T seems to me from reading posts that there are so many misinformed people when it comes to what lap and is for. Are there really that many surgeons that are just worried about getting that money that they aren't informing there patients that lap and is just a tool to help you lose weight that it isn't going to make you lose weight. I myself did a lot of research for myself before making this decision.

i agree with you jean. i also think that some may believe the band will do all the work (and the weight will continue to come off as it did during the liquid stages). not gonna happen.

if you eat like you did before surgery, you are only hurting yourself. if you overeat more than the recommended amount, you are only hurting yourself.

this is not a will power situation.

this is a want to situation.

I totally agree it is a complete want situation. I have been overweight my whole life and I want this so bad I have changed my whole life not only for me but my husband and kids too. When I had surgery that was the end of me bringing any bad foods in the home, no cookies, candy, chips or anything, if there is no temptation then you won't eat it.

also, just because you can eat it (or a large amount) doesnt mean you should either. you have to (help) the band.

jean, you are doing great. keep it up

Jean, I agree and wonder about the same thing daily. It blows my mind how uninformed people are about the band even after surgery. I feel like I see and answer the same questions over and over, and it's all questions that should've been addressed by their surgeon before ever being wheeled into surgery. I can't help but wonder, are the surgeons out there just operating on anyone who can pay their fees and not telling them what to expect and do after surgery? Or, are there this many people who don't bother listening to what is told to them by their surgeon? Either way, it's extremely concerning.

When I first came on here back in January, it scared me reading about so many band failures and complications. Now, I realize it's not the band failing or causing complications, it's the people failing and causing complications out of ignorance. It's not good at all. A lot of people are hurting themselves with their lack of information.

also' date=' just because you can eat it (or a large amount) doesnt mean you should either. you have to (help) the band.

jean, you are doing great. keep it up[/quote']

Thank you so much

Jean' date=' I agree and wonder about the same thing daily. It blows my mind how uninformed people are about the band even after surgery. I feel like I see and answer the same questions over and over, and it's all questions that should've been addressed by their surgeon before ever being wheeled into surgery. I can't help but wonder, are the surgeons out there just operating on anyone who can pay their fees and not telling them what to expect and do after surgery? Or, are there this many people who don't bother listening to what is told to them by their surgeon? Either way, it's extremely concerning.

When I first came on here back in January, it scared me reading about so many band failures and complications. Now, I realize it's not the band failing or causing complications, it's the people failing and causing complications out of ignorance. It's not good at all. A lot of people are hurting themselves with their lack of information.[/quote']

I totally agree and I have this conversation with my husband all the time about how so many people eat like they did before or are not even trying and want to blame it on everything except theirselves. I believed before even thinking of going under the knife I wanted well informed. I don't want to go back under the knife from causing complications by not listening to my surgeon. Maybe there should be an information classes and a test about the information before someone can get surgery just so the surgeons know their patients are informed.

I totally agree. I had to jump through hoops...several support meetings to attend, several meetings with the fill technician and the surgeon, nutritionist meetings on what you can eat liquid, puree, soft afterwords and we had to fill out our menus we created and take it back; all sorts of homework and video requirements; pre-surgery meetings...to inform the patient of what will happen and the consequences of not following "the plan"... it saddens me that so many people don't even know what to eat after surgery or what to expect at all. My network dealt with the emotional head hunger alot because this is what fails people alot of the time. I'm glad this site exists to help everyone!!!

I totally agree and I have this conversation with my husband all the time about how so many people eat like they did before or are not even trying and want to blame it on everything except theirselves. I believed before even thinking of going under the knife I wanted well informed. I don't want to go back under the knife from causing complications by not listening to my surgeon. Maybe there should be an information classes and a test about the information before someone can get surgery just so the surgeons know their patients are informed.

I actually did have to take a test! Meeting with a nutritionist was mandatory, and after I met with her, I had to take a test showing I understood not only what the surgery entailed but what would be expected of me after surgery. It covered the surgical procedure itself, what to expect after surgery, what eating guidelines I should follow, and even how to avoid to slips. The test was a combination of multiple choice and true/false answers. Any that you answered incorrectly (and I did a few), you met with the bariatric nurse to go over that particular information again. You could not have surgery until you took this test and the nurse giving it signed off on it.

i had a (test of sorts) with the nutritionist and the mental eval doctor was kinda tough w/his questions, are you sure you will comply with the liquids diets and instructions.

i wonder how many just answered yes to get the approval? if so, they only hurt themselves. just my 3 cents.

I am a self pay and I must agree with you all. My surgeon did not stress the importance of the eating guidelines. I had to learn about it here on this site! Hopefully others will do the same.

I was self pay, however, my Dr office did a good job of informing me of the requirements. I also feel that people should do some investigation / research on their own before jumping into a life changing proceedure. I certainly did. In doing so, I found this site and ready alot! The posts here really helped me prepare and understand what I was going to go through. I think people should take more personal responsibility and try to educate themselves more.

I am suprised when people post "what is green zone". If that is the whole goal of surgery, i cannot beleive they are not being told this information by their Dr's!

Good post.....

I agree with MIS on the amount of people that post the same questions over and over. The threads are there, waiting for you to put in a search topic and check it out.

I also see posts about people that want to drop the calories so much that they are not getting proper nutrition. Lack of calories/nutrition means the body is going to go into a mode where it will shut down while holding onto everything that you eat. This is something that we have been told ALL along in the Quest for weight loss but when your banded suddenly the brain-farts come out in droves.

Another thing that I have seen or been asked directly is what is Protein exactly, or what is a carbohydrate, and some have not heard of complex vs simple.

I honestly do not know if it is the doctors office, or just that people have a focus on getting the band and nothing else matters.

My surgeon was pushing for the bypass, but after we went through my thought processes and the foods that I ate he found out that I liked to eat a balance, salad, protein, veggies, bread... but my problem was I liked to eat a good amount.

Clean your plate their are starving children around the world.

So for me to eat some salad/chicken/veggie is not going to be a problem, however I did find that after I got the band my addiction or desire for bread seemed to change. I no longer reached for the bread basket... Imagine that!

I will however here and there IF It is an amazing break take a piece, but it is no longer my priority.

Well I agree too, but I was one of those that came on here and asked some "stupid" questions. I needed to hear it again from people who went through it. I wanted to know about liquid diets, because there is so much out there and doctors with different information. I was glad to get the answers, but I asked questions. I am sorry if some of you felt I was not informed enough. I was, and still am, scared through this journey as I make mistakes... and need some affirmation that I am not alone and can come here and get some encouragement.

My nutrionist was horrible now that I have found out what others have gone through. She asked me what questions I had, not knowing what to ask, I got nothing from her. I have no calorie intake to watch for, nothing on proteins vs veggies and fruits.. its horrible. I depend on what people ask here right now, for I cannot afford to pay for another nutrionist today. its tough. but I will make it through with some help.

I think that is what this board is for? To help us that don't know? I have some answers, but not everything.

Thanks for all the help I receive now and in the future!!

Well I agree too' date=' but I was one of those that came on here and asked some "stupid" questions. I needed to hear it again from people who went through it. I wanted to know about liquid diets, because there is so much out there and doctors with different information. I was glad to get the answers, but I asked questions. I am sorry if some of you felt I was not informed enough. I was, and still am, scared through this journey as I make mistakes... and need some affirmation that I am not alone and can come here and get some encouragement.

My nutrionist was horrible now that I have found out what others have gone through. She asked me what questions I had, not knowing what to ask, I got nothing from her. I have no calorie intake to watch for, nothing on Proteins vs veggies and fruits.. its horrible. I depend on what people ask here right now, for I cannot afford to pay for another nutrionist today. its tough. but I will make it through with some help.

I think that is what this board is for? To help us that don't know? I have some answers, but not everything.

Thanks for all the help I receive now and in the future!![/quote']

I personally love when people ask questions and we get to share the experiences we all have had.I think the frustration u may hear is people not asking these questions before being banded .it is very sad when people are asking basic questions after being banded.everyone on here is happy to help and share wether before or after but just want people to really research compare and process the information before going under the knife/ laser .Good luck !

i agree that some questions could be answered here on the site, but like other's said somethings should be addressed with your surgeon. i dont want to discourage people from asking questions, but it amazes me how many people willingly get the surgery and have NO CLUE as to what to expect or what to do. AMAZING!