Question: Mindset of band as a tool vs. THE fix

I have been reading all over these forums. One thing that I keep reading is people concerned about the "fill" of their band and getting restriction. I have read many posts that the band must not be working because they can "eat all they want", or "eat anything with no problems" and so they aren't losing the weight. So the band isn't helping and they need to have it fixed.

This seems to me to go against the idea that the band is a tool. Sure, we want to have a comfortable restriction that facilitates the loss and makes us less hungry so things are easier. But no matter what the band is doing it is still up to us to eat healthy and sensible. Just because we CAN eat all we want, or anything, doesn't mean we should.

I guess I am just getting the idea that some are relying too much on the band to do all the work instead of as a tool to help the process. Am I misunderstanding?

I need to understand where my mind needs to be with this. I would appreciate any insite.

You are totally right. There are some of us who use the band the correct way and others who do not. This process is not easy. Sometimes you feel like the band is even playing games with you. However, it is up to us to make it work. Really, if you think about it, although you have a band and it does ease the hunger, this part is a process. At first you feel like you don't even have a band because you don't feel full right away or you feel hungry. Everyone's experience is different. For me, I felt restriction from day one but over time it starts to fade, so then the fills come in. I've had 4 fills and this last one was the one that really made me feel the difference for more than just a few days. I feel like I have more control now.

We still need to stick to a food plan, just as if on a regular diet without lap band. I am thankful I have not had any MAJOR negative experiences. No vomiting, no getting stuck on any food, SO FAR! There's nothing solid I can't eat. I'm pretty much my same old self, just eating much less and losing weight at a slow pace, which I think is GREAT!

That's my story!

Im sure no matter what weight loss surgery u chose u will have to watch what u eat, with gastric bypass or lapband. It is all up to u to do the work! I have seen some ppl who had the bypass and lose realy fast but also put it right back on too. But as for the lapband u can go n get a fill to help u out again! It all depends on the person. Best of luck to u!