DELETE THIS ACCOUNT!

Does this only happen when you go out to eat, or is a common problem all the time?

It's not easy, especially when you've been trained through your life that food equals reward. I was the same way, by the way. Whenever I felt I accomplished something I felt food was the way to reward myself. I too am an ex-smoker. I quit in June 2011 and it wasn't easy. One thing I found that was a great non-food reward is nice smelling body sprays, lotions, and body washes. Let's face it, when you smoke you stink like cigarettes. So when you quit it's really wonderful to be able to smell "pretty " again. Plus, when you smell the pretty scents, it gives you incentive not to start smoking again. It doesn't have to expensive, either. You can find wonderful scents and products at your local pharmacy or even Walmart. Just an idea. I hope you find something that works for you. Best wishes and don't give up or give in, you're doing a great thing for yourself!

Wow this is an EXCELLENT idea and advice!! I hope others see this too! Thank you

This is true, but you can still eat some deceptively high calorie meals despite the very small portions. Had I not been checking calories before eating I'd have easily fallen into this trap many times over the last year. If someone is gaining weight with the band, then it's likely they need some help learning to listen to their internal signals and to the band, hence why counting calories is a good way to assure you're not accidentally over eating while you learn.

Oh crap! You're right! I misread it as her surgery was a couple weeks ago not fill! Derp! Sorry! My bad!

You were just banded a couple weeks ago, I doubt you have hardly Fluid in your band (if any). Most people don't notice a difference until after multiple fills and I doubt you've had even one. Keep in mind that even when you do have adequate fluid in your band, it will still be up to you to eat band sized portions and make good food choices. Weight loss comes down to basic math- if you burn more calories than you consume you will lose weight. If you're not already counting calories I would strongly suggest it. It's the only way you can be sure you're not accidentally eating too much. Best wishes.

The band isn't supposed to physically stop you from eating anything, that's not it's job. It's job is to help control your hunger. It will always be up to you to make good food choices. Unfortunately, the band goes around your stomach not your brain. Once you have adequate Fluid in your band and you're in the Green Zone it gets easier because you're not hungry all the time, but it can't and won't stop you from eating things you shouldn't. If you're eating until you're full, you're likely eating too much. You should be eating until you're satisfied not until you're full. Please have a look at this link, I think it'll give you a much better understanding of the band and really help you a lot: http://drsimpson.net...estriction.html Best wishes and hang in there, you're at the beginning of your journey and does get easier.

Don't worry about fat right now. You'll be getting extremely little calories on phase 1 anyway. Enjoy your broth and don't worry about fat.

I agree with Terry. Keeping my old clothes is like giving myself permission to regain the weight. I refuse to regain all that I've lost so I get rid the clothes as soon I shrink out of them.

Goodness you ARE a busy lady! Could you do something at home that the boys would enjoy? What about a Zumba video or some other dance-like exercise that your boys could join in with you? Or what about one of the dance games for Wii or Xbox (if you have either)? I only have one little guy so I often take him with me on my 2 mile walks. I know it would be a lot harder with 5 but would they enjoy joining you?

Heck I'd say something if she's still snarky next time you talk to her. Kill her with kindness: "I'm sorry you're having such a bad day, hopefully next time we speak you won't be so cranky"

It's frustrating but plateaus are expected during the weight loss process. How many calories are you eating a day?

Ugh that sucks. Is the staff always like that, or was it maybe just a bad day? I guess I'm blessed because my doctor and his staff are amazing. They're always very warm and have been incredibly supportive of me during this journey. I don't think I'd have done nearly as well if they weren't so great.

Oh no that sucks...especially since that dinner sounds yummy!! It could be the rice, it could be the veggies, or any combination of them. Being as you just got a fill on Thursday, you're probably still on an eating learning curve. I found the closer I got to the Green Zone and the tighter my band got, the more I had to re-learn how to eat after each fill. Remember to focus on very small bites, like the size of your fingernail. Pause between bites and don't take another until the last is completely swallowed. Chew your food until it's completely mush. Hang in there, you'll get the hang of it

Keep mind that how much is in your band is irrelevant. There are people who have no Fluid in their bands and still have great appetite control. Likewise, there's people with their bands nearly maxed out and they're still hungry all the time. So, don't worry about how much is in your band, concentrate on how you feel. You said you've been banded for 3 years. How often during that time did you see your doctor? When is the last time you saw him?

This is a really common issue regardless of whether or not you have adequate Fluid in your band yet. It's like we've all heard, the band goes around your stomach not your brain. It's great for controlling physical hunger but battling head hunger (old behavior) is never easy. I too am a big time night eater. Before I got my band, I swear I grazed pretty much constantly from dinner until bedtime. In fact, I'd be willing to bet the majority of my calories were eaten after 6pm most days. Unfortunately, getting banded didn't just magically cure that behavior. It's taken a lot of work. As if it's not hard enough to battle bad behaviors from your past, I've also discovered over the last year that my metabolism simply won't allow me to eat after dinner and still lose weight. It doesn't matter if I've only had 500 calories during the day, if I eat after 7pm my weight loss will stall out. So, needless to say this realization has made it even more crucial for me to control my night time eating. Like others, I distract myself. I tend to do a lot of house cleaning at night as well as play online games. I have a routine of taking a long bath and brushing my teeth every night and this has become my brain's signal "oh, it's bath and clean teeth time, we're done eating today". I know it sounds weird but it work for me. It's a work in progress. Hopefully you'll find what works for you too. Best wishes!

EXCELLENT article!! I hope everyone, newbies and veterans alike, read this and take note.

Be patient, it'll come it just takes a multiple fills for some people. The best tip I can offer is to stick to band sized portions, track your calories, and do your best to live healthy even while establishing adequate Fluid in your band.

When you say sick, do you mean vomiting? If so, then yes it could be a slip. I would strongly recommend a visit to your surgeon to have your band checked. Best wishes.

I'm not sure what you mean by "diet sugar"? "Diet" doesn't necessarily mean sugar free. Neither does "no sugar added". The only way you know if a product is sugar free is if it says specifically "sugar free" on the label. Otherwise, chances are it has sugar.

The first 4-6 weeks after surgery are for healing, not losing. Some do lose during this time but a lot don't. Your body has just been through surgery, you're still healing, and you're on a very limited diet. Plus, it's normal for your weight to fluctuate a couple pounds (yes, pounds not just ounces). Just keep doing as your NUT advised and the weight loss will come.

I think you did (and are doing) really great. To go on a cruise, which are known for their non stop food, and only gain a couple pounds AND immediately lose it again? Seriously, you are doing amazing. You've definitely "got this"!!

Oh that is just too awesome! Congratulations!!!

Oh goodness, I'm so sorry. I've not been through that but wanted to wish you well. Let us know how the hospital visit goes.

You didn't ask for support or advice or we'd have gladly offered both. You just dramatically announced you were having your band removed after a month. Next time, trying acting like an adult and asking us for what you need. Most of us lack psychic powers and mind reading abilities so we respond solely based on the information before us. The only information you gave us was childish behavior, and when you come on here throwing a tantrum like a spoiled child, we respond accordingly. And while I feel for you being a mother and having a disabled child, that doesn't change anything. Heck, I am a mother and I myself am legally disabled due to an incurable disease but I don't use either as excuse for coming online acting like a spoiled brat. Now, you have two choices. Start taking responsibility for yourself and learn to live with your band or have another tantrum and give up. It's entirely up to you.