backonit

Hi lischa, first of all how fantastic 3 1/2 stone! congratulations! Sorry to hear you got a bit off track, I did too and didn't have your amount of weight loss to fall back on as inspiration. I got banded in April 2009, lost a bit, then for lots of reasons lost my way and put it all and a little more back on, so I'm not able to give you any wonderful advice. I just wanted to say I'm sure most people have a few ups and downs. I see your post was in April 2011 - so this may be a bit late and you are probably well back on track. I have just had a verrrrrrrrrry long down but I'm trying to have a fresh start now. I just had a fill and have managed to stick to three days liquids. I am going to try to make time to come on here even for just five minutes, everyday to help me keep focused! xx

Hi everyone, I was banded with a 14 ml band in April 2009 in the U.K. Only my family and a couple of very close friends knew about it. I had some weight loss - but not much - about 21lbs . To be honest I thought it would be miraculous.... it wasn't. I thought I knew what I was doing...I didn't. From July 2009 through to February 2010, all four of my family, child, partner, mother and brother, had five surgeries between them and three acute illnessess. I was distracted and did nothing to support my band at that time. I had a fill in February 2010 but from March 2010 an illness (unrelated to the band) kept me off work for over 9 months, .During this time in September 2010I became an empty nester as my daughter went to Uni. I thought that would give me more me time .... it didn't. She had a very difficult time and needed a lot of support again I didn't do things well or use the band properly I returned to work in January 2011 in that time there had been major changes at work, new manager, new team, and a new role. I work in direct contact with the public in quite a stressful job. I wasn't ready to get back to banding. Another fill in July 2011 took me to 9ml but didnt feel any difference, the doctor told me I would need two or three more fills, but I spent this year more absorbed in work than myself. I didn't do things well or use the band properly - ate on the run. January 2012 brought a milestone birthday - 50 - I don't feel any different.. just as unfit and as unhealthy as I did at 47 when I had the band. 2012 brought another major restructure consultation at work, and new manager, team and role.... OMG.... here's a whole lot more stress. Here we are in October 2012 - Im over three years banded and I weigh more now than when I started. I feel disillusioned and ashamed of myself, I feel I have let my family down. I just want to get back on it if I can. I feel like I have forgotten everything and need to start totally afresh. I have come back onto the forum as you are all an inspiration and I really really need help with getting back on track and with discipline So I'm beginning my journey again. Yesterday - 26/10/12 I had a fill of 1.5ml I'm now at 10.5ml in my 14ml band. It was under xray - the doctor said it all is fine with the band and the port and I am probably too loose. Im following the liquids for 3 days, mushy for 3 days as per my fill advice. I felt really hungry yesterday - nothing in the morning pre fill then Soup, a cup every 2 hours Today soup again, a cup, 3 hourly and I made jelly so had a cup of that too.... and for the first time in a very long time I felt like I wasnt hungry! omg!! So I don't know if Im in the green zone, sweet spot what ever you like to call it - I know there is a temporary effect. This time I know I have to get organised, stick at it and pay attention to myself. Thanks for reading this and if you are just starting out, dont let this put you off the band is a tool you need to know how to use, there are lots of people on here who are so willing and able to help... I wish I had got on it properly and stuck to it. Instead of casually reading on this site, take the time to get involved SUPPORT IS SO IMPORTANT. Thanks xx

LovetheNewMe and lassie, thank you for your replies, and good advice. I'm going day by day and am trying to make time to pop in daily for support and tips even if it's for five minutes. It's so true that it's about developing new behaviours! I have forgotton all the things I'm supposed to do so I'm hunting down the advice. lassie, I am so glad that you are going for an extra push... It looks like you have done brilliantly so far and in only five months! I'm inspired! I would like there to be less of me to cuddle this Christmas xx

Hi Skip, Congrats on getting your date! I'm currently trying to decide who to get banded with and I'd reeeeally like to be banded around that time as I can combine it with a bit of time off work. I'm in Leicestershire too by the way and wondered if you'd share who you chose and why and did it take long between consultation and surgery date? I'll be honest im excited but soo nervous all at once. Well done you for taking the next step! L x

Yep me too, i need to go to bed before I get to drawn to the kitchen - hope to keep in touch- best of luck to you both!

I know im blessed, I count myself so very blessed. Don't give up Kelly - I went out with a friend last night ( for a meal!!!) her baby is due in November - she has suffered terribly with endometriosis for many years. She did lose a little weight before she conceivedxx I think you should both see your G.P. - you have nothing to lose, except a large bill ( and a few pounds)

Thanks kelly - I know you are right - you too toots...and I have the same thing. To be trutuhful - I am really very confident and happy I just feel so unhealthy. I never used to think about food really, but as my weight has crept up I need more filling! I would like to get some portion control and stop eating at night. This typing is keeping me out of the fridge and the huge bar of chocolate my partner has in there( He's 30 and slim ..grr)

Did you consult your G.P? I know that different areas have different waiting list times - even as low as 4 months. I would think it would be worth an chat at least. It is so expensive! I read somewhere on here someone had it done on the nhs. I think your BMI comes into it - I looked on the nhs direct or something similar and it mentions BMI or over 35 - I think mines about 44 not sure. I think I may speak to my G.P soon, i did have reductil for a very short time approx two yrs ago - they worked a bit... i got an inch or two off ... which returned!

hey toots & kelly I went with my mum to her consultations - I think I understood quite well, and I realise its a tough ride from the beginning As for mum up and down I think - she has lost weight and you can tell just by lookig at her, but it has been slow, I have far more to lose than she did or does. I would hope to lose it more quickly. My willpower is rubbish though, and I have the thought of my daughter - should I set a better than resorting to surgery? Phew - I just don't know what to do ... I'm making a pros and cons list this week!

Hi Kelly, I understand! Everything you have mentioned is on my mind too, though I haven't read anything too negative on this site, which is good, I think it's a big decision - changes your life in many ways. You sound determined which is sooooooo important. Are you having youtr op on the nhs or privately? In this country or abroad? Have you been thinking about it long? I'm 45, and need to lose about 7 to 8 stone. I have a much loved 15yr old daughter I need to set a better example for! I'm currently not snacking!

Hi there - i just signed up - I'm in the u.k too. I found this site two days ago as I'm considering the band (my mum had it done last Oct and is encouraging me) I'm completely undecided :rolleyes so far, but just wanted to say Well done for taking the next step and good luck to both of you!