So my new doctor (who is my mom's doctor too; I'm 20 and recently changed from my pediatrician) is all for me doing the lap band but wants me to go on a no-carb diet to see what it does for me. I've tried to stick to it but have slipped up several times since Wednesday and feel like this could either come across two ways to others -- that I can't control myself on a regular diet and the lap band would force it upon me OR I wouldn't be able to do the lap band diet. I feel guilty about not following it perfectly but want the lap band so much I still feel like it is the right decision and woulld be able to fully switch over to the lifestyle. Hope this makes sense?

Well the band will never stop you from eating carbs. Anything that will disolve or become super mushie in your mouth after chewing will pass right through the pouch created by the band. Things I CAN eat but avoid like the plague: candy, ice cream, crackers, chips, cake,white potato, rice cakes, rice, bread, ANYTHING fried or Pasta.

A bit of tough love here. Getting the band is not magic. At least half the battle is mental. You have to want to live a new food lifestyle. Note I said want not necessarily like! Once apon a time it was a joke at my office that I would have pizza for lunch everyday if I could. I don't just kinda like pizza I love it. Now I have pizza once maybe twice a year. And I have a side salad and one piece of pizza.

I try to eat healthy 95% of the time. Sure the other 5% I have some fun. But it's 5% which means my mothers birthday or Thanksgiving.

My doctor required meeting with a eating disorder therapist to discuss our food triggers and how to manage those urges. I think you would be well served by some sessions.

Also, when you meet with the surgeon they may insist that you loose some weight preop to show your commitment. I had to lose 35 pounds.

Right now you don't seem commited. I and the rest of this board want to be supportive and motivational. If this is the right choice for you; I want to do my best to help you. God knows I wish this surgery had been around when I was 20!

The lap band will be a wonderful tool but it is just that - a tool. You have to be committed and want to change your life - practicing before you ever get to the band is a good way to know whether or not you're willing to do what it takes. I've seen several MISERABLE banded people who aren't willing to do what they said they would when they got banded. You can do it - follow his advice. Start over and STICK with it for awhile and I bet you'll get great results.

Well, here's my take on it.

Saying no carbs is extreme. I tried that once many years ago and I couldn't do it either. Many do a low carb diet after Lap-Band surgery, however I do not. I need this to be realistic for a lifetime change and super low carb simply isn't realistic for me. Thankfully, I have a great nutritionist who agrees and has my guidelines set with what I consider realistic carb amounts. I've lost a good deal of weight in 6 months so I think it's safe to say in my case, I do just fine having carbs and losing.

Now, the Lap-Band won't "force" anything on you. The band is just a tool, not a magic pill. It can't and won't stop you from eating unhealthy. It can't always even force you to eat the right amounts of food. What it can do is help us to feel satisfied with less food for longer periods of time.

It's a big change to your entire life and requires a total change of your eating habits that last a lifetime. Simply put it's a huge decision and not one to be taken lightly. I would highly suggest doing a lot of research and going to a seminar to learn about it before making a decision,

Best wishes to you

I reduced my carbs I seem to lose better that way for my me I haven't sworn off carbs and I am no where close the the small amount that is suggested with Aktins I try to focus on healthier carbs(not processed carbs). I am not banded yet and I know the band will HELP me with this but what is a good plan for me might not be for you some people just focus on smaller portions but are unlimited as far as types of foods. don't be discouraged you have to find what suites you and if you could do it completely on your own what would be the purpose of the lapband just keep trying and learn what is LIVEABLE but helps your reach your goal. Good Luck