Hi everyone, I'm 231lb 5 Foot 11 inches and booked in March for lap band.

Read the stories on these forums tonight, wow! Unbelievable really how so many of you have done do great.

I have just two questions if I may ask:

1: given my profile, upon average loss what would most of you guess my final weight will when all is said and done?

2: Protein drinks. Are these for life or just a few months? I read conflicting reports, my surgery said not overly important but many of you seem to be on them for a long while.

Thanks for stopping by and keep up the good work

Common wisdom is that people who have band surgery lose about 60% of the overweight lbs, as I recall; the surgery practices would do the math to set the goal base. It's usually higher than the patient wishes, methinks. In the absence of unusual circumstances, you can lose more if you do the work.

First, follow the instructions you're given by your surgery practice staff. Now, for me: I used Protein shakes only as instructed by my practice's RD for the early days after surgery (once I was told to move up from cleer liquids, I suppose). It must have been only for a week or three. I've known band people who opt for protene shakes and additives to the end of time. It makes no sense to me, but, then again, some people may keep their bands tighter or have other factors at work. I prefer real food in my mouth and have always planned my meals so that I easily get the minimum 60g daily. Surgery professionals generally advise solid food over liquids.

For many reasons do use a food tracker. A popular one is My Fitness Pal. I use the tracker at sparkpeople.com. There are many free ones available.

Welcome to a mysterious world.

nb: Italicized misspellings are intentional. I'm a good little speller.

Edited January 11, 201610 yr by WLSResources/ClothingExch

Thank you, that is very helpful. Can't wait to start this, eight weeks still seems so far away

Hi Kevin, Congrats on taking the first step to a better life. You are making the right choice. As per your questions. A typical 100 lb Weightloss is not that hard to achieve with the lap band procedure. How do I know well this Wednesday is my 1 year bandaversary and in the course of this one year I am down 109 lbs and I went from a 58 waist to a 38. Regarding protein shakes. I still have anywhere from 1 to 2 shakes a day. Sometimes in place of a breakfast or as a snack at night. Best of luck and enjoy your journey to a better life.