I am just starting my journey with my new lap band! I am 11 days post op still on liquids and feeling hopeful and I know there are alot of us just starting out. My question to all you seasoned bandits is – if you could only give ONE piece of advice to a new bandit what would it be? What was the main thing that helped you along the way? I appreciate all your replies

See a nutritionist that deals specifically with bariatric patients and together set up food guidelines that are specific to your physical needs and lifestyle.

I've lost almost 168 pounds in 10 months and a BIG part of that success is due to the invaluable information I learned from my nutritionist.

get your fills on time every 14 days till you can go 4-5 hours with feeling hungry I didn't know that and suffered and felt like I always did on a diet then I got my 3 rd fill and it is great I eat like a real person never hungry and need to watch to clock and track every bit to stay health along the way.. gl on your road to wonderful.

It is just a tool and will not do all the work for you.

Everything the above posters said and learn all you can about Lap Band surgery before hand.

I was on these boards and reading books for 7 mths before surgery and feel it was a very worth while education.

Just one piece of advice? No can do....LOL But I can tell you the things I did besides have a I will not fail attitude.....which i think promoted my sucess.

1. See your Dr every month, follow his advice to a T and get fills as needed
   
2. Track your portions and calories. Do not deviate from the amount of calories you are allowed to have on a daily basis.
   
3. Do not cheat on your diet... and I believe it is a diet ... granted its easier with the band but nevertheless its a diet..... until you are at goal at which time the band becomes a tool for maintainience.
   

Thanks for all the advice! I have my NUT and first fill appointment booked for December. The reminder that this is a tool and it comes down to me to make the right choices is a good one. I think I may need something to remind me of that on my keys or something....

FLORIDAYS - I am going to start tracking at mushies stage on myfitnesspal. Think it will help me....I admire your attitude.

I'll add to all of the above.

Calm down and settle in, you're in it for the long haul. Get out of your own way and let the band to its job!

Follow your dr. and NUT's instructions. They know what is best for you and for success. Don't compare yourself to others as we all have different circumstances. Reach out to others for support and encouragement and do the same to others going through this.

Also, if you are feeling "weak", have things on hand that you can go to that won't sabbotage your healthier lifestyle (ie. sf jellobrand choc. mousse cups for that choc. craving, or sf popsicles, etc.). I keep things on hand like that and, though I rarely turn to them, I have them available if I am craving something sweet, etc.

Also, my NUT advised me Snacks are ok between meals but to plan them. By planning them you have a healthy snack picked out and ready and are less likely to graze or choose something you shouldn't.

If you are eating and start to feel any discomfort, STOP! The next bite will do you in (stuck, pain, etc). Initially, I felt like I felt a little resistance but am ok and proceeded to another bite and WHAM! NO FUN!

Lastly, know (as discussed earlier) that this is a tool. Chip, Cookies, icecream, etc. tend to go down easily for many of us and the band won't help you there. It is up to you to make good choices. If you have junk in the house, get it out so it isn't a temptation. I have seen many say "but, I have it here for my kids, my spouse, etc." Sure, in moderation anything is ok but this could be an opportunity for everyone in your household to eat healthier.

Oh, crap, that was more than "one thing" that I mentioned.

Good luck to you!!

Follow your dr. and NUT's instructions. They know what is best for you and for success. Don't compare yourself to others as we all have different circumstances. Reach out to others for support and encouragement and do the same to others going through this.

Also' date=' if you are feeling "weak", have things on hand that you can go to that won't sabbotage your healthier lifestyle (ie. sf jellobrand choc. mousse cups for that choc. craving, or sf popsicles, etc.). I keep things on hand like that and, though I rarely turn to them, I have them available if I am craving something sweet, etc.

Also, my NUT advised me Snacks are ok between meals but to plan them. By planning them you have a healthy snack picked out and ready and are less likely to graze or choose something you shouldn't.

If you are eating and start to feel any discomfort, STOP! The next bite will do you in (stuck, pain, etc). Initially, I felt like I felt a little resistance but am ok and proceeded to another bite and WHAM! NO FUN!

Lastly, know (as discussed earlier) that this is a tool. Chip, Cookies, icecream, etc. tend to go down easily for many of us and the band won't help you there. It is up to you to make good choices. If you have junk in the house, get it out so it isn't a temptation. I have seen many say "but, I have it here for my kids, my spouse, etc." Sure, in moderation anything is ok but this could be an opportunity for everyone in your household to eat healthier. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Oh, crap, that was more than "one thing" that I mentioned. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Good luck to you!![/quote']

A little resistance. That's the best way to describe it? I was trying to come up with the word the other day to explain it to my hubby!

Ditto to what everyone has said and patience. Also it's important to be in contact with your carers and be honest about everything. Part of being successful is the ongoing support after being banded with your team.

Mine would be dont change anything even if you hear it on this site without verifyiing it is ok with your Dr. Always follow your doctors rules (plan).

Best of luck to everyone new

The one thing would be, follow your doctors orders and advise.

Make this your lifestyle and not another diet.

Oh crap, thats 2 things....

Good luck to you!

The one thing would be, follow your doctors orders and advise.

Make this your lifestyle and not another diet.

Oh crap, thats 2 things....

Good luck to you!

I'll go with these two! Counting is tough for AJ, she's from Texas! LOL

See a nutritionist that deals specifically with bariatric patients and together set up food guidelines that are specific to your physical needs and lifestyle.

I've lost almost 168 pounds in 10 months and a BIG part of that success is due to the invaluable information I learned from my nutritionist.

See Missy, I just don't get that much info from my nutritionist. She's very young, just out of college, just started working for my surgeon and sometimes she says one thing and my surgeon says another so I'm at a loss of what I'm suppose to do most of the time. I'm 5 1/2 mos post op and only have lost 45 lbs, I know that is good but it could be better. I do not exercise but you know that, don't feel up to it yet, can't find my mojo, no energy. Hmph!

Thanks for all the advice! I have my NUT and first fill appointment booked for December. The reminder that this is a tool and it comes down to me to make the right choices is a good one. I think I may need something to remind me of that on my keys or something....

FLORIDAYS - I am going to start tracking at mushies stage on myfitnesspal. Think it will help me....I admire your attitude.

Everyone here gives GREAT advice.. I only wanted to chime in because I really like the way you abbreviated your NUT, seriously I do