Living with the band long-term---what now?

I was banded on May 24, 2005 and I steadily lost 2lbs per week until I got down to 158lbs...down from 225lbs. I went from a size 20 to a size 10 and at that point I got pregnant. It was planned and approved by my doctor, but now I'm 9mos. past my pregnancy and I'm sitting at 173lbs. I had a fill before I got pregnant last year and that fill I believe was a bit tighter than my sweet spot. I tend to cheat a lot and drink liquids while eating...now it's a habit and I don't think I can break it. So, I'm still eating WAY less than I normally would, but still more than I should if I want to lose weight. So, I need to make some changes.

I want to have a tummy tuck and breast lift, but we're still unsure if we're going to have another baby so I have to wait to do the surgery. I also don't want to lose weight and then get pregnant again. So, right now I feel like I'm in limbo. I don't feel totally uncomfortable at my weight because I know I will do what I need to if I knew I was done having children. We have two girls, and I'd like to try for a third baby, but my husband isn't ready yet.

I guess living long-term with the band is kind of odd to me. I'm not in the losing stage, or in the maintaining stage..I'm just kinda sitting here.

Congrats on the weight loss you've had and the baby. You've done great. What I don't understand is why you think you can't break your bad habit. You obviously have in the past and I'm sure you can now. Didn't you stop drinking while eating when you were first banded? I wouldn't wait until you decide about having another baby to get back on your program. You can get serious again and reach your goal now even if another pregnancy is in your future. Speaking from experience, I would just be very careful not to get complacent and let the pounds creep back on. Unfortunately being healthy, fit, and trim is a lifelong process. Keep fighting the fight.

I'm with TexasBecky -- I think you can break the "drinking while eating" habit. Wouldn't it be great to be back in the 150s before your next pregnancy? That way you'd definitely stay under 200 and have the healthiest pregnancy possible and less to lose after your next baby.

If you commit to not drinking while eating, I bet you drop most of those pounds without doing much else. Why not give it a try?

Good luck to you.

Very good advice Julie. It was an easy habit for me to break after banding, otherwise, I'd be spitting everywhere, LOL.