Hey, new at this site. So far I am loving it and it seems to be just what im looking for, thank you for taking the time to read my mini journey.

I had the lapband in 2007-08, I honestly can't remember (terrible memory). I was 347 at the time. In the first year I lost approx 100lbs. I worked my tail off, I figured that if I put the effort into having something implanted into my body that I would try my hardest to follow everything "by the book". Quite honestly I lost the majority of the weight during the first couple months because you are put on a liquid diet for x amount of time and slowly start to introduce food etc.
After the first year I started to go back to "old ways". Eating sugar was/is my main issue. I was practically avoiding it as best I could but start dabbling into bad food choices. I still maintained the weight so I guess I didn't do too bad. However, as time went on it got worse and worse, I stopped losing weight and did the yoyo thing.. I would gain 20lbs then stop and get back to where I was and did it over and over for a couple years. Thing is, with the lapband (in my experience) you really have to eat healthy. There is no "quick fix". If you want to lose weight on it, you have to choose the right foods etc. I was not choosing the right foods, I just didn't care.
Right now 4ish years later I weigh approx 280. Its the heaviest I have been since having the band weight loss. I have to get back on track somehow so here I am to try and get support and motivation by reading everyone elses journeys etc. I hope to lose weight again but need to get my butt in gear to do so.
If you are thinking about getting the lapband it truly is a great tool for weight loss, but please understand that there is work needed alongside it, consistency is key. There are many ways to "cheat the band", but whats great about it is that if you do "fall off the wagon" like I have, its always there for you to use again when your ready and willing.

Please wish me luck!
Thank you

JELLYKINS!!!!!! glad to see you! many of us are in the same boat. I regained about 80 pounds, after having lost about 280. So, although I comfort myself by saying that i've maintained a 200 pound weight loss, i'm working on losing the regain. so far, i've lost about half of it. and like you, i gotta get on track and STAY THERE!!!!

not always easy. my biggest issue is exercising - i have a heart arrhythmia that sometimes gets in the way, but i keep trying. the good news: i'm still unpacking boxes after moving three years ago, and finally found my favorite DVD!! don't laugh - it's ballet exercises!

soooo, what's your plan? i'm actually considering doing protein drinks plus fruit and veggies. i had the bypass, and am having some issues keeping down meat/chicken/fish. not always, but enough.

I'm totally with you! I was banded in Feb of 2008. Ugh four years ago. I am so disapointed in myself. However, today I swallowed my pride and went for a fill. I have a follow up appointment with my doctor in 4 weeks. Sugars are my weakness too!! But I gotta do this. Much love to you Jelly!!!!!!!!!

100% agreed !!! the band is a tool not a cure. Lots of us are in the same boat as you

How do you cheat on the lap band? Don't you throw up if you eat too much food or the wrong type of food?

blb = I saw your other post about the fact that you're looking into surgery. there are ALWAYS ways to out-eat ANY of the surgery. That's why it takes a lot of thought and research to decide on the best choice FOR YOU. As for the lap band, it's possible to drink many high-calorie liquids, and while food doesn't always stay down, it's possible to graze all day instead of eating three meals and a snack.

no matter which choice we make, we still have to live by a certain set of rules in order to successfully lose and maintain.

I see. Well I think I have been living by rules and getting absolutely no where. But thanks for your response.

Hi blb,

I know its hard to understand, I couldn't either until I had surgery but you cheat with the band just like you cheat with out it. Foods that are bad for you "usually" go down easy, greasy, fatty, sugary foods, plus like Jiffy said, you can graze all day long. The band is a tool for the stomach not for the brain, it doesn't decide your meals..... for instance, its harder for baked chicken (if dry) and veggies to go down then pop corn chicken and fries from KFC (b/c of the grease)... chips, chocolate, ice cream... still gonna go down.

Now, no matter what you eat whether it be something healthy or something not so healthy, if you don't chew it well its going to get stuck (unless you have no restriction)... so you see and I believe this is the same with gbp or any wls.... you still have to watch your calories. All that being said.. I love my band.. I'm not at goal, but I'm not gaining either and that I consider successful