The LAGB is most appropriate for patients whose BMI is less than 50. The lower the BMI initially (35-49) and the closer patients are to being only 100 pounds over their ideal body weight has the most success in my experience. The other category which does well with a LAGB are the “big” meal eaters. This means they aren’t snackers and don’t graze on junk food all day and night until they go to bed, but instead tend to eat meats and vegetables three times a day but in large quantities or amounts. This group tends to do well with any Restrictive Procedure.

Patients who tend to do poorly with the LAGB are patients with a “sweet tooth” who frequently eat ice cream, candy, cookies and simple carbohydrates like potatoes, bread, rice and pasta; or patients who graze all day by eating small handfuls of nuts, chips and other convenience and junk foods. They never over eat and feel full or vomit so they get no benefit from the band, but there is a steady stream of calories through out the day which add up quickly. Keep in mind you must reduce your intake to 1200 calories or less and it can be done and you be satisfied if you make better food choices after Restrictive Operations like the LAGB.

My bmi was 55. I was 339 when I started my prep in March of this year.I am now down 57 lbs.I graze w bit.I eat 5-6 times a day.what I do think is true is the sweet tooth you have got to get that under control if you want to lose on almost any program.you have got to decide to eat healthy.

my bmi was just into the 60's

i think anyone who wants to lose weight with the band must realize

the band is only a 3inch plastic band that goes around your stomach and

will help you feel fuller with smaller amounts (its up to the person to change what and how much they eat) sure there are banders who drink/eat slider foods high

in calories and fat and then wonder why they are not losing weight? same with

eating processed/high salt foods and again are shocked the scale is not moving

its def a you either want to lose weight or you dont

eating more calories than you burn off (whether you are emotional, a grazer, a snacker or a midnight raider) is the same.

My BMI was 72 when I was banded. Since then I have lost 143 pounds in 8 months. Currently my BMI is in the high 40's.

It's true if you're grazing all day and eating junk food you won't lose weight. But, that's not band specific, that's the care regardless of which WLS you choose. The band is just a tool not a magic bullet. The band won't change your brain, it's up to us to come to terms with our food addictions and find a way to control it. Counseling is very helpful in doing this. The band also won't restrict what you eat, how much you eat, nor will it make you feel full. It is entirely up to us to limit our portions and to make good food choices.

The only thing the band will do is help you to be satisfied on less food for longer periods of time. The rest is entirely up to us. Whether we succeed or fail has nothing to do with the band and everything to do with the choices we make.

The band will never help you eat less of "slidder foods". Slidders are anything that basically "melt" in your mouth: candy, cake, crackers. In order for the band to be successful you need to eat solid foods. My doctor wants me to eat 3 oz of solid protein per meal and then low starch/fat/cal veggies until I feel satiated.

For me the band does not give a hard stop. Meaning if I take one extra bite I will vomit. Some people have that. Part of the journey with the band is learning when you are no longer hungry. That is more suttle. I ask my self: Am I hungry enough to keep eating. If not I stop.