I had my LB put in place in June 2011. I am now at 4ccs in my band. My experience has taught me that this is not for the weak at heart.

Life with the lap band life is like learning how to walk. There are hills and valleys involved and bumps and bruises along the way. Of course I am speaking figuratively, but I hope by my posting this that people will realize that there are no "easy fixes" even with the LB. I continue to be challenged by eating small bites and chewing very slowly and thoroughly. There is still an opportunity for me to overeat as I have learned, although now there are painful consequences. Learning to eat to live is an everyday battle for me. Years of bad habits are hard to break, especially when our society celebrates, mourns and everything else with food!

My hope is that this message will encourage, challenge and speak to those who have made this life-changing decision and to remind us all that this is an everyday battle that we fight. Focus on your goal and get to that finish line. We are all worth it!!!

I had my LB put in place in June 2011. I am now at 4ccs in my band. My experience has taught me that this is not for the weak at heart.

Life with the lap band life is like learning how to walk. There are hills and valleys involved and bumps and bruises along the way. Of course I am speaking figuratively, but I hope by my posting this that people will realize that there are no "easy fixes" even with the LB. I continue to be challenged by eating small bites and chewing very slowly and thoroughly. There is still an opportunity for me to overeat as I have learned, although now there are painful consequences. Learning to eat to live is an everyday battle for me. Years of bad habits are hard to break, especially when our society celebrates, mourns and everything else with food!

My hope is that this message will encourage, challenge and speak to those who have made this life-changing decision and to remind us all that this is an everyday battle that we fight. Focus on your goal and get to that finish line. We are all worth it!!!

Sorry to hear it has been so rough for you.

Speaking only for myself,, I find this is the easiest thing! I really don't give it much thought throughout the day. Things have become 2nd nature to me.

All this of course, after going through the first few months of what I call, "Basic Training"

Good reminder for those already living with the band and a great lesson for those not yet banded. The band is not a miracle weight loss. It does take work. And years, sometimes a lifetime, of bad habits, even with the band are not easy to break.

Hi,

I was just banded on Dec 2nd, 2011. I lost 2lbs since my release from the hospital on Dec 2nd. I am pleased with the results, however I get tired during the day. How can I prevent tiredness? Any suggestions? I do join an exercise group 3 times a week and walk daily. Suggestions/ Comments are appreciated. Thank You in advance.

Good reminder for those already living with the band and a great lesson for those not yet banded. The band is not a miracle weight loss. It does take work. And years, sometimes a lifetime, of bad habits, even with the band are not easy to break.

True, But there will always be more than one side to a story and people need to know that for everyone who finds this as being "Hard Work", there is someone, like me, WHO DO find it as a "MIRACLE WEIGHT LOSS" procedure.

I have a band wrapped around my stomach, tight enough, that I can not overeat no matter how hard I may try. Automatic portion control. I never measure or weigh food, or count calories. Not anymore.

Also, having this thing, it sends messages to my brain 24/7 telling me that I am "NOT HUNGRY". I simply have no interest in food most times. BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.

Yesterday I was having clinics all day at a Children's Hospital where I was able to have lunch in a cafeteria. The only thing I had to eat all day was my Protein shake for Breakfast. I looked at all the food they were serving, and although it all looked and smelled great, I was not interested. So I got a small cup of Soup and went back to clinic. And I did not finish that! And I was not bothered or hungry!

To me, nothing can be easier! I can go days and not even think about the fact I was banded. I am not preoccupied with thoughts of food or when will I be able to eat next. I can look at food and make correct choices without a 2nd thought.

Having surgery 10 months ago is all but a memory. I might as well have had my appendix removed and now I am all healed, and life goes on.

I see my surgeon once every 3 months. I see my dentist every 3 months also for a cleaning. Very Routine!

All I am saying, that when people read stories about those struggling and finding this as "Hard Work", there are those, like me, who find it quite the opposite.

But it does take a few months, at least, to get there!

I LOVE MY BAND! Best decision I have ever made! Probably saved my life!

Congrats to you B-52! But there are so many of us like livingmydreams! 1st off, I am at goal, but find maintenance hard! I have my lapband at 3 1/2 currently, due to a slip and surgery in Oct. I intend to ask the surgeon to raise it to 4 cc next week. I have enjoyed this 3 1/2; I have been able to eat ,almost, normally. I had not had salad in 2 years, but, can eat a small bit now. I am, also, not loosing and gained a few lbs. Not good! So, I will have it tightened and life goes on! Good luck to all, and happy life! Karen

Congrats to you B-52! But there are so many of us like livingmydreams! 1st off, I am at goal, but find maintenance hard! I have my lapband at 3 1/2 currently, due to a slip and surgery in Oct. I intend to ask the surgeon to raise it to 4 cc next week. I have enjoyed this 3 1/2; I have been able to eat ,almost, normally. I had not had salad in 2 years, but, can eat a small bit now. I am, also, not loosing and gained a few lbs. Not good! So, I will have it tightened and life goes on! Good luck to all, and happy life! Karen

A short time ago I made the decision not to pay much attention to these boards until I reach my goal because, IMO, they are overwhelmingly negative.

But from time to time I read a post that I just have to give another perspective to.

The hardest thing I had to do yesterday, concerning my band and weight loss surgery, was to make the decision "Chicken or Fish" for dinner, or just pick something up on the way home.

There, I said my piece. I'm going back into hibernation until I loose these remaining 10 lbs.!

Thanks for the smile, B-52! Best wishes to you, you have and are doing great! Karen

Great dialogue! I am glad to know that I am not alone in my struggle to succeed. I wish it were a Miracle Cure for me, but unfortunately it is not. I still have to keep temptation at bay, not eat around the band and not eat when I am not hungry.

Alas, it is getting easier with practice!

Happy holidays to each and every one of you!