Leaderboard

You had weight loss surgery with a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band several months ago, maybe even years ago and it’s been less than successful in your opinion. “It just didn’t work for me” you told yourself. And now you’re hesitant to even tell others about it because once again you tried and failed. But here’s a thought - maybe your success was merely delayed. The beauty of the LAP-BAND® System is that you can pick up where you left off. And if you never got on, well – that ship can sail again. The LAP-BAND is a tool. It’s designed to help you in your weight loss journey. It is not a “silver bullet”. It is not a panacea. It is not going to “do it for you”. You have to work it, just as with any tool. A pen doesn’t work too well just sitting on the desk and a paint brush doesn’t work too well either just resting on the easel. Patients that do well with the LAP-BAND typically lose 1-2 pounds per week. Some do even better with reducing their caloric intake, eating properly, making better food choices and exercising regularly. But you say to yourself, “If I could do that, I wouldn’t need the LAP-BAND”. When in the “green zone” the LAP-BAND restricts the amount of food you can eat, so that you can get back on the boat (eating properly). It gives you a chance to change some eating habits. You’re less hungry (you’ve got less capacity to eat) and you’re combining that with changing what you eat every day and adding in an exercise routine. Now you’re on the road to success with the LAP-BAND. Just know that no weight loss surgery procedure or device is going to “make decisions for you”. The weight loss surgery procedure that you choose will have no idea specifically what you’re eating. To be successful, you’re going to need to change some things. So, if you continue to eat things that you know aren’t “on the program” – there’s a good chance your weight loss journey will be a short one. If you don’t regularly exercise and monitor the calories going in versus the calories going out, then your weight loss journey will likely be a bumpy one. Get back on track. Go back to see your weight loss surgeon and his/her staff. Re-dedicate yourself to yourself and… to your family. Use the tool. Lose the weight!

Well, I was banded on 9/15, and got my first fill on 10/29, and I can still eat as much as I want and whatever I want. It's been hard, but I've made good choices in what and how much I eat since I got mushies on 9/29. Even then, I only lost 4lbs from 9/29 until my fill on 10/29 and I was really disappointed. My surgeon told me that is perfectly normal. I told him I could eat anything I wanted including bagels and rice, in vitually unlimited quantities. He told me that too was perfectly normal, and that it would be a while before I got any help from the band. I have the 14cc band, and got 2cc put in on my first fill. He told me it take 3 or 4 fills before I would start to get help from the band. So, I got my head out of my behind, and really started exercising hard. I'm now on the treadmill for an hour a day, and generally walk 5 miles or more most days. Not only has that stepped up my weight loss, but I am feeling a little hint that the band is there. The band has yet to stop me - I've had to do that myself. If your surgeon is not worried, I would recommend that you put your energy into creating new "habits" and routines that will help you use the band to your advantage when you do hit the green zone. I'll be the first one to tell you it's probably among the hardest things I've ever had to do, but after fighting with myself for over a month, I'm now very happy that I'm put forth the effort now. I'm just that far ahead of where I'd be if I waited.

Wow, a 5km run! That's amazing!

3 miles is great! I plan to start the couch to 5K program at the first of the year. I should be healed enough by then to bounce my stomach while jogging . Not to worry I'll have my compression shirt on when I jog. If all goes well I'll be ready to run a 5K in April. TBM

Great for you. How did you start running? I have always wanted to be a runner. I do a ton of Zumba but I think I need to mix it up. I would like to lift weights and run. When is the 5K?

Good for you, we're getting there!

You probably don't have any restriction yet, I wouldn't worry too much. I seriously was able to eat like a pig last Christmas, soft foods and too many cookies, whatever I tried to eat if it was chewed enough it went down no problem. At that time I was out of surgery about the same amount of time as you are now. But after a while, when I started on solids I did have some restriction. Now after several fills, I don't think I'm exactly at my "green zone" but I'm close, it takes time for some of us to get there, but you will. Talk to your doctor to ease your mind, I'm sure you are fine.

so sorry you are dealing with all this mess. I have only had this alien in me for 8 months , I am so angry that I chose the band as well -exact reasons like you- i am going to alk to my surgeon today, i want this out and have the right procedure for me FOR LIFE instead. I never have that fullness they claim, I also am very uncomfrtable with this giant knob sticking out of my side as well as everytime I eat I feel like Im having a ***ing heart attack.. I dont want to wait until it becomes a HUGE problem. I hope my surgeon complies. I am truly committed, eat as follows, work out as follows Vitamins Water....30 lbs lost since March BFD Feel better - you are a gorgeous woman and desearve to feel 1000% perfect with yourself!

oooooh okay ... good to know it was just a test.