johnp

I just passed a year on 2/2. I lost 109lbs. Started at 321 and am now 212. I feel great. We should all stick with it and our goals will be attained

BTW I have enjoyed everything I have eaten. I do not feel deprived. I watch portions and calories. This is a lifestyle, not a diet. Make it work for you

Checking in... My surgery was 2/2/09. On 2/2/10 my weight loss was 109 lbs. I never had restriction until this last fill so most was done with willpower. I feel great. Hope you all feel great also

Everyone is different. Give yourself tiime to heal and you will get stronger daily. Congratulations on your new life

John, Your response was not friendly. We were not all advised to avoid bread. Bread product provide nutrients that can't be found elsewhere, and not all doctors/nutritionists believe that the low carb approach is healthy. Eating breads is not a reflection of whether or not we are committed to the process. Moreover, when you first start out, it is difficult to even figure out which foods you can get down. You have no idea whether or not she was referring to whole grain or white products. Besides, if she were referring to white products, would it kill you to be kind in making a suggestion that might actually HELP a person?

You know, I just have to say, I hate that people feel free to get on LBT and act aggressively. I guess it's much easier to be self-righteous when you can hide behind an avatar. How are people supposed to come here for education or help with issues related to the band if this is the sort of thing that we do? Jeesh. Sorry... I am just really fired up... Santa Maria.

Sorry but alot of people come here for guidance and I think pancakes might not something folks should consider eating. We got the lapband to aid our diets but we must make an effort to succeed.

I don't feel like I am missing anything in my diet. All the info I have read states to avoid enriched flours, pancakes, popcorn and such. I think realistically if anyone desires to lose weight and a good Dr who is not just profiteering will help guide you to make lifestyle changes that create a lifelong goal of eating better.

When preop folks come in here and think well I can eat anything they are set up for failure. Thinking you can eat anything will place you right back in the position you are in, fat.

Ideally the lapband is a tool for people to use. If used wisely you avoid the foods that got you in trouble in the first place. I know many don't want to hear that they are doing wrong but.................

Actually, there's entire countries in the rest of the world that dont do the whole low carb Protein first thing. It is not the ONLY way to eat post band and it is not the only RIGHT way to eat post band.

In Australia, we're encouraged to eat a healthy diet from ALL food groups - and that includes wholegrain breads and cereals (not white nutritionless products). Donuts, cakes and pancakes dont really come into it though.

I eat a carb based diet because I dont believe low carb diets are all that healthy. I believe they're way too high in saturated fat, animal products and the associated preservatives and chemicals that come with such foods as cheese, processed meats etc. I've lost weight perfectly well, and am perfectly healthy.

So if someone wants to eat bread, they're not necessarily not dedicated to their band or eating in an unhealthy manner, they may be just following a different dietary program to yours - one that can be equally effective. My focus is fruits and veges, heatlhy carbs and only THEN Protein and that's what my doctor recommends. And I have muscles and hair too.

Emphasis on whole grains, not enriched flours

Eating bread and pancakes after the lapband? Why did you get the lapband?

Did your Dr counsel you on what is proper to eat and what is not after the surgery?

I had to meet with a dietitician and learn what is and is not good. One thing that is bad in enriched flour.

It is folks that do not truly commit to this that make others who desire this surgery jump through hoops to get the insurance companies to pay for them.

So far so good, I have lose 74lbs and have not had loose skin yet. I hope I make the next 60 the same

I was extremely depressed the first weeks. I thought I ruined my life, I was miserable. Then the weight loss started and I lost my yearnings for my favorite restaurants. I am doing great now. But the first two weeks were difficult. Stick with it, it actually gets better

Doing great. I like the food I eat on this diet. Lost 74 so far. Dieting is usually much harder for me but I love how I feel and the compliments I am getting

My number is 74

Total is 260

I saw it as a tool not a mracle. I agree there are some that bmc that they are not losing weight. Problem is most of those are eating the wrong foods and are kidding themselves.

You need to go on a diet and stick to it if you want to lose, simple, less in, less on the body!

You need to burn more calories than you take in.

To add something funny. Recently went to dinner with gfs parents. I ate salmon and veggies. They ate prime rib loaded baked potato, appetizers withpotato skins, cheese and bacon. Meanwhile I had lost 70lbs at that point. They are now both bigger than me and they proceeded to tell me what I should and should not eat.

I said, are you two kidding me?

No complications whatsoever. I had my surgery on Feb 2, 09. Dr Cuneen is very warm and caring. I found him to be extremely caring and concerned about my care and questions.

As of this am I have lost 74lbs in under 4.5 months

No diet prior to surgery except the last day, then just a clear liquid diet

I met with Dr Paya who I found to be horrendous, even his colleagues and peers no longer refer patients to him

The first month I probably lost 25 or so lbs, I will have to check my journal.

I finally have some restriction this week after my third fill. Dr added .5cc on Tuesday for a total of 7.5 and yippee finally have some restriction to work with. Been doing it on willpower and determination

Sorry to hear what you are experiencing. Fear of this happening to me is one of the reasons I decided to keep my op a secret from everyone except hubby!

I did the same. Only my gf and 2 close friends knew I was going to do it. And that remains the same today.

Stick with it friends. I was banded on 2/2/09 and during the liquid faze I wanted to commit suicide. I was so depressed and HUNGRY. After 2 weeks I started the mushies even though I was suppose to wait 3 weeks.

I know it is hard but you can do it. The rewards will come later. I am less than 4.5 months out and I am down 74 lbs as of this am.

Stick with it, it is difficult but you can do it

Ask away. I found them to be the best. The program they have is set up very nice. They give you all the requirements up front and explain all in a fashion that is not rushed. I have been to others and no one was as detailed and helpful as them. Be prepared to get a binder filled with information and instructions.

Dr Cunneen will spend as much time with you as you need to understand the best surgery for you. If you have any questions that you would rather pm to me go ahead

I had no requirements up to the day before surgery. I actually spent a month visiting my favorite restaurants for one "last" meal. I did not over due it, ate normal but enjoyed it.

I don't miss them at all and am doing great 17 weeks out

Great job. Plateaus occur but you have the goal in mind and you will be successful

As Linds said, you need to count calories to lose weight. Once you learn what a daily intake should be you will do fine. I have kept my caloric intake between 900 and 1200 a day.

The band is only a tool and you must use that tool. I had my third fill yesterday and I think I finally have decent restriction. I am 17 weeks out and I lost 71.5 lbs. Not due to restriction but due to wanting to lose the weight.

It is difficult but over time it gets easier

I take the Vitamin Shop liquid Multivitamins. My Dr does not allow anything in pill form

I really like the website and I feel it has been a good aid in this journey. Lately though it seems excruciatingly slow to log in

I just have to think that if you are able to lose on pure willpower alone, then you probably did not need the band in the first place. Eventually the honeymoon will be over and you will begin eating in the fashion that caused you to be overweight in the first place - you just may not be able to eat as quickly!

Nah the honeymoon won't be over. I have seen the light. I enjoy my meals. I have not been this weight since 94 and I am loving it.

The difference with me is that I have taken the time to understand why I got fat in the first place. After my banding I hit the ground running. If you believe that I will eventually go back to eating poorly I now understand why you have failed.

I hope you find the strength to use the band as a tool and not as some miracle

I have done great with Dr Cunneen at Cedars Sinai....70lbs in under 4 months!

Congrats to us all