4yrs With Band

I'm excited to see more people not getting fills (: keeping yourself at a good restriction to just be losing the right amount of weight each month is so smart! That way you can really get to know your diet and what you're body can handle without starving and using the band in ways it isn't intended.

Great job on the 40 lbs!! What kinds of foods are you eating?

I unfilled my band two months ago because I was experiencing the same exact things you mention in your post. I gained 20 lbs. Just went back in and had it filled to 2 cc's so ..... hopefully I can get those 20 lbs off and then some. My head just wasn't there and no restriction for two months really did get my head back into the game. Well, actually it was the gaining of the 20 lbs that did that, but I wouldn't have gained if I hadn't unfilled. I don't know how else I could have got my head back in the lap band world, I tried many times unsuccessfully before the unfill. Gaining weight really gives you the push you need. I wish I hadn't let it go so long but I am back in full force now and maybe it will be just what I needed to lose the 20 + more. Good luck with your unfill! My advice is keep a REALLY close eye on any weight gain and don't wait until you're up to 20 lbs to go back in to see your doctor.

I was just filled after going 2 months with no restriction and I am right there with ya, my dear! I am still on full liquids and hating the headache and bitchy feeling I have. lol I keep wanting to eat just SOMETHING but I only have one more day to go, so I am pushing myself. Hang in there - you can do it!

I buy Premier Protein from Costco. They are 30g of protein, 160 calories, 1 g sugar, 11 oz disposable container (like a juice box). I like chocolate, the vanilla tastes a little funny. But if you heat up the vanilla and mix with a shot or two of espresso it's almost like a latte! They cost $24.99 per box of 18 here in Washington. I think they taste better than Slim Fast or the Atkins brand protein shakes, and they have a ton of protein.

I'm in the same boat and just started getting myself motivated to lose again. I lost an initial 62 lbs since my surgery (73 since pre-op) in the four years since I was banded. I have recently gained 17 lbs back and that is where I put my foot down. I had my band unfilled for a month and have an appointment for next week to start over. I am going to pretend like my band was just put on and start the same diet I did four years ago. I am exercising regularly, which is something I had let go. It's really about being in the mind set to do it. You have to find your motivation. Mine was that my clothes were all getting too tight and I didn't like how my skin looked. And it helped that one of my best friends just lost 123 lbs. I look at her every day and she motivates me. Good luck and don't give up. Most of all - if you fail it is ok as long as you try again. Don't beat yourself up over it and give up, just keep trying.