LenRen25

Well, I can't offer you any advice, as I am floatin' in the same boat you are, but I can tell you, this is what gets very convoluted for me as well. I think it stuck in my head and lodged there stubbornly when my surgeon told our pre-op group that eating with the band should not require a great deal of effort, as in dieting...that it's not something we should be obsessing over, counting calories and what not, just stick to the rules and come see him when it's not working. Well, that strategy over the last 9 mos. has not worked for me. I have always been able to eat more...and have. I saw him so much the first 6 mos., I'm sure he thought I was stalking him! I have had approx. 6 fills, the last w/fluoro, and I have been at a total standstill, not gaining, not losing, just up & down with the same 5 lbs. over & over again...it's like Groundhog Day...so, if the band is fine, and I am making no progress, then I absolutely have to do what I thought I wouldn't need to do: put the dreaded "structure" into my meal planning...oh yeah, I guess I have to "meal plan" too! Amazing concept! I had this epiphany approx. 4 days ago, and am still kind of clueless as to the best approach: Proteins, and calories, and carbs, oh my! What to count? So, I am there with you! Much to my chagrin and rebellious nature, I started a food journal to help keep me "honest"--to stare down the enemy: the Pasta, bread, and sweets tempting me with their carbo-liciousness. I was living in a fantasyland the last 9 mos. and ignored how difficult a process this actually would be...it took this site to wake me up and motivate me to start the process of "total honesty." So, you are not alone...I may not have any answers for you, but at least know there are others struggling with the same issues you are ; )

OMG, that's hilarious! I have not named my band, but I think I'm going to...if it's a permanent part of my life, it may as well have it's own name, that'd only be right...I'm going to have to think on this

Thank you! I agree 100%...though I am new here too, I am learning that supporting each other here is a vital component to getting or staying on track

Thank you to all who responded with your kind and inspiring words of support. I am still figuring out how to navigate this site, and am unsure how to reply individually?! (Clearly, I am new to using social media as an outlet!) I am so grateful for the wake up call--- I don't have to be alone in this anymore! Being snowed in in the Chicago burbs and using the down time to glean from the vast array of knowledge that exists here has given me a renewed sense of hope and commitment to my original goals. I can't believe I've waited so long (talk about BABY steps!!) but am thankful to finally be here to not only receive the support I so desperately have been lacking in the last several months, but to offer that same support and encouragement in return. Looking forward to my new, if somewhat delayed, journey here!

I think what you've accomplished so far is amazing! I myself, am still learning how to climb onto the wagon in the first place and am so inspired and rejuvenated by the stories I've been reading. I think that my eyes are finally opening to the fact that the SUPPORT element is key, and what I have been missing all along, so am certainly open to giving that and receiving that! It feels good not to feel alone in this Quest anymore...

Hi, I have no idea if you are still interested in a support group, as your post was awhile back; however, I too, am a patient of Dr. Shayani, and have been struggling a great deal since I was banded last March. I finally forced myself to attempt to stop struggling alone and have been navigating this site in search of some support, recommendations, wisdom, etc...I also live in the south suburbs, and would certainly appreciate any info. you can share regarding local support groups, as I feel trying to navigate this alone has proved quite unsuccessful...thank you for any insight you can offer!