It's been 5 months since I was banded & I have lost a total of 42 lbs. That's an average of 2 lbs a week!! I am thrilled!! :eek: However, it's been a trial & error process along the way & I think I have FINALLY figured out how this all works!!

Here's what I've learned so far:

1. The band DOES NOT work alone. I thought that the weight would just drop off without much effort on my part. I read the lap band book & did my homework before being banded. From what I read, I thought that I would simply eat the way I normally do, get full faster which would make me eat less & then the weight would just come off. WRONG!! This band works as my partner. I still need to make good food choices & follow ALL the band rules to have success.

2. There's are LOTS of plateaus you hit along the way & patience is a MUST!! There were 3 weeks when I didn't lose any weight & I was frustrated. However, I stuck it out & the following week I lost 4. I've hit several plateaus since then & I now realize that plateaus are actually a good thing. I am no longer a slave to the scale.

3. Exercise is pretty important. I have never been a very good exerciser in my life. I don't like to sweat & frankly it takes too much time out of my day. BUT.....I have noticed that when I do ATLEAST 30 min. of cardio 3x/week I have much more success. Whether it's taking a walk, play at the park with my little girl - exercise is crucial for weight loss.

4. Support is a must!! I don't have a support group in my area to go to, but I use this forum to ask questions & read about others success. I look at the BEFORE & AFTER pictures once a week to remind me of others who have done well. It keeps me motivated!!!

5. This is a change I am making for LIFE! There is no going back to the days of eating whatever I want. If I want to be healthy I must EAT healthy & that never ends.

6. Food does not have to be my comfort. I have learned that when I'm sad, mad or glad.......I can do something else besides EAT!!

I have more energy, more confidence, more quality time with my kids & I feel so much lighter!! I can't wait to see what I'll feel like when I lose 50 more lbs!!

It's been 5 months since I was banded & I have lost a total of 42 lbs. That's an average of 2 lbs a week!! I am thrilled!! :eek: However, it's been a trial & error process along the way & I think I have FINALLY figured out how this all works!!

Here's what I've learned so far:

6. food does not have to be my comfort. I have learned that when I'm sad, mad or glad.......I can do something else besides EAT!!

I have more energy, more confidence, more quality time with my kids & I feel so much lighter!! I can't wait to see what I'll feel like when I lose 50 more lbs!!

Still working on number 6 several years later. Great list, great wisdom!

Can I add a #7 to the list?!?!

7. I drink a Protein shake every morning!! I stopped doing it for awhile & realized I wasn't losing as much weight. As soon as I started back up, the weight started falling of again!! It works for me!! I drink the Advantage shakes that have no sugar. They have a new Caramel vanilla flavor. I love it!!

P.S. I weighed myself this morning & another pound has melted off. Only 8 lbs 'til I hit the 50 mark!! WAHOO!!

Diane, this is a very good list and to the point. You've done very well with your weight loss. I am also like you, some weeks no loss and other several pounds. Patience is the key. I was talking to a girlfriend and she said she didn't think she could do it this way, nice and slow.