I'm considering Lap Band, and I've been doing a lot of research. I've read of people who take months to reach the Green Zone and actually start losing weight. I've also read that some people NEVER get there. Is this true? How long did it take you? How long until you started seeing weight loss?

Thanks!

Getting the right amount of restriction is very individual, some feel it when they wake from surgery, others take a few fills, some i have read dont really feel restriction, but from what i have read this isnt common. Most surgeons will only do fills on a gradual basis over a period of months as this is the safest method to do it.

I have lost weight since day 1, but this was a mind set, the band helps me but also i help myself. If one is looking for fast weight loss you either have to get your mind into the right gear or maybe explore other methods/surgery ..

Hope this helps.. good luck in whatever you decide

I started losing weight from day 1. I was down 100 pounds by six months and 130 at 9 months now it is just a matter of time till I reach my goal. As for reaching the Green Zone everyone is different, a lot of the band has to due with you. How much you exercise, how much water you drink and yourself control. You can still eat garbage with the band. It will not keep you from the bad foods or stop you from stuffing yourself, it is a tool to help you along the way and when used right is a wonderful aid. That being said, I do not believe I have reach the green zone yet, I am hungry about every 21/2 hours so I eat six small meals a day and that keeps my body happy. I am though happy with my band and would do it all over again.

I AM GOING TO SAY THIS IN COMMENT TO THIS ?? AND WHAT@GURU SAID DON'T DO THIS THINKING ITS GOING TO BE ANY EASIER THAN ANY OTHER DIET YOU HAVE BEEN ON BECAUSE TRUTH IS ITS HARD AND IF YOUR NOT READY TO MAKE A LIFE CHANGE AND COMMITMENT THEN WAIT READ READ TALK GO TO SUPPORT GROUPS AND READ AND TALK SOME MORE BECAUSE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD HAS TO CHANGE FOR THIS TO WORK AND YOU TO BE HAPPY WITH IT

I was banded on Jan 31, took 3 fills before I got any real restriction, which was about early May.

BUT

It took me a good 4-5 weeks after that, to figure out the hard way how to live with the effects, which is choosing the right foods, and avoiding those that will give me problems, new eating techniques, etc.

Once that all clicked, it is the easiest thing I have ever done.

I have been on every diet known to man for the last 30 years. Surgery was the last resort because I did not have the will power, determination and discipline to do it on my own. I've tried many times before and failed.

I don't even think about the band on most days.

My appetite is completely under control, and I cannot over eat if I wanted to. If I did I will pay the consequences.

I don't count calories or determine portion sizes. I've been on enough diets to know what's good and what is not good to eat, and the band (pouch size) gives me portion control.

There's not much else I can do except go about my daily business,

To b-52 & brenda62,

What are you eating that has pushed your weightless into rocket speed?? I still don't know what foods I should eat. I mean of course I know fast food, junk food & all thats not good but what should I be eating specially now that I'm tight???

If you can give me a full days menu(sample of one of your days meal) that would help me.

Thank you so much.