I do want to lose weight and be healthy. I had lap Band in November of 2007 . I have not been very successful at all. I get confused as to what I am suppose to do. One day its low carbs, then the next day low fat, then the next high protein. It is a fact that when you mix them all together you will gain weight. I recently gained 8 lbs. like in a 10 day period of time.

What are you suppose to eat? I have 7.25 cc's ion a 10 cc band. I can eat most everything.

Why isn't the Dr doing anything ? I just get the every six week fill and that is about it.

I NEED to lose weight. I am disgustingly obese, 250 lbs 5'2 in.4 of my co-workers went to Florida and got some kind of a bypass that is a designer thing. They all look fantastic and are healthy. One actually said to me that she was sorry my lap band didn't work. Yea well me too. I would never tell anyone that i had weight lose surgery, it would be to embarrassing when they realize that I didn't lose weight.

Any one else have problems losing weight?

There is a local yahoo support group in Cooperstown NY (where I had my surgery) but they are a very close group of perfect people that don't want to hear that anyone has had any kind of problems. Most of them just seem to have it all together. I have tried several times to get a spark from them and I am ignored because of my negative results.:devil:

Anyway, any suggestions out there?

WHOA there.....the band will allow you to put unhealthy foods/drinks into your body - it will not prevent you from doing that....and that's exactly what it sounds like you're doing....

Step back and look at the literature you were given before and after surgery....make an appointment to speak with the dietician....but stop doing what ever it is you're doing....

I do not count calories or carbs.....the only thing I ask myself before I buy, cook, or eat a food item is: IS IT UNDER 5 GRAMS OF FAT AND UNDER 5 GRAMS OF SUGAR? If so...I can eat it ...if not....I will pass! VERY SIMPLE.....

I have lost 50 pounds in 5 months...and have about 40 more to go....I'm not saying it was easy...but making poor food choices is what got me and all of us into the situation we were in.

Do you do any exercise above your normal daily home and/or work activities? Exercise is crucial to our weight loss....

So READ LABELS...and get up and MOVE!!!!

GOOD LUCK!!

I agree wiht May Kay Lady... the band is a tool and its up to us to make it work. I thought that I could just relax and lose but it was a BIG mistake. I looked at my eating habits, not the best and exercise was no exsistant. Once I evaluated what I was not doing and what I should have been doing it changed. I havent had a fill since my surgery which was in Feb but its because I work overseas. I have been taking in more food and know I cant get a fill so I drink more water, I try to stay away from the things that got here and over indulging. When your band sends that full feeling to your head stop eating then. Take whatever it is and dump it in the trash so its out of sight and mind. You may still be hungry but give yourself to be full and after words drink some water it will keep you full and going to the bathroom. Exercise is crucial for sure if you dont exercise start out slow and work towards a personal goal but dont make your goal unrealistic make it attainable also give your self a date and if you fall off then work that much harder to get it. I wanted to lose two pounds that was erking me forever. I hadnt lost anything for almost a month and couldn't figure it out, comes to find out I wasnt eating enough as soon as I ate the two pounds fell off. I would just say push yourself and make an effort to try something new. You are not alone in this and your progress isnt measured by me or anybody else but by what you set out to do. If you want we can challenge each other. I used to play sports and since I gained this weight I run out of breath so quick. I have been doing step aerobics I dont want to but I know what I want to achieve so i am going to stick with it until I am succesful. I hope everything works out, and that things turn around for you and those numbers on the scale as well.

Later, B.

Hello, just want to add it sounds to me like you haven't reached the "Sweet Spot" yet. You got the band Nov 2007 - did you go get your fills regularly? By now you shouldn't have to get a fill every 6 weeks you should already be there. You say your 250 have you lost any weight since the beginning of your journey?

My doctor always tells me this... eat 60 grams of protein a day, if you still hungry after eating your portion of the meat, then eat the vegetable or fruit that is along with it. Not only that, but also make sure you drink at least 64 oz of water every day.. it will make you feel fuller. If you think you are eating too much, maybe you should have your fluid in your band checked to make sure it isn't leaking. I was banded April 30, 2008 and I was able to feel restriction and eat small meals (sweet spot) four months after it. I pray that you don't have a port leak though because I am currently going through all of that and it's extremely frustrating! Keep your head up.. you will get through all of this and you will lose the weight if you put your mind to it!

For me, it's about changing my mind set as much as it is about the band. I was banded on 3/30, first fill on 5/13. I have to be extremely careful because I can still eat just about anything I want. I haven't found the "sweet spot" yet. Second fill scheduled for 6/10. I am having to excercise. Don't enjoy it, but I have a goal. I have to push myself. The band isn't a majic pill. It's a wonderful tool. Something that we have to work though. Focus on your goals. Write them down. Talk with your nutrionist. Make sure you are journaling everything that you eat! Everything! You may be surprised at what you are consuming. Best of wishes to you. Focus and you will prevail.

Basically you are supposed to be on a diet and get at least 60gms of protein and 64oz of water for life and the band is supposed to help. Sounds like yours is NOT helping. Also around 1000 cals a day. How much is in your band so far? Also I would consider asking my doc for a barium swallow so they can actually see how small or large the 'stream' is as it passes through your band...either you dont have enough fill or theres a leak...good luck, hang in there! Cali