How are so many people so successful after banding?

[Bandedboomer 7]

I was banded two years ago and was so excited about the program as were two of my friends who were banded about the same time. Each of us lost about twenty five pounds in the first couple of months, but none of us lost any more weight over the last two years! None of us have gained any weight either but just plateaued at twenty five pounds loss and stayed there. There are no support groups in our area so we tried to support each other. We are now going back over all of the information to see how and if we can start over and be more successful at losing weight. It is both exciting and depressing to see all of the many people who have been banded and have lost enough weight to have reached their goals. We were instructed to eat no more than one cup of food for each meal with a small Protein snack at night. None of us could keep that up very long without being really hungry. Is that what each of you successful banders have been able to do to lose all your weight? Did you just work past the hunger until you could be successful?

I think the three of us may go back to our surgeon ( 5 hours away from where we live) and see if we can have our bands checked so we can start the eating program a second time so we can be more successful like so many of the banders are on this site. Have any of you had the same problems and then started all over again? I would love to talk with you to see if you were successful the second time around.

[Jenp75 1]

Hi,

I haven't been on here in a long time but ran across your post and thought I would comment. I am five years post op and sitting at approximately 80lbs weight loss. Would like to lose about 30 more on time. Please don't get discouraged. Getting the band adjusted to not feel hunger is key to success. Did you have it adjusted after the initial 25 pounds? As your body changes, so will the band. Changing lifestyle and behaviors is the other key element. The band should be used as a tool, not a miracle. Cheating or eating foods that "slide" will do no good. My eating habits have changed drastically. Some better some worse. I do a lot of Premier Protein drinks, and snack on portioned food all day. If a cup of food is not filling you then your band is not right enough. I would suggest with such a long drive to the doctors that you stay overnight to make sure there are not any issues. (To tight) I am here if you have any further questions. Wishing you luck. Before giving up on the band, make sure that you are doing everything you possibly can. It will work if you work it. My husband reminds me of that often. He has been a huge support and reason for my success. He calls me on my poor eating choices. It is good that you have support in your lapband friends.