I was wondering how you all felt about LBT. I don't think anyone from my support group is a part of LBT and wonder if I would have better success following my doctor's orders if I had never found LBT or because of LBT I will have better success? Please feel free to check more then one response.

This is an interesting question! The answer for any given person will probably hinge to a great extent on how rigid his/her doctor's guidelines are, too. It was very easy to follow my doctor's instructions because they weren't anywhere near as restrictive as some others I've heard of. If I'd been put on a 4-week Optifast pre-op diet, or told to stick to clear liquids for 4 weeks after surgery, I might have a very different answer.

This is an interesting question! The answer for any given person will probably hinge to a great extent on how rigid his/her doctor's guidelines are, too.

My thoughts exactly!

If one blames LBT for something one does, or thinks anything on LBT makes it easier for one to be "bad," in my opinion that is an excuse.

One can always find a reason to justify doing what one wants to do. One can always find a supporting opinion to make oneself feel better for what choices are made.

We are all the captains of our own ships.

I would say that LBT has neither helped nor hindered my success. I believe that had I not found LBT I would have lost the same weight I have lost. There's nothing I've seen or done here that has made the weight come off more quickly, or made rules easier to follow, etc. I ask questions & get advice -- mainly from the local board and from people in my "real life" support group, so I could have gotten that advice elsewhere... this just provided easier access.

My surgeon's guidelines weren't horrible either.

Hi All

I had quite a long break from LBT not for any particular reason.

But i have to say that since coming back in to read up on peoples progress etc it has made me realise how invaluable the support and advice on this site is. The moral support is the biggest gain for me as when it comes to medical questions we can all fall back on our doctors and surgeons. What we dont get from them is the support from fellow bandsters when the going gets a bit tough on our individual journeys from unhappy obesity into our new lives of becoming a "normal" weight..

So thank you to all of you !!!!!

Tracey v xxx

LBT has been a huge help to me and I don't know what I would have done without it. It has helped me see that my feelings are normal.

Having said that, I have also had times when I felt bad becuase I didn't feel like I belonged or fit in with the people on my 'monthly' chat, and I wish to God that I had never read that the band isn't really working until you have had your first fill. Whether or not the above things are true, they really got me down.

I also started eating soft foods a week early because 'everyone else' was eating soft foods way before me. (However, I did listen to my Dr. and wait 3 weeks before exercising. lol)

Good question.

I have followed my docs orders and contribute my weight loss to my own hard work. But I have enjoyed LBT very much for the support. It has helped me because I don't know hardly any other Bandsters and I like chatting with others that are going through the same things I am.

as a prebanded person.. LBT has been a HUGE help to me.... I found my doc by first hearing his name (and others) and then doing my own research... had I not.. I might of just went with the guy who is plastering my tv with his commercials..........

I've gained information, motivation, networked a little, and have learned that by far.. everyone is different... and that post op check list is posted on my fridge...... I will be the first banded person in my cirlce of RL friends and family... so it helps to just pop on here and talk to vetrans and other pre-bandsters.

LBT has been a huge help to me because in my dr's own support groups there are very few banded people and the people who have other surgeries are rather rude to me anyway.

The advice and guidance I got here pre-surgery was amazing. I would have not known ANYTHING and gone into this blind because the info from my dr's wasn't robust enough. They gave me all the technical information, sure, and a very strict eating plan, but I heard so much here about what goes on in real life, what a PB actually feels like, what to expect in the days after surgery, etc.

LBT has been a bit less helpful as I'm later out in the process. There are some veterans here, and it's great to talk to them, but most folks who have been banded a while drift off for all the reasons we've already talked about in other threads.

So for a newbie, I think it's incredible. For an oldbie, it's still very useful.

HUGE help for me. I get info here on issues that aren't things my surgeon would have guidelines on. Emotional issues for example. Just knowing other people are going through the same things. Tricks to make following the my surgeon's guidelines easier.

I always follow what my doctor says, as he knows me personally and knows what is best for me. However, LBT has been wonderful as a support base for me from prior to my surgery up until right now. I have a wonderful and supportive family and friends, and I enjoy my support group. However, the support group only meets once a month. And, as wonderful as my family is, it just helps being able to interact with other people who are experiencing the same things I am.

I agree w/Alexandra.....my Dr. is not too restrictive so it's been I think a lot easier for me, but....I've also been able to appreciate that, get support and information from the other LBTers out there and just to know that there are other people out there 'like me'....is GREAT!!!

Can't imagine not having this place to come and talk!

I think on-line forums are unique. We can get to know other people pretty well, and care about each other, but there is also an element of anonymity that makes it easier to be more open about things we might be shy talking about in real life.

At least that's true for me. <O:p</O:p

LBT has been a HUGE suppport to me. I found and decided on Dr. Ortiz through this site. I don't think I'd be banded and doing so well if not for LBT. It is like therapy for me. I have met wonderful people, just like me who understand me.

I am the type of person who needs a daily checking in for what I am doing, accountability and having a "diet" buddy helps me tremedously.

Thank you to all who answered my post and helped me along the way!!! I am eternally grateful to you all!!!

Using this site and another UK site has been absolutely invaluable to me. I don't think I would have been as motivated if left to my own devices. The support and information I have recieved has been brilliant.

Laura x