a little further that day. I wish you lots of luck!

Well, I was eating around my band too this summer and only lost 3 pounds between June-August. I also slacked on my exercise. I probably would have gained weight but I tried to get some exercise in to try to offset my eating. Anyways, it was easier for me to commit to the gym first and then I changed my eating habits. After spending one hour in the gym and 30 of that on a eliptical 5 days a week I didn't want to mess that up by eating unhealthy! So far I have lost 6 pounds since 9-7th. That's more than I did all summer. Good luck!

Make a list of three reasons you got banded. Put them on a sheet of paper and copy it and put it in places where you see it all the time -- refrigerator, car, mirror, wallet. Self talk yourself into the eating piece -- remembering the reasons --. Good luck to you. I'm pretty hard headed (you think guys?!), and I told myself I was never going to eat around the band and I can't now. My mind just takes me away from it. I've just told myself something so many times it becomes second nature.

Best of luck to you!

This is a tough one. What do we want more? I want thin. To be thin I need to eat less, eat REAL food, Not too much mostly plants with PROTEINS first. I wish you all the Best. It is hard I agree. Be honest with yourself, get back on track it is ok to make mistakes, learn from them. Best wishes imaluckydog

My surgery isn't for a couple of weeks, but I my nutritionist advised me to go to sparkpeople.com and explore it. I really love it because by keeping track of what I eat and drink, it keeps me in line. It was great on my supervised diet plan with my doctor and it is the only thing I have found to keep my eating in line. Now that I'm on the preop diet, it's keeping me even more focused. Best wishes on jumping back on the weight loss train. You can do it!

You can do it!!!! Lots of protien get that ketosis going to burn some fat! Try to stay away from high carb intake as well as sweetened drinks and ice cream. We all know we can eat around the band but think about your surgery and the days following aren't YOU worth a second chance?? Do not give up show some progress even if it is two or three pounds and then go back to your DR let him know you are serious about making a change and get another fill. It isn't good to rely on the fills to stop you from eating but that is part of the tool isn't it? Restriction, after a good fill you will be very aware of your intake. Get up and get moving I say this because I personally need to work on that part. ) We all have our own battle but we are here to work together as a team and lift each other up when needed. Stay connected... I recently got too busy to log in and have been fighting with the same pound up and down for over a week. Time to focus!

YOU CAN DO IT...We all have had struggles, but you have to ask yourself."How Much Do You Want This". Who are you doing this for.....? and if for yourself....That's half the battle right there. Like the previous person said. Your going to have to go back to basics...Get those protein shakes hich cut down on eating regular foods. Get spiritually attached. Hug yourself everyday and tell yourself, "I LOVE ME". I know it may sound dramatic but sometimes fighting those food cravings can be hard and sometimes you have to put yourself on the highest pedel--stool you can think of to fight for YOU.

I think you got some wonderful advice here! Forget the past and start fresh tomorrow! Stay on this website we are all here to support you. I have found that staying on here keeps me more accountable even if it is just to myself! This is not the easy way out as others may think! Once you lose a pound or so you will get the positive feeling you need to keep going!! I wish you the very best!!

Thanks for all the support !! It feels great to know that I'm not alone in this journey....I will definitely try my best to get back in track and start the protein shakes and the low cal diet...off to the grocery store...have beautiful day everyone <3

Remind your doctor that if you could control your eating on your own you wouldn't have needed the lapband in the first place. Tell him you need a fill and if he doesn't work with you get another doctor!

These words have been so encouraging. You are all a blessing in disguise. I just watched the Biggest Loser and this time last year I told myself that I would be a slimmer, healthier me. I have had some obstacles in the past months but am ready to get back on track. I will start my protein shakes tomorrow! (and stay in touch with this post!)

I was banded on 12/30/09. After going through the pre-surgery diet during Christmas I knew that I could do anything! Little did I know about eating around the band :-( I have got to get on track now. I appreciate any help that you all can offer. Once again I feel like a failure. Help!!!!

tavimew, you're so right, sometimes I feel like I paid so much money and don't even have the courage to face my dr. and ask for a filling. txfoxx3, we are on the same boat, so feel free to write anything you want on my blog, it's a great way to help each other. I know I suffer from "emotional eating" and had the idea that the band will do the trick but guess what, it didn't and I still have to keep working hard to get where I want to be. Nothing in life comes easy and the only ones that will succeed with this surgery, are the ones that commit to become healthier every single day. For me it's a big challenge but I know in my heart that I'm capable of doing it, so I'm not giving up on myself and will try harder with the exercise, protein shakes, support group and so on....Don't give up !!

terry5, thanks for the encouragement. I go to my bariatric appt tomorrow. I'm starting a new beginning with my band.

I finally went for my adjustment....it had been 7 months since my last visit. the dr. was very nice and supportive and made clear that if I run away like that, thinking that I can do it on my own, I'm not going to succeed. He encouraged me to go to the support group meetings that they offer once a month, continue an exercise routine, and eat 3 meals a day ( 1/2 cup only ).... I am very excited about this huge step, I feel like I was given a 2nd. chance so I don't want to blow it !!...so here I am, sharing my great news with all you guys...I feel HAPPY TONIGHT !!