Hello!!! I have been reading a lot of posts on this website. They're very helpful!!! I have an appointment with a surgeon on January 13th and am looking forward to it. I am hoping you all can answer a few questions I have:

Everything I read about "regular" dieting suggests eating 5-6 mini meals per day, however, the Lap Band info says to eat 3 meals at the most. The meals are like 1/4 cup... how many calories a day can that be? It just seems to me if that (from everything I've read about reg dieting) if I drastically cut my calories my metabolism will slow down.

Have you found that to be true?

I intend on exercising 30 mins/day to try to increase my metabolism.

Can you please also let me know what drawbacks you've had from the surgery.

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your input!!

Angie

Angie,

Yes I think traditionally the 6 mini meals is regarded as a good way to safely diet, but lap-band does have it's own rules for a reason. Although after surgery before you get restriction (bandster hell) my surgeon did recommend mini meals if needed.

I'm at a point that I have good restriction and eat about 1/2 cup to cup of food per meal (not a 1/4 cup). Typically most people eat between 1000-1300 calories a day with the band. There all times when we all reach plateaus, but I've been banded for almost 7 months and have had consistent weight loss (about 2.5 pounds a week).

Right now I can't really give you a lot of drawbacks. I've had great weight loss yet I'm still able to eat most foods. For me this has been great because I don't feel deprived like I would on a diet.

Do your research and ask you Dr. all those questions - they are good ones.

Good luck with your decision!

Linda - Thank you so much for your feedback! That's awesome that you have lost 71 pounds since June!! Incredible!!

One of the things that appeals to me with the band is that it is up to me to make dietary changes.....ie..not a quick fix. I need help with this, but think I should do my part as well. I long to be healthy, fit, and happy!!

Thanks again for your feedback! Good luck to you!

Ang

No problem Angie - feel free to send me a message if you have questions.

I agree about being accountable with the band. I was really pushed toward bypass, but I knew I had food issues that I needed to resolve and fought to get the band. It is definitely not the easy way out - but it's a great tool.

Thanks for the congratulations- I've actually lost 57 pounds since surgery the total is including my 6 month preop diet.