I was banded 12-8-10 and to this day, I have lost a total of 6 lbs. I'm ranging between 7 and 10 lbs. I'm really beginning to think I wasted my time and energy with this surgery. I watch what I eat and exercise 2-3 times a week. Something is wrong with me... So frustrated!

While Weight Watchers and othe WL programs are great and many people are successful on them, a lot of times, the weight lost comes back because the hunger is never truly diminished. The band helps to fully diminish hunger so that Weight Watchers, counting calories, &/or other WL options work better and help us keep the weight off long-term.

I, like many other people on here, have been very successful on certain programs, only to see my weight that I lost come back plus more because I was hungry, felt deprived, etc. With the band, I can eat what I want, just in smaller, controlled portions, so I don't feel deprived and see more success that will last.

A lot of bandsters use Weight Watchers and other WL programs, with their bands. It's all up to you and your doctor how you work it. Good luck to you!

quote name='schmidty42' timestamp='1309182031' post='1631525']

Hey everyone,

I'm scheduled to be banded on 7/14/11. I'm wondering -- if we still need to journal and really watch what we eat, why not just do Weight Watchers or something. What does the band really do that it's worth putting all my money into it? Sorry, I'm just getting nervous and want to make sure I'm making the right choice to have surgery. Also, is it okay if I'm not working out right now? Should I be working out prior to surgery in case I could be losing weight on my own? So confused and nervous.

Thanks.

I have a really stupid question because I'm confused. My PA this a.m. says that the band "won't help your hunger." I thought that was the purpose? She said it's only purpose was to control portion size. This was NOT the impression I was given while going through the process. Here is what I thought....The band will help control your portions by making you feel fuller longer (i.e. that helps my hunger, right?).

I'm confused....and also wondering why did I do this....I'm waiting for better results and not giving up yet because I can tell a difference. I'm glad in one instance that I did this because I've failed with WW, Bariatrics, etc. to only gain it back. I've lost some weight and even if this band stops me from gaining I would consider it a slight success

I have a really stupid question because I'm confused. My PA this a.m. says that the band "won't help your hunger." I thought that was the purpose? She said it's only purpose was to control portion size. This was NOT the impression I was given while going through the process. Here is what I thought....The band will help control your portions by making you feel fuller longer (i.e. that helps my hunger, right?).

I'm confused....and also wondering why did I do this....I'm waiting for better results and not giving up yet because I can tell a difference. I'm glad in one instance that I did this because I've failed with WW, Bariatrics, etc. to only gain it back. I've lost some weight and even if this band stops me from gaining I would consider it a slight success

There is so much confusion and misinformation around. I've had one person at my surgeon's office tell me one thing, and then ten minutes later another person tells me something just the opposite. I've taken things under my own control, and I do what I think works best for me. So far, so good.

This link is one of the most informational links I've ever read. It will help clear up some of the confusion, and I know it'll help you, too. Dr. Terry Simpson "It is NOT About Restriction." (Moderators, how about making this link a sticky?) http://drsimpson.net...estriction.html

Dave

From my own experience, my band does control hunger. I have been a volume eater in the past and my band helps me control my portions, but I could still probably over eat if I wanted to, so in my mind, it helps by diminishing my hunger.

For instance, I ate Chobani Greek yogurt mixed with Kashi go lean crunch cereal for breakfast this morning. That would not have been a pre-band breakfast for me at all. I have other "more tempting" foods in the fridge and pantry, but because I ate a good amount of protein in the yogurt/cereal mixture, I am not tempted to go get the tempting foods.

To me, the band is helping with my hunger, because in the past (pre-band), even after I would have eaten my "healthier" breakfast, if there was something more apetizing lying around, I'd go back and get it even if I really didn't have room left for it. Now, it's much better because I feel satisfied.

I may not be technically correct in how the band works, I just know it is working for me where nothing else has before.

Good luck to you!!

Dave,

That link is a great one. I have read it a couple of times and Dr. Simpson says it well. Thanks for posting.

Amanda

That was one of the best Posts I have seen in a long time. Excellent Job Dave.:tea:

In the meantime,,, when you are getting your fills, You will find yourself eating

maybe every 5 hours. So it does suppress the appetite.

If you start getting hungry every 2 or 3 hrs., It's time for a fill, or if you want to deal with it,

and take control,,, that's up to you.

I have a really stupid question because I'm confused. My PA this a.m. says that the band "won't help your hunger." I thought that was the purpose? She said it's only purpose was to control portion size. This was NOT the impression I was given while going through the process. Here is what I thought....The band will help control your portions by making you feel fuller longer (i.e. that helps my hunger, right?).

I'm confused....and also wondering why did I do this....I'm waiting for better results and not giving up yet because I can tell a difference. I'm glad in one instance that I did this because I've failed with WW, Bariatrics, etc. to only gain it back. I've lost some weight and even if this band stops me from gaining I would consider it a slight success

But that doesn't make sense. How else would it possibly control portion size, other than making you stop being hungry when you eat a smaller portion? Maybe they meant that you'll still get hungry, it's not going to make your hunger go away forever. But if you're at a right fill point you'll feel satisfied with a smaller portion of food, and stay satisfied for 4-5 hours.

re: why would I do this instead of Weight Watchers... see above. If you are a bulk eater, then the band should help you to get a satisfied feeling with less food. If you're an emotional eater, well, the band isn't around your brain!

thanks to everyone with their feedback. I really do appreciate it. I will revamp again and see if it works.

Hey everyone,

I'm scheduled to be banded on 7/14/11. I'm wondering -- if we still need to journal and really watch what we eat, why not just do Weight Watchers or something. What does the band really do that it's worth putting all my money into it? Sorry, I'm just getting nervous and want to make sure I'm making the right choice to have surgery. Also, is it okay if I'm not working out right now? Should I be working out prior to surgery in case I could be losing weight on my own? So confused and nervous.

Thanks.

Please remember that everyone is different - if WW worked for us, we would not be considering or have had surgery. I think that the point to be taken here is that the band is not a magic fix - we are still accountable for our choices. If you get your Protein in and get an exercise program on that works for you, you will see results 99% of the time.

This is an insteresting post. I'm glad it was posted that some follow Weight Watchers while banded, because I have been a Weight Watcher member for many years now and I do like how it teaches to eat healthy, so that's what I will try to do once I get banded and get past the initial stages.

I like reading all these posts for ideas, knowledge, etc...