Hello all -

I keep reading peoples stories, and the one theme that continues to pop up is that the band is a tool...which I get, but i also hear that its really the person doing the work not the band? Is the band really just an expensive accoutability partner? In my head, I keep telling myself, you can control the amount that you eat...you dont need this.

But the reality sets in...if you could control it...you wouldnt be over 200lbs in the first place.

I guess I am trying to level set my expectations and mindset. Is the lap band quite simply a safe guard for Portion Control?

I wouldn't say it is a safeguard for portion control, but an appeitite dimmer. I call it the nicotine patch for the Fat. You know smokers who use nicotine patches to get off cigarettes? That's what my lapband does for my appetite...it diminishes it so I don't eat too much, just as the patch blocks the smoker from wanting to light up.

It works when you do the work.

Patient compliance is so crucial to success with the band. Making healthy food choices, staying to band sized portions, and doctor follow up are all so important. Having realistic expectations and educating yourself on the band is very important too.

I can only speak for myself, but I've lost over 200 pounds and I know I never could've accomplished this without my tool- my band. But, I also went into this understanding what was expected of me and I committed to change for a lifetime.

I wouldn't say it is a safeguard for Portion Control, but an appeitite dimmer. I call it the nicotine patch for the Fat. You know smokers who use nicotine Patches to get off cigarettes? That's what my lapband does for my appetite...it diminishes it so I don't eat too much, just as the patch blocks the smoker from wanting to light up.

Great way to think about it!

It works when you do the work.

Patient compliance is so crucial to success with the band. Making healthy food choices, staying to band sized portions, and doctor follow up are all so important. Having realistic expectations and educating yourself on the band is very important too.

I can only speak for myself, but I've lost over 200 pounds and I know I never could've accomplished this without my tool- my band. But, I also went into this understanding what was expected of me and I committed to change for a lifetime.

And thats what I figured - I will need to saddle up and put in the work. In my mind, this is by no means a quick fix. I can diet and exercise with the best of them, but something always happens to derail me..and I give into it, going back to my old habbits. Not with this - the decline won't be as easy.

And I think knowing that my fiance and few friends know that I have it - if I start to go left, I am sure they won't have a problem "reminding me" of my LB.

Couldn't have said it any better or to the point as Missy.

The tool is our helper. If I didn't have it, I woukd have given up on my diet, yet again.

The band has allowed me to lose almost 40 lbs and keep it off so far.. I have to do the work but it's there to remind me to not overeat... I think if I can see that my weight will stay off with help from my band I will be happy.