I have really had a bad two weeks. I did great with weeks 1 and 2, but once I could eat "real food" I started overeating, even when it hurt. I don't seem to have any restriction and I know this is "bandster hell" but I am unhappy with myself. I gained weight back and went into a major depression, which I am just overcoming.

I know this is a learning experience but I didn't expect it to be so hard. I wanted to be one of those inspiring people, and here I am falling on my face. Well, all I can do is try again.

I lost 30 lbs before surgery and I may go back to what I was eating then, since it worked before.

I'm so grateful to my penpals from this site, who helped me forgive myself and haven't been at all critical.

I look forward to my fills but am afraid that Dr. Teng will be angry with me. He can get really upset with patients who don't do what they are told.

Luckily I have some support group meetings coming up. And I have this week to myself, so maybe I can get back on track if I have no kids to cook for.

First off, Hurray!!!!!! You lost 30 lbs before surgery! that is huge, give yourself a huge pat on the back! I totally feel where your coming from. I had surgery May 30th, then had my first fill a week ago. I was so mad once I could eat real food. It was like the damn band wasn't even there! I though, oh great I spend $15,000 out of my pocket on another bad weight loss fad! I cried, I didn't leave my house for 2 weeks! My ego was shattered because all of my friends and family knew I had the surgery and would be paying attention to my progress, or lack of rather.

I thought I was going to be ANOTHER complete failure!

Then I came to this website. I learned that some people don't get the right restriction for a long time. It takes a lot of time and paying attention to your body to get it right. Or atleast I hope that's the truth, that's what everyone tells me in the chat room. I can still eat a full meal which sucks but I made a promise to call my doc in the morning and request more restriction. I feel more hopeful! It sounds like your doctor can be a bit harsh, but remember you pay him!! Tell him the truth, and frankly I believe that if I was able to diet and loose weight on my own I wouldn't have been over weight in the first place. Let your doctor know that you understand that the lap band is a tool, but that your tool is not working for you! Be strong and tell him that you have been on this web site and gotten a lot of advice and feel as if you understand what you need. You also may benefit from a nutritionist. I know it has helped me to try and eat low carb high protein.

Enjoy your kid free time and take some time to read this website and decide what is going to work for you! I wish you the best of luck! I hope this helps

I understand how you feel. I was banded April 11,08 lost only 23 lbs thus far. Only one fill my doc is very stingy with fills. I'm getting so fustrated. Maybe we'll get restriction after a coule of fills.

I too am having a difficult time, I had surgery 6-9-08 and actually gained 7 lbs and have not felt any restriction, so when i got my first fill last week i thought yeah! now things will start happening.... wrong! i don't feel like i have a band. I hope things change real quick, i'm not 20 something anymore. good luck to you all on your journey.

Hi, I was banded July 3,2008 and had one fill. I have lost 10 pounds since surgery and get my next fill on Sept. 9 it hasn't really done much on restricting me yet but I'm hopeful it will work soon. I am also thinking of trying a liquid fast as I did before surgery. I lost 20 lbs. with it. Has anyone gone back to that yet?

I am going for my second fill tomorrow, and hope it does something, because i also am getting frustrated and wondering if all this was for nothing. I was banded on june 9, and have lost 20 lbs, but I am also doing atkins and not cheating. well heck, I did that before the surg. good luck to all and I will keep you all posted on restriction after the second fill.