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I found this article that relates to the topic, only this is from a well known surgeon in the US.
What We Know from Successful Lapband Patients

Posted on 05.27.12
Band Help
2 Comments

There are several characteristics that we have identified from those patients who are successful with their band. Sometimes what we find out from them surprises us, and changes the way we think about the band. But we spend a lot of time with our successful patients, and learn from them as to what we can do to help others.
All I do is install a tool. It is up to you to use it
The band is a tool
One lovely patient of mine said that if I told her this one more time she would choke me. But this is what our patients who lose their excess weight tell me. “The band doesn’t do the work,” Bill told me, “I’m doing the work. The band just makes it possible.” Bill has had his band for five years. When he came to me he weighed over 300 pounds at five foot six inches, and was not a happy man. He now weighs 160 pounds, but he will tell you that he works at this every day. He eats healthy food, he measures his food, and when he needs to get an adjustment, he comes in. Recently Bill had a bit of pouch dilation so we had to remove Fluid for a few weeks and rehabilitate his band (he had been eating a bit too fast over the last months and started to notice heart burn.). During the band rehabilitation Bill gained 2 pounds.
X-rays of successful patients
Take a piece of food, like meat, and put some x-ray material on it (kinda ruins the taste) and have a successful patient eat it. How fast do you think it goes from above the band to below the band? Pretty quickly- usually less than a minute, but for most about 30 seconds.
We use to think that food stayed above the band and slowly dripped down – like coffee through Mr. Coffee filters. But it doesn’t. Food, in successful patients- goes through quickly.
What about patients who are not successful and talk to us about wanting the band tighter and more “restricted.” Their food stays above the band longer. They have more episodes of “productive burps” more trouble with meats and vegetables. But if you ask the unsuccessful patient they will tell you, “I know my band, and this is how I lost weight before.” It probably wasn’t- but now they think the answer is to make the band tighter and tighter.
Drinking and eating
Successful patients eat and drink at the same time. We use to think this wasn’t a good idea, and some patients from those days don’t eat and drink at the same time- and tell us it makes a difference.
Exercise
Did you know that 77% of our successful patients exercise. Lots do weight training, some cardio, but they work out and do it a lot and enjoy it. A very small per cent did that before the band. Exercise isn’t how they stay thin- but if you ask them, “When I exercise, I don’t want to waste calories on something stupid and give up all I did.”
Unsuccessful patients tell us they didn’t exercise last month (the month before they came to the office).
Measure Everything
Measure everything
They don’t “eyeball it,” they measure it. And in fact, they often don’t trust their own eyes because when they don’t measure for a few days and then test themselves they are shocked at how much they start to eat. Jacquie weighed 260 pounds when she started with us. One year later she weighed 130 pounds. What was her secret — she measured everything, “Everything I ate I put in those little cups.” Oh, after a year she got her first fill (her band was a bit lose).
Unsuccessful patients tell us “I eat less than I ever did, and I just don’t understand.” Do they measure? No- they eyeball. Test this right now – get a measuring cup out and cut up the meat you would think is your portion for dinner.
Successful patients know that they eat less for the first year or 18 months, then they increase the amount. Unsuccessful patients increase the amount.
Never hungry, never full
“I just live by never being hungry, but I never want to get full either,” said one of our patients. She ate every four hours, but never much, and she had gone from 220 to 125 in a year.
Patients who are not successful tell us that they “can eat more than I should.” The answer is, they always could eat more – the band does not physically prevent them. But when you eat to feeling “full” you will eat more than you should. When you know how much you need to eat to avoid getting hungry, and not go over that, the answer is weight loss.
Accountability
Everyone has setbacks. But successful patients get up, come back in, and get adjusted. Sometimes it is their head, sometimes it is there band.
Unsuccessful patients blame everything but themselves: be it drugs they are taking, a lack of exercise, or stress. The successful patient learns from the mistakes they made, know their trigger and figure it out. We had one patient get upset because she was on prednisone, had thyroid issues, had orthopedic issues, and just thought we were not nice because we didn’t accept that as an excuse (we would have the first time, maybe the second time, but a year of excuses to not lose weight with the band).
Food restrictions
Successful patients will tell you that they eat differently now than before surgery. Unsuccessful patients tell us that their diet can’t change because they are picky eaters, and their diets have not changed. In spite of signing the consent form, which on page 2 says they are willing to change lifestyle- these patients don’t change the most fundamental issue- what they eat, and where they eat it. Bad food, and too much of it, is bad food.
Visits
Successful patients see us about 6-11 times the first year, and 4-6 the second. Unsuccessful patients see us either much less – or a few see us more.
Want to change?
Consider this- there is nothing that is difficult if you are willing to change. Let the lapband be the tool. Our 90 day challenge is meant for those who either need to re-focus, get rid of things, and then begin again. Never stay down- always come back.
http://azlapband.com/blog/what-we-know-from-successful-band-patients/

Lol! Good advice, but, oh so, difficult to do.

The band is a lot of work and requires you change your eating habits to healthy foods. Can you do that? Can you avoid high fat processed food? We mostly eat fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and chicken. Lots of salads.
Sounds like a diet but it's not. Since we can't eat as much we try to eat healthier foods. And for heavens sake, do not consider the band as a panacea. The band will not help you shop for healthy food, it won't make good choices for you if you are a fast food junkie, it won't reach out and take that bar of chocolate away from you. It will help you to feel full or more satisfied with less food if you follow the rules.
The band is a much slower method than the others. You may lose 30 lbs the first month and 50 through the 2nd month. But then it will slow to a crawl. 2-6 lbs a month after that. Sometimes months with no progress. Some are lucky and lose consistently every month. They're in a very small minority.
This could be the hardest you've ever worked to lose weight. Not necessarily because you feel deprived, but because you will be changing your life as you know it. And it may sound fun and exotic, but it's traumatic, humbling, but deeply rewarding.
Glad to see you have seen a light. Keep walking towards it.
tmf

Hi Princess,
This is quite normal! Your body is in the healing process so you should be worried about that instead of losing weight right now. Many factors, body Fluid, that time of the month, salty foods, etc.
The weight will come off, just be patient!
Best of luck you are doing great

Just got back from my 2 week post op and since surgery ive lost 13 pounds!!!! I can now move to mushu foods!!! I may truly have lost a little more because im bloated from being on my monthly!!! They said everything looks great and to not focus on calories yet just protein. I feel so good about myself right now.

Thank you so much everyone. I was at the emergency room for 9 hrs! They thought I had a blood clot in my lung. I had to have a bunch of x rays and a cat scan. They didn't find anything in my lung thank goodness. I was slightly dehydrated so I got an iv of fluids. I have to go back to see my surgeon tomorrow and he is going to examine me further. They still say I shouldn't be having this pain and if it gets any worse or I get a fever with it to go back to the ER immediately. So I'm in the clear for now. Thanks for caring everyone, it really means a lot!! Have a good day.

There is a significant connection between our emotional health and physical health. Many people have posted here about being "emotional eaters"...negative thoughts directed inward will result in depression, which for some is their trigger to make poor choices with their eating. I'm not saying that this is what you are doing, only want to raise your awareness about what may be going on...
We also engage in many thoughts which are not accurate...and I encourage you to give some thought to the reality that you are interpreting what others have said, or done, or the "looks" others direct towards you. Interpreting other's thoughts is a slippery slope...and we can easily misinterpret the spirit of what others do.
Focus your thoughts and efforts to regain control and progress in your own life...and be alright to be who you are. If we try to live to conform to what others want us to do, or frequently attempt to make other's happy, then we often miss out on our own happiness.
Best wishes...

I had the ultimate test of willpower today. I am sitting in a faculty meeting around 3:45, and we have about 50 pizza delivered, every topping, every type. They sit four pizzas at every meeing table. I wanted a slice so bad, but i knew it would only get stuck, make me hurl, and probably make my already tender tummy hurt even worse. i have not had to throw up yet and I know my will power will probably be way less once i know my incisions have healed and it is less likely that i will damage my band. BUT today right as I drink another bowl of beef broth i fell damn good about myself. ·

Good for you. I was in a meeting that went long today so my boss, who is one of 6 people who I have told, say he wants to get his lunch before we start our confernece call. Greasy drippy cheeseburger, fried onions, soft bun and all the toppings, the smell was to die for - all homemade and heated up at work. And me, starving, didn't think I had enough time to get my shake made........... Shake it was........move on.

That is awesome! Keep up the good work. Today at work someone brought in a "sophisticake" . The woman who makes these cakes is very well known in my area any special occasion that i need a cake for she makes it and let me tell you they are the best damn cakes I've ever tasted
lol but I didn't touch it. was so tempting tho

I think its really very simple.... first you must wrap your head around deciding to make the changes in your life. You have to do it for you...not your partner, your family, your friends, your love life.... just you. Its drastic in the grand scheme of things...its permenant! For me I had dieted my whole life and always gained it back for reasons I am not sure why except that no matter what I "learned" I always ignored it once the weight came off thus gaining it back. I needed a permenent solution and I felt I found it with the band. I learned that food is fuel. I only need so many ounces to feel satisfied then I move on to doing something else. I also did this for my health. I was 50 years old and didnt want to die. I was really scared that I woulod have a heart attack or something. I didnt have an health issues but my Dr said it was coming...... if I didnt make some changes.
I was very strict with myself. Maybe too much but I know if I wasnt i would have never made it. Even now I am 9 lbs from goal so I can relax a little but most days I dont. I just want to "get there"!
Another thing to remember is you can still function in social situations. I see people on this board asking about...what do I do if type of questions.ANd they are so worried about what people will think. Here is the thing. No one really cares what I eat. If I go to a birthday party I limit myself to eat one bite of cake. I just do not want or need any more. And no one is going to say.. hey...you need to eat that whole piece of cake or I wont like you! Or if I am out with friends having pizza... I have 1/2 a normal sized slice and then I am full. No one says... hey you have to eat 2 slices or we wont respect you. And most importantly If I am watching tv and hubby is snacking on a bowl of whatever... 1 peanut is enough. He isnt going to tell me to eat 2 handfulls!!
Its all about setting limits and being true to yourself.
As for the medical end of it.... if you do exactly what your Dr tells you... you will succeed. Period end of story. My Dr is very happy with my progress...except one. I didnt exercise. Ok..well I walked 2 miles every day but I didnt go to the gym like he wants me to. I am just not comfortable there yet. But he knows I have followed his orders to a T. I didnt cheat on my pre op diet. I came to every single appointment. I gave up carbonation (ugh). I tracked my calories...never eating more than 1000 which was the number we came up with for me personally. I took my Vitamins and I drank enough Water to fill a whole lot of swimming pools. He told me the band will do 70% of the work. I had to do 30%. SO far this has held true.

Thanks so much for posting... I'm going to print it out and keep it as a motivational tool. It goes to show that even an occasional small loss over the course of a month is still a huge success.

You guys are so sweet!, I just want to pay it forward becaue I once was new and remember seeing so many people on this board who lost weight and I was on the other side,,.. It was motivating to see so I thought I might be able to help someone!

gosh am i the only one who gains weight during their TOM
i have been know to gain up to 10 pounds and there is not a blasted thing i can do....def distressing to me
and certainly puts a damper on a wonderful long weekend
and fyi, my eating was fantastic this weekend and i did not divert off my eating path so if anyone reading this ponders it was because
i overate somewhere, that is not the case.
again, just venting and bitching as it sucks to have a period and be bloated........

Thanks for the advice and support. Looking forward to my new life!

Hi all... I have been on lately, but for some reason, my computer is playing evil with me and will not let me sign on this site, so in short, I am reading everyone's posts, I just cannot respond!
Anyway.... I am stopping home to change to head to a friends house for the night, finish the festivites for the Labor Day weekend, tired and sweaty, needed a quick shower and change. Now for clothes... I only had so many clean clothes that fit. I pick up a pair of jean shorts, size 20. Nope, not gonna happen. But I decide to try anyway and I will just wallow in my misery about it later.
Low and behold, they fit!!! Well, they got on anyway!! They are a bit tight right now, but I cannot believe it. My scale does not always show this. I am dumbfounded! I just had to run here and tell everyone.
I am now off to my friends house and I hope everyone is enjoying their weekends!
Stephanie

I'm in the same boat as far as seeming to forget! I read everything I received over and over, confident I had it down. Next day after surgery I felt like it all slipped away! Reality is always a little different than on paper. Just ask lots of questions and my advice is to get a lap band buddy! (Someone to talk to 1-on-1 who "gets" you and has some more experience is so helpful!!) I had a mini break down this morning and within a few texts I was both encouraged and put in my place. It re-energizes you and reminds you of all the awesomeness to come! Good luck!! You'll do awesome!
Banded 8/20/2012 - Heaviest: 512 - Current: 461

Thanks guys! Im using a heating pad an took some gas x. It helped. I swear I did so much research before getting this surgery but as soon as I got it...I forgot everything! And every little thing is freaking me out :/

I was banded 8/3/12 and have lost 25 lbs. Amazing!! I go in for my first fill on Tuesday 9/4. Hoping to lose another 25!!!! My eating/ interest in food has gone wayyyyyy down but I am still having moments where I have cravings or eat something bad. I am also hoping my first banding will help more with that. People have been commenting on how great I look and it is SO nice to hear. I still have a LONG way to go, but I definitely think I am on the right track and just have to keep making small goals and daily successes. I call my band my Willpower. GOODLUCK TO ALL, we can do it!!!!

Thank you so much one and all! Your comments brought me back to when I was sitting in one of those seats about a year ago as a prospective bariatric patient and listening to every word the "success story" person was saying. I don't remember anything she said now- I only remember I could identify with almost everything she was saying, and how good she looked. She was such a big motivator for me.
So as suggested here, I will tell my story chronologically- why I did it, how it went, and the many ways it has positively changed my life.
Will let you know how it goes, and what most people responded to- for when YOU get to tell your story! Thanks again! I will rest easier tonight!

I just had to share that I created a plan, I have stayed with my plan, today I weighed and I hit my goal of 175 pounds before Sept 1st! (The scale really has 174.4) but I am so happy I cried. It's been a long time for me to be where I am and I am just so thankful!

Not wanting to waste money on clothes that I could not wear very long, I kept wearing all my baggy clothes.
I even had a box of smaller clothes I dug out and those were now to baggy.
I heard one of my favorite stores was closing (Fashion Bug), so I took a little trip there and it was true, she told me things were being reduced and soon they would close and to choose wisely because all sales are final. I bought a few things and WOW.
Wearing things that fit can really make you feel fabulous. Now when I go to work I know I look good.
Even tho I have not made my goal I do know that I look and feel so much better then I did 6 months ago.
So I encourage all of you that are still wearing those baggy clothes to go get a few new things, even if you can't wear them in a couple months it is so worth a hundred dollars to feel like a million dollars.

I had intended to take a pic of myself on the 9th of every month...so I could watch my progress... I didnt but I think it would be cool to see.

It has always been my experience that somewhere between a 15-20% loss (from starting weight) becomes noticeable to others. Personally, for some weird/insecure reason I don't actually like weight loss comments. In my delusional world I guess I like to think no one notices my weight. Except for close family members, who I will insist take notice. Lol

I hope all is going well