Wendy-
I have had the same confusion. I have dieted all my life and been on as low as 400 calorie a day diets which most would agree is not healthy. On every diet I tried, I always lose, but I always stop losing after a few months. I was banded a year ago, and have lost 75 lbs. but I stopped losing weight 5-6 months ago for no apparent reason. I even had a fill in late February, but no more weight loss. Now I am contemplating going back to 400 calories a day.
Even if we are in starvation mode, how long can that last? More than 6 months?!! Sounds ridiculous to me, but maybe that's the answer. I thought that getting the band would make me stop thinking this way, but here I am, stuck on calories AGAIN!
Maybe your body and mine are different than the norm. With exercise, enough water, eating protein first, etc. etc... there should be no reason not to drop a few pounds after such a long period. Perhaps some of us need to really cut the calories to make this work.
Luck to both of us--Shelly
pre-band 265
band date 4/3/09 250
current wght 190