Failed

[Kim Kelly 0]

I have been banded for 4 1/2 years- the first two years I lost 80 lbs and was feeling pretty good about myself. I have been gaining weight steadily back for the last two years- 30 ish lbs. I am upset with myself for not getting close enough to goal- at this point I have about 80 lbs to lose to be where i would like to be. I am never full but most foods get stuck most days- its like a slow drain...although.I don't think I have too much restriction either-never ever full. It has been like this since the beginining. I don't really feel like it ever worked as it was supposed to. I switched doctors and both seem to think all is fine. Besides just a rant(because I am sick of feeling like a failure), I am not sure if I should go for a revision....I mostly think if I could just get an excercise program started and a better diet I can prevail.What would make me think bypass would be any different... I eat most anything and a lot of it so I am stuck and miserable.... Any advice or comisserating(lol)...?

[2muchfun 8,927]

I see so many posts here like yours. No one can monitor what goes on in your mouth but it's my belief that many banders never learn how to eat very slow, chew food to a Soup like consistency and eat very small bites. Eating too fast is a curse we all struggle with.

Revising to a different WLS is always a possibility with the band . Fortunately there are some new WLS techniques on the horizon. Here's one that is very promising: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CCrfa7zCqs

Of course, you can go back to your surgeon and nutritionist and start over again. You should already know how this is done? Eat healthy foods, don't eat processed foods, eat Protein first. This would be my recommendation. I know the band works if you follow the rules and eat healthy, non processed foods and your band is adjusted properly.

You can revise to any surgery you want but if you don't eat healthy foods or follow the rules, no WLS will work.

tmf

[labwalker 1,177]

TMF summed it pretty well.

But unless the band is defective or causing health issues, I am not always convinced that revision surgery will cure bad eating habits. My wife has the sleeve, and she has to be very careful about how she eats, and what she eats. You can overeat with a sleeve as well, and that will stretch the stomach.

[Leepers 1,195]

http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html

You should read this article. Best wishes!

[mrsto 2,925]

After a year and a half, I myself have slipped into old habits; eating too fast, and past the point of feeling satisfied. By the grace of God I've been able to maintain all but 5 pounds that came back a few months ago (after a vacation), but I'm painfully aware that I'm off track.

At this point, I would not even consider a fill, because I know that the issue isn't the band/plication; it's my head! As mentioned by TMF, there is no revision or surgery that will work, if we don't alter our behavior. Jumping to another surgery is like jumping to another diet. It will work at first, but in time, we'll slip back if we're not diligent about sticking to a new way of eating. I'm very nervous about what I see happening with myself, and I've said from the very beginning of this venture.....that we are never cured of this curse.

I miss the first months after surgery; it was new, I was highly aware of the changes inside, and I stuck closely to the rules. After a year and a half, I've become very sloppy, and have become a master at eating around my surgery. Honestly, if I wasn't doing a good strenuous walk most days, the scale would be on a slow, steady climb.

Edited September 24, 2014 by mrsto

[Bmjohnson 84]

Leepers, thank you for the article. It was very informative. Made me look at the band in a whole new way.

[sharonk 23]

I feel the exact same way. I have had the band for three years now. First year was great but now its almost like I don't even have a band. I am reminded only when I eat something to fast and/or when I eat Pasta. Yes, I already know that those are two big no no's!! If I didn't know that then I would probably be commenting on a different string about why I am not losing weight. I already know why. I don't eat the right foods and too much of the wrong foods. I don't feel full because I'm eating carbs and not Protein.

The One thing I can say that I have stuck to, is exercise. I work out a min of 4 days a week and really try my best for 5-6 days. Of course I do slip here and there when there is a lot going on such as holidays but I do put more effort in then I ever did before the band.

I too just feel like a failure because I am not losing and I've recently put on 10lbs. I like control and structure in my life yet I can't seem to control my eating habits. Figures! Someone explain that to me. It's one the area I seem to always let my guard down. I never met my goal but hope one day I can still lose more weight. My goal right now is to lose the 10 + another 5. I would like to do that by Spring.

Good luck to all who are struggling. I too feel your pain and know what it's like.