To all ye successful bandsters

[B-52 7,113]

For me...don't sell the band short...get out of the way and let the band do what it is designed to do...

I feel many people over think something and make it more difficult than it actually is....

It took me 5-6 months to figure that out....to let the band be in charge and dictate WHAT I eat, When I eat, and HOW MUCH I can eat....

After that it has become all MAGIC...the EASIEST thing I have ever done, and STILL IS...it was ME who made it difficult....

I stink at dieting, failed every time...I was a food addict, could not control myself and would eat all day...I could not follow any rules....so I had surgery to correct all that...once I learned not to fight the band and what it was trying to do....that's all it took.....my band is not a tool, it's THE BOSS....

[cheryl2586 3,053]

Let me explain what I mean by no cheating since people think I mean food. I am not saying no cheating with food. I am saying don't cheat yourself out of your follow up appointments, cheat yourself out of your support groups, cheat yourself out of having a support system, cheat yourself out of allowing your band to work, cheat yourself out of anything that is helpful to your weight loss. We all have had our indulgences and at times when you are near goal then yes you can splurge. There are many forms of cheating and it doesnt have to entail food. So when I say no cheating the above should explain it.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,722]

Follow your doctors orders. Don't cheat. It is a lifestyle change, not a diet.

this is exactly right.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,722]

Follow your doctors instructions to the T, don't cheat because cheating doesn't help you, concentrate on learning to re eat with your band, don't test your band, weight loss does slow or stall and you have to learn to deal with that, frustration will not help you get to where you want to be, staying positive that you will do this will, being true to yourself is the only way you will be successful. You can lie to everyone else but when you mess up you can't lie to yourself.

well said (i couldnt add anything more)

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,722]

I want to some day be as successful as y'all have been. What are your secrets, tips, schedules (like). Give it all to me. I want it so bad n could use all your help to get there!

the only thing i can add is to want this (to lose weight with the bands help) bad enough to actually do what it takes to make it happen. i believe in want power. if you want it, then do it.

[brannewmee 103]

Let me explain what I mean by no cheating since people think I mean food. I am not saying no cheating with food. I am saying don't cheat yourself out of your follow up appointments' date=' cheat yourself out of your support groups, cheat yourself out of having a support system, cheat yourself out of allowing your band to work, cheat yourself out of anything that is helpful to your weight loss. We all have had our indulgences and at times when you are near goal then yes you can splurge. There are many forms of cheating and it doesnt have to entail food. So when I say no cheating the above should explain it.[/quote']

Thank you Cheryl very helpful!

[brannewmee 103]

Thanks to all the responses. It's all great information! You've got the experience n I need the advice. Thanks again