i've been banded over a year...beyond disappointed

[OKLABUBBA 0]

i was banded in jan of 07 in tulsa oklahoma...i started out at 389...i very quickly lost 40 pounds...and i have not lost anything since...i've had multiple fills..in fact...at one point i was at capacity...my relationship with the doctors that did my surgery has gotten so bad that i no longer go to them...they were in the process of moving locations during my first 6 months post banding...they never had allof my file when i would go in to see them...and i really felt like i was not important to them...i haven't been back to see them since october. my appetite has returned to pre banding levels...i am not gaining weight but i am having trouble losing it...i admit that i am not trying anymore...i am completely disgusted and i don't know what to do...my insurance did not pay one penny..everything was out of pocket and i am beyond upset....does anyone have any advice for me. thanks in advance.

[Sue Magoo 71]

First off, don't give up. Second, find a new doctor or fill center nearby and get fill to the right level. Third, start a food modification plan - weight watchers might help. Fourth, get walking to burn calories and speed up your metabolism.

Good luck.

Sue

[*susan* 1,709]

I am so sorry you have gone through all this. Do you know what your current level of fill is? I am assuming from your post, that you may be in need of a fill.

As Sue said, the first thing you need to do is find a new fill doctor. See if they can obtain a copy of your medical records from your previous surgeon so they can understand your fill history. Tell them your history, the problems you have had and your concerns. Ask them to do your next fill under flouro to make sure everything is ok with your band.

You may also need to speak with a nutritionist to help get you back on track with proper eating habits. Most doctors have nutritionists affiliated with them that they can refer you to. You might also want to join a site such as Calorie Counter, Diet Tracking, food Journal, Nutrition Facts at The Daily Plate or FitDay - Free Weight Loss and Diet Journal and start tracking exactly what you are eating. This is a good way to really shed some light on what you are eating.

You also sound like you are in need of a good support system. Coming to LBT is a wonderful start. It always helps to talk to fellow bandsters who have a better understanding of what you are going through. It may also be helpful to join a local support group if there are any in your area.

Please keep us posted on how things are going. We are all here to support one another and we want to see each and everyone of us succeed.

[susansilver 0]

Hi OklaBubba,

My one year bandiversary was just a few days ago and up until a few weeks ago, I was feeling very much like you. This turned out to be a very stressful year for me and as in the past, I turned to food to try to make it all go away. I learned to eat around the band and ignored all the bandster rules. I gained back 15 lbs of the original 40 I had lost. But....it was only 15 lbs! That is extraordinary for me because most of it was in the two weeks before I finally picked myself back up. In the past I would have gaine 50 lbs - no joke.

So, I took a good hard look at what I was doing. I decided that I had enough of the self pity let's blame everything on every one else and got my self together. I went to the clinic for a fill and detoxed from all the sweet foods like chocolate and ice cream and stayed away from white foods like potatoes and rice for a while. My first week I lost 8 lbs. and as of this morning have lost 12 in total.

It really is self perpetuating. I am so happy with my weight loss and how I feel, so I am more determined than ever to stay with my plan. I haven't yet started any planned exercise, but I am not being down on myself for that. I walk my dog at least 2x day and that is okay for now.

Coming here to tell us your disappointment show that you are ready to start over. There has been lots of good advice on how to do that from the others. Remember take baby steps - oney day or one hour or one minute at a time. but come on back. We need you and we are here for you!