So before I got my band, I read posts about how people started eating crap and their weight loss slowed, stopped or reversed. I always thought "Loser! You just paid like $10k to get something installed into your body and your screwing it up!" And then, I fell off the wagon - hard.

I fell back to my old habits of emotional eating and drinking (wine, loaded with calories). I pushed the limits of my band and ate crappy stuff like thin crust pizza and cookies, even cake and bread.

As a result? In the last 7 weeks I've only lost like 7 pounds. Still weight loss, but when you're loosing 3 pounds a week before the fall, it makes a big difference. I went to court to finalize my divorce, I totalled my car and my house went into foreclosure. These are not excuses. It would have been better for me to stick to my plan. I stopped takeing protein supplements regularly and now I'm going bald, really. Not sure if it's the lack of protein or stress, or both. But, it sucks.

So, my point? Don't think it can't happen to you. See the warning signs early and don't ignore them. I got a fill yesterday, started running again last week and I am on my way! I REFUSE to weight more than 199 pounds when 2009 starts. REFUSE. So, I got 7 pounds to go. Time to hit it hard.

Wow, if you can lose 7 pounds with all that stress you've had then you ARE my inspiration! I think that's amazing! You CAN get that next 7 off...and if you don't by the end of the year...it's not the end of the world...just keep you're eyes on all the positives you're doing and you'll get there.

I think that's what's so helpful about this site. Hearing stories like this really helps...I now see that I'll "fall off the wagon" at times, everyone does and it's just a matter of not beating yourself up about it...we all got fat from bad habits and the band doesn't cure those...you're aware of what you did and why...it's what you do after you fall off the wagon that counts! As you said "Time to hit it hard." Hang in there.-BG

YOU GO GIRL! I will cheer you on!

I can totally relate! I felt the same way, I will NEVER eat like that again, i said to myself!! Until my life fell apart in NOvember, 70 year old mother needs rehab, loss of my job, then to top it off, my husband gets hurt and cant work!!! Very minimal income coming in, I had to get assistance, never thought that would happen, so I ate to soothe myself, I thought i had learned new coping skills but they went out the window and the food just called my name, I had surgery 7/29 and have lost 60 pounds, I have been at a stand still since early november, i still go to the gym, i start in the morning with positive self talk by the afternoon I am staring in the cabinets! I try to stay so in control for my 3 kids under 10 years old, I dont want them to worry, so when Im by myself i feel like i am having a breakdown.....I think things will turn around for both of us, its the ebb and flow of life. I guess it teaches us to be grateful for the little things.. Today will be a good day if I keep my food in check. I have certainly learned not to be so quick to judge... Just remember the amazing things you HAVE accomplished!! and lets rock on to 2009!! best of luck to you ...kirsty

Fell off yesturday. I have only had 1 fill so far and am going to have another on Monday. At this point I can eat anything but I restrict myself until dooms day. That was yesturday. There are alot of stressful things happening at once between home , coordinatiing school parties, after school activities and exam week. I ran around all day yesturday and ate everything in site . My menu. Sausage buiscuit-breakfast

anglefood cup cake -snack a lady sold at school

entire hamburger and fries -school lunch with kids

bag of Dorito's

1/2 brownie

2 white chocolate macadamion nut cookies

hamburger happy meal with fries (didn't cook because I was to stressed so we ate out) Where did I fit it all

I just got my band a month ago and get my first fill on Monday Dec 22. The last week or so has been a real struggle not to regain the weight I lost during the pre-op diet and post op liquids. I work in higher ed and there is food EVERYWHERE!!!!

But here's the thing, fellow bandmates...We are human. This journey represents major changes to our lifestyles. The band is just a tool to help us. But we have to be vigilant about changing our habits. That takes work - and that work never stops. aclubb - I have to agree that what you have accomplished during a time of great stress is nothing short of miraculous. I admire you for collecting yourself and getting a grip NOW before you completely undo all your hard work. You have remembered that despite not having a lot of control over the divorce, the job-market and your housing situation: you have control over your eating. I hope that thought empowers you to keep at this.

Keep up the winning attitude! You can conquer the emotional roller coaster and meet your goal. I wish you all the best. Happy holidays!

I have not been banded long and in life we do not know what the future holds ahead for us. But just remember when life loads you up with alot of unexpects and seem you have loss control over your life just remember we do have control over certain things and thats education and what we choose to put in our mouth. Our body is a temple and its time we start treating it like one. Do not let the things that happen to you fianicialy and emotionally by society make you slowly put certainly give your body the dealth sentence. Overeating can be that serious over an expand of years. I have faith in you that u will suceed at your weight and anything eles that may cross your path. Just remember trouble dont last all ways, and sometimes the things we go thru is just a test to make us stronger or to redirect us back on the right path which ever it may be i wish u the best of luck.

My story is much the same way. Lost lots of weight before surgery (59 pounds last year) and by the 6th week out, I was back to old habbits and life style. I have lost 6 pounds total since November and I am very disapointed. I have had 4 fills since October in my 14 cc band but can still eat 1 cup of cottage cheese and a bag of microwave popcorn without feelling full. My doctor said that those were wrong foods and they pass through the band too easily. I am loosing my hair too but was told that I didn`t need protein suppliments any more. My doctor says that 6 pounds over Thanksgiving and part of December is average loss and he is proud of me.

As of the first of the year, I am back to counting calories, using my exercise bike, and looking into swimming pool exercise class. Might even try the 2 protein suppliments a day with a small dinner at night to get back into the diet again. Going to test my sugar and start taking the diabetic pills if needed again.