BayCityBandster

Okay, I was just banded on May 23 so on liquids for a while, but...I know this sounds pathetic, but I am an Italian girl who LOVES her Pasta. I know we need to get Protein first, limit carbs, etc., but is there anyone here who can enjoy a bit of pasta from time to time? Any particular brand or type? Anyone who can eat other things, like steak, that most people have trouble with? Is eating slowly really the key to it all? Thanks in advance!

Hi All! Has anyone had the band and then realized that their food addiction and compulsive eating (for me, nighttime eating) has helped them to sabotage their band success? My band helps me when out, and all day, but at night, at home, I continue to stuff my emotions down with "slider foods." I sit at my computer, in front of the TV, and alternate between sweet and salty foods (cheese doodles, cheez-its, chocolate, repeat) until I take a shot of nyquil and crawl into bed feeling ill. I finally realized I am like any other addict (if you've ever seen the show Intervention, you know what I mean), and if I don't address the addiction, I will never be healthy. Has anyone experienced this? If so, how are you doing? Has anyone overcome this? I am looking into therapy, but would love to hear from anyone with any thoughts, ideas, etc. As background, I had surgery in May of 2008. My high weight was 335, my surgery day weight was 312.5, and I now weigh about 290. I am 5'6" female. Thanks!!! Karen

Wow, Hah...thank you so much for so much to think about. It is so good to hear of someone who struggles but is doing well, which you seem to be...congratulations on that. I do work from home and am lucky in that I can control what I bring in the house, and I even do okay when I eat out...for me, it's the late night monkey, and I know what you mean...I can even overdo it on the "healthy" Snacks, like nuts. I think I am going to have to be even more restrictive about what I bring in here...no saltines, no low-fat Peanut Butter, etc. -- I just can't have those things around. I also need to ramp up the workouts. I am leaving for a 10 day trip to Pittsburgh and then NY -- that's gonna be tough. But you and others here are giving me strength and hope. Can I ask what kind of liquids you do for a day or two to get things back in check? You mean like when first banded? Anyway, good luck on your work trip and stay strong!!! (And thanks again, Jess!)

Jess, thanks so much. You are right, and I usually don't buy any of it, but then I run into 7-11 to get milk and grab something. Not always, but enough to sabotage my success. I need to be stronger about bringing it in. Rainy, you're right...I need to keep on digging and trying. When are you getting banded? I wish you all the luck in the world!

Not yet, but I still have hope. So very happy for you, though, and from the looks of your pic, I am not surprised they said that. Congrats!!!

Rae, thank you so much! I really am very happy for you, and I know I am not doing everything I can. My MD is over 2 hours away, and my fills have all been too tight (couldn't swallow my saliva) or not tight enough, and it is so hard to get back there to keep adjusting, so I am switching docs. Congratulations. So how does it feel? If you have time, I would love to know how your life has changed.

HOW??? I weighed 312 and now I weigh 290 and it's been over a year. Please help!!!

That is so great!!! From one slow loser to another, congratulations and I am so encouraged by your success. Slow loss keeps the pounds off!

Thanks! I needed to hear this. And I am very happy for you!

Snap - I hear you and am in the same boat, except that I am JONESING to be a size 18 (I am a 22). I do know how you feel though. Maybe you need to up your thyroid meds? I used to lose like crazy when I made an effort and now, with the hypothyroid, it is almost impossible - they are still trying to regulate it, tho. It doesn't sound like you are eating enough to be gaining, but maybe that's just me. Good luck with everything!!!

OMG Dan, I am so so so sorry. I have failed with my band so far, but in my case, I am the problem. I will pray to see a post one day from you soon that you are doing great and losing like crazy. Please keep us posted...I will be thinking about you.

OMG! I am weeping hysterically, so very relieved and grateful to have found you all. I had my surgery on May 23 and am not even down 30 lbs. (my ticker includes weight loss from my high of 335 pre-surgery). I have a handful of legit reasons for being a slow loser(PCOS, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypo-thyroid) and I have a million pathetic excuses (compulsive eating, night eating, rarely exercise), but I am ready to take it to the next level. I have not come to this board in months and to this May board in much longer because I couldn't take the constant reminders of my "failure." But I am done wallowing in it, and plan to renew my efforts. I plan to come here daily and just wanted to thank you all for being here.

Not me, but my sister. Do what is best for you and WTG on the loss!!!

I am so happy for you and so impressed with your persistence. You are an inspiration!

Kamala, I have not done it, but my surgeon does it when people request it and I have spoken to two people who have had it done with no probs; just a small gain and then a couple of weeks to get it off. I don't understand why everyone is freaking out about it, though. It is your body. I do know that when I fly, I get tighter, and it is worse in the mountains to the point that I can barely eat. Do what is best for you.

Count me in -- I feel like my weight problem is just something I will never conquer. I feel like such a pathetic creature reading about all the successes, and never anyone like me. I have thyroid issues and it just doesn't want to come off. I just passed my 9 month mark and am only down about 20 lbs. But I will not give up. And I hope you don't either. (PS - the 50 lbs lost is from my high weight)

Have you been checked for diabetes? Chronic yeast problems can be a major problem with diabetes. Good luck!

I was banded in May of 08 and the voice has never left me, not even for a minute. I hope yours will go away again...

Rose, congrats on your weight loss...but it sounds like you are sacrificing your health for it. I have been a slow loser, and I can only imagine how excited you must be, but it does sound like you need to be able to get more water and more calories in. I just had a fill and I think it is too tight, and I am so uncomfortable, but I know I need to lose so much more weight and I understand the temptation to keep it tight. Just think about getting a little bit out. I wish you luck and please post back about how you are doing...

Wow! Congrats!

WOW! I am so happy for you...congrats!

Congrats on your decision...you won't regret it. I think it was a series of things for me, but when it passed the point of vanity and affected my quality of life, and then I got diabetes and realized it was life or death, I started thinking about it. It took a couple more years of "just trying one more time on my own" and then I finally gave up. It is the best thing I have ever done and I wish you the best of luck!!!

it will probably loosen up...i know it always does for me! hope you are feeling better!

just wanted to send you my support, liz. i hope things improve for you!!!

i was losing very slowly until my fourth fill last month -- and now i am losing 2 to 4 lbs. per week. if you had been able to do it yourself, you wouldn't have gotten the band, so DON'T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF. once you are properly filled you will physically not be able to eat the way you used to...before that, just do the best you can. have you had other possibilities ruled out, like slow thyroid, etc? you will get there, i promise!!!