Terry posted a link on another forum to Dr. Paul O'Brien on YouTube detailing the 8 band rules. I loved finally finding out how the food actually gets pass the band (I've been thinking the food moves through like sand in an hour glass--it doesn't). After watching all of his videos, I saw a link to an actual lapband surgery (Dr. Massy? I think). I was fascinated by all that went into putting the band in me. How can I take this wonderful tool for granted?! Someone on this forum (sorry, don't remember who) said something along the lines of "act so as to be worthy of the band.". Wow!

Yes, months before being banded on Aug 6, I viewed Youtube videos prior to my surgery to have a different awareness on the lapband. Because my sister who works for Allergan (Goleta,Ca near Santa Barbara) checked out Allergan findings with lab studies on many thousands of people for me to read. All interesting to me to know how it works. There is still lots of mental involvement from us individually in choosing the right food types and how much to eat. I'm close to 80 pounds in total weight loss and I never did this with any diet. I lost 65 pounds on Atkin's diets and then after 18 months gained it all back and more. After a few fills, the band is now working for me. I have to watch grazing on certain foods. I have eliminated all sweets, chips, breads, sugars and sodas in my house. Since I'm single it's easy to do.

Best wishes

^{make friends with the band and that takes some time...I still try to over feed it but she has boundries and lets me know respecting the band is the greatest rule}