The Lap Band is NOT About Restriction

[BayougirlMrsS 3,933]

I have to agree with hazel on this one.

[GoingforGoal 1,734]

I think both are right angles are correct, it's just a matter of how you are defining the term. I just wanted to insert the thought becuase if someone refers to the bands restriction (opposed to food restriction) they are not incorrect. That's all

[lellow 1,713]

I use the word 'restriction' in the same way that hazel does. That someone doesn't understand what I mean when I'm using it in the correct context is, to me, more their failure to understand than my failure to be contextual. Though I do get where you're coming from, sometimes disputing the contextual use of the word 'restriction' causes more confusion than not, imo.

I absolutely agree with almost everything you've posted MIs but I also disagree that the band doesn't tell me when to stop eating. The signals are there, and VERY clear signals too. They can be ignored, sure, if you really are determined, but they're there. I certainly don't push past those signals - I know that stopping is a good idea, will avoid discomfort and in 10 mins I won't be hungry anymore. So I think it's important for anyone not yet banded to understand that, because sometimes I read these posts, and I walk away thinking, if I were new, that the band did nothing for me, so why bother getting one? It's not like that, it's a very very handy tool to assist you in managing your hunger, and it DOES tell you when to stop, often quite clearly too.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I use the word 'restriction' in the same way that hazel does. That someone doesn't understand what I mean when I'm using it in the correct context is, to me, more their failure to understand than my failure to be contextual. Though I do get where you're coming from, sometimes disputing the contextual use of the word 'restriction' causes more confusion than not, imo.

I absolutely agree with almost everything you've posted MIs but I also disagree that the band doesn't tell me when to stop eating. The signals are there, and VERY clear signals too. They can be ignored, sure, if you really are determined, but they're there. I certainly don't push past those signals - I know that stopping is a good idea, will avoid discomfort and in 10 mins I won't be hungry anymore. So I think it's important for anyone not yet banded to understand that, because sometimes I read these posts, and I walk away thinking, if I were new, that the band did nothing for me, so why bother getting one? It's not like that, it's a very very handy tool to assist you in managing your hunger, and it DOES tell you when to stop, often quite clearly too.

Actually, no one is saying it won't give you a signal when to stop eating. It definitely does. That's why the article talks about "soft stops".

The problem I see is people expecting the band to physically stop them from eating so it's impossible to over eat. That isn't the band's job. It'll give you very clear signals that you've had enough but if someone wants to over eat the band won't stop them- especially considering the most overeaten foods are slider types to begin with.

[lellow 1,713]

^^ exactly, I agree. And I guess I wanted to point that out in particular because I see many MANY posts where an unbanded person sees 'it won't stop you eating' as translated to 'it won't help'. The band definitely helps. In fact without the band, I would not be at, or be maintaining, the weight I am now.

As a tool, it can be incredibly effective, if the band is filled and maintained in the green zone, the bandster is mindful of what they eat (there are plenty of posts about eating the 'bandster way' so I won't bother going into it) and do some exercise. It CAN be miraculous, it was for me. But understanding how it work is very important, so as to give the patient the best chance of success. And that's what I see as missing, the understanding. I don't think the language is the problem.

[colorado_chick 55]

I've been banded for three months. I am still a little confused about some things. Well, a lot of things! My main confusion is around whether or not the band can assist you in stopping eating. I know that nothing will physically stop the fork going to my mouth. I control that. But a lot of people quote the line "I control the quality, the band controls the quantity" or something like that. Does the band control the quantity?? This article suggests that I need to control the quantity, but the band will dim my appetite.

[lellow 1,713]

Ok, the best way I can explain it is this, at the RIGHT fill level, the band works like this:

• You can still eat most foods, and should be eating solid food, mainly Proteins, as these work best with the band.
  
• If you're eating solid food, and your band is at the right fill level, you will feel a 'soft stop' once you're had not a lot of food, and the soft stop can take the form of discomfort, or a runny nose, or hiccups, though there are others, you will start to recognise your own. You should stop eating at this point.
  
• This small amount of food should keep you from being hungry again for 3 - 4 hours. And by hunger I mean REAL hunger, not 'I feel like eating' hunger.
  

If you follow the rationale above, and eat solid, mainly Protein, foods 3 meals a day, you will be eating about 1/2 to 1 cup of lean protein plus veg and maybe carbs (if you do that) and sustaining yourself ALL day pretty much. So you could be on 1.5 to 3 cups of food all day without feeling geniune hunger.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I've been banded for three months. I am still a little confused about some things. Well, a lot of things! My main confusion is around whether or not the band can assist you in stopping eating. I know that nothing will physically stop the fork going to my mouth. I control that. But a lot of people quote the line "I control the quality, the band controls the quantity" or something like that. Does the band control the quantity?? This article suggests that I need to control the quantity, but the band will dim my appetite.

Lellow worded it perfectly.

It controls the quantity by giving you signals "hey, it's time to stop eating". It's a learning experience but if you learn to listen to your band it becomes second nature. But, can you still eat if you want to eat beyond that "soft stop" signal? Yes, most of the time you can. Think of the band as tapping you on the shoulder saying "you're done" not plugging up the hole so you don't have a choice. You always still have a choice.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

"I control the quality, the band controls the quantity"

this is on my signature...so i am guessing its referencing me

yes, i listen to the band for my (signals) and i pay attention

and yes i eat better foods aka quality

in short, it works for me.....

yes i could eat around the band and eat more than i need to

and eat junk food like like use to, but i choose not to..i merely help

the band...