2 yrs in, no weight loss!

[chubby1976 12]

Hi, I had my lap band surgery in february 2012. I am still the same weight I was on the day of the surgery. I can not tell u how disappointed and sad I am. I thought this was it. My chance to be normal. I am more depressed than I was pre-Op. Can you please tell me your routine? Do you really stick to one cup? Do you avoid fatty stuff? Do you exercise 5 times a week? I thought with this i would eat less without trying and lose weight. I know it sounds lazy but i truly thought this is how it works. I am looking forward to hearing your methods.

Edited April 1, 2014 by chubby1976

[terrydumont46 1,954]

you need to provide a bit more info. like size of band and fills. the answers to your questions are . yes my meals are less than a cup. I don't snack. and I do walk every day around my yard which is 2 1/2 acres. I limit my fat intake but don't eliminate it altogether. about once a week I enjoy a couple of cups of air popped popcorn. that is my snack on sundays while I watch my sport teams play. I drink a lot of Water. and I lose at least a lb a week but for some reason I am losing more right now.

[2muchfun 8,927]

Yeah, we need more info?

Daily diet routine? What are you eating? Slider foods? Stuck episodes?

Do you track calories?

Do you have any restriction and how many fills?

How many times to your surgeon?

Nutritionist?

Who and where is your surgeon? Mexico, U.S. Abroad?

Have you ever lost any weight?

Can you eat anything? Does your band dictate what foods it likes or dislikes?

tmf

[BandedBrunette481 310]

I'm about 6 weeks post op so all my weight loss right now is all on me because my band is still unfilled. I attribute all of my success to my willpower, to be honest. I stay away from sweets and I eat very little carbs from bread/grain products. I exercise 5 days a week, even if it's just 30 minutes of walking. I stop at my 1 cup limit even if I feel like I can eat more. I eat mostly Protein and drink plenty of Water. I also stick to about 1200 calories a day. It's incredibly hard and it takes a lot of work to be able to do things like this, but I was prepared for that going into surgery. I also know it takes a while to get the right amount of restriction from the band. Perhaps you need to try another fill?

You might be 2 years out but it is never too late to get back on track! I wish you the best of luck

[gowalking 10,790]

Hi, I had my lap band surgery in february 2012. I am still the same weight I was on the day of the surgery. I can not tell u how disappointed and sad I am. I thought this was it. My chance to be normal. I am more depressed than I was pre-Op. Can you please tell me your routine? Do you really stick to one cup? Do you avoid fatty stuff? Do you exercise 5 times a week? I thought with this i would eat less without trying and lose weight. I know it sounds lazy but i truly thought this is how it works. I am looking forward to hearing your methods.

Shame on your doctor for not explaining this process thoroughly. You should go back to him/her and have a detailed conversation regarding how to optimize the band in order for you to be successful. Your questions are concerning considering you are banded two years. Please let us know how you fared when you see the doctor.

[chubby1976 12]

Thank you all for your responses. I have 7 ml in my band, and pretty much don't feel restrictions at all. food gets stuck here and there but no major problems.

I had my surgery with Swls, so no it wasn't in Mexico or US. Here in Canada.

I have kept my pre-op weight so at least have not gained any. I joined a gym and right after fell and cracked my tail bone. So couldn't go to the gym. I know I have to put in more effort. I don't measure food and don't drink enough Water but i am sure i eat less than before the surgery. My main issue is Breakfast. I have to have something sweet like muffin or cookie. shakes and omelettes don't do it.

Any suggestions?

I registered with one of those calorie counting apps and have started documenting my calorie, water and exercise ( if any) starting today.

I didn't even want to check bariatric pal app because i knew i would be more disappointed with others' success stories. But I finally decided to seek help through you fellow bandsters. Hopefully i can start losing.

Any advice, guidance or help is appreciated. Even if you have to yell at me:). I need to get on track.

Love from Calgary, Canada

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

I don't think it really hit me how much work this is until I started doing it, beginning with the 5-day Clear Liquids pre-op diet. That said, my team stressed over and over and over again that it only works if you follow directions. I feel as if I'm gonna be one of their high maintenance patients! LOL. The reason I say that is because this is definitely a challenge, a learning experience, and not something I can see myself succeeding at without lots of help. Fortunately, they really stress the aftercare aspect of WLS. Good for you for trying again. Hopefully you can get back to losing with some good medical help and support here as well. Keep us posted!

[Bandista 7,466]

Hi there and welcome -- please feel very welcome as we are all at various places in our weight loss journeys and not judging each other here. Pat yourself on the back for not having gained weight in this time! Followup is so important with the band. If you're not at the right fill then you are just struggling along -- I hope your medical professionals will work to get you to the right place. That is why it's called an Adjustable lapband.....we have to listen to our bands and bodies to know whether it's working for us to dim the appetite and then we have to make good decisions. You are not alone in your struggle -- let us know how you're doing!

[911dispatcher 45]

Please go back to your surgeon for a follow up. I lost 100 lbs over 2 years. I had my surgery the same time as you. I've gained back 20 lbs in the last 4 months. I don't feel any restriction either, so I am going back for.a fill tomorrow. I've got to get back on track. It's def a struggle- food vs exercise. Keep in touch - I need support too

[MichelleStevens 18]

I had my surgery Feb 2013 and have lost 66 pounds without exercise. i just watched what I ate. I dont have any Fluid in my band, but I have reached a plateau. I joined the gym with a friend so her and I can be each others support. I cant believe that your doctor hasnt helped you. I see my doctors PA every 4-6 weeks and she is very helpful. She has taught me how to eat with the band. What she has taught me the most is that you need atleast 60-80 grams of Protein a day. So you need to eat atleast 20 grams at each meal. If you snack on anything between meals make sure it is a protein snack. She also taught me that if the snack has more than 100 calories, it is considered a meal. message me if you need any support.

[2muchfun 8,927]

If you seriously want to jumpstart your journey again, you must go back to your doctor and I'd recommend a visit with your nutritionist. Till then, here are some videos that may help you understand how this all works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa3Lwt6ElIs&list=UL Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4jYJipQ7vc part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbdhf44ZweI&feature=relmfu Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF3TCKUn3YI Part 4

[dylanmiles23 2,198]

Thank you all for your responses. I have 7 ml in my band, and pretty much don't feel restrictions at all. food gets stuck here and there but no major problems. I had my surgery with Swls, so no it wasn't in Mexico or US. Here in Canada. I have kept my pre-op weight so at least have not gained any. I joined a gym and right after fell and cracked my tail bone. So couldn't go to the gym. I know I have to put in more effort. I don't measure food and don't drink enough Water but i am sure i eat less than before the surgery. My main issue is Breakfast. I have to have something sweet like muffin or cookie. shakes and omelettes don't do it. Any suggestions? I registered with one of those calorie counting apps and have started documenting my calorie, Water and exercise ( if any) starting today. I didn't even want to check bariatric pal app because i knew i would be more disappointed with others' success stories. But I finally decided to seek help through you fellow bandsters. Hopefully i can start losing. Any advice, guidance or help is appreciated. Even if you have to yell at me:). I need to get on track. Love from Calgary, Canada

I love my breakfast shakes. I use 8 oz milk, 1 scoop whey Protein in chocolate , a little Decaf instant coffee, about 1 table spoon peppermint extract and tons of ice. I have been drinking these for 2 years. They fill me for 3-5 hours. Maybe time to see a dietitian also. Good luck.

[chubby1976 12]

I must say I am so grateful for your messages. I check my phone every half an hour to see if i have a new reply. Thank you thank you.

I only get to see the nurse not the surgeon i need to call her and make an appointment. Does anyone have an idea on how to divide my 1200 cal a day between fat, carb and Protein?( percentage wise)

I tried to follow the rules today. Not bad for the first day. I have taken 76 grams of Protein today and so far have had 6 glass of water( i normally have two glasses a day). I also walked 1 km( i know it is nothing but still got me moving). I portioned my food too.

Still looking for a sweet protein packed breakfast option. Any suggestions?

[MichelleStevens 18]

Well I have been using is My Fitness Pal. I have an iphone so I can do it on there and you can download it for you laptop also. I have been doing 1200 calories, 30 g of Fat, 60-80g of Protein a day. My fitness pal will help you with all of that. You just go and set your goals and keep track of them every day, till you get the hang of it. I see that you have only 2 glasses of Water a day. What else have you been drinking.

[luv2golfnow 29]

Exercise is necessary for long term success. Try 30 minutes of cardio 5 days axweek.