I'm newly banded, but I read a whole lot more than I ever post. I have spent hours and hours this last week doing a lot of reading here. I have read a lot of posts that its obvious that the people recognize that this a just a TOOL to help in weight loss. I have also read many posts where people were banded 2 or more years ago and have only lost 40 lbs. How in the world is that even possible? The physics of weight loss are simple. MORE ENGERY EXPENDED THAN CONSUMED = WEIGHT LOSS... Are their really people undergoing this operation that don't understand this?

I am not judging anyone, please don't think this. But its like I see people FREAKING out if they dont feel "their restriction". What that says to me is that we are relying totally on our bands to do the work. For me I feel as if its going to be a lot more "headwork" than anything. I dunno, I could totally freak out if I don't feel it either. I just feel like as if I am scared that I will totally be dependent on the band to do everything when I know from that start that no matter what I have to do my part of eating right and moving my body.

I read the results of the studies and its right there in black and white. People with lapband lose only 30-40% of their weight? What they aren't saying is why is this happening? It could be a multitude of things. But I like many others felt this was the best course for me and am committed to do the right things and let the band be my aid. I think it just goes to show that those so called "thorough psych evals" are hogwash.

If any this doesnt make sense, forgive me. I tend to ramble when I have a lot of thoughts. Also, not trying to offend anyone. Just food for thought.

I'm not doing anything special to particularly ADD Protein to my diet. I thought it was just to stave off hunger as opposed to assist in weightloss and since I'm not really hungry per se, I thought I'd let it go.

:car: my bad!

I'll try some protein powders or drinks and see if that kicks the weightloss into gear.

Passive - you body need protein to live. what were your instructions - didn't you have to meet w/a nutritionist?? I lost like 1 pound a day that 1st week - then it has slowed to 1 or 2 a week - but the 1st week after my 1st fill lost 3 - but had to go on liquids for a week. Good Luck

I did have to meet with a nutritionist. Once a week for nine weeks and you're right, they mentioned protein for various reasons. To stave off hunger, to keep muscle tone and hair when losing, etc... and there is a certain amount of protein in what I take in, just not 60 grams (or close to it). I think I blocked a lot of that out because truthfully I tried some of the protein drinks prior to surgery and they nauseated me. But I know there are unflavored powders and things I can do to doctor them up, I guess I was kinda just hoping that a little more "magic" would have happened to me in these initial stages.

I did have to meet with a nutritionist. Once a week for nine weeks and you're right, they mentioned Protein for various reasons. To stave off hunger, to keep muscle tone and hair when losing, etc... and there is a certain amount of protein in what I take in, just not 60 grams (or close to it). I think I blocked a lot of that out because truthfully I tried some of the protein drinks prior to surgery and they nauseated me. But I know there are unflavored powders and things I can do to doctor them up, I guess I was kinda just hoping that a little more "magic" would have happened to me in these initial stages.

Passive I am there with you on not liking the protein drinks - I don't like sweets 24/7 - Medi Fast makes a banana cream shake - that i like and they also make some cream soups that aren't bad either. With the shake it has 11 grams of pt and i add a litte real banana and ice - i make all my shakes in a blender magic bullet - and the receipe i gave you earlier was good - i put the unjury unflavored protein powder in my cofffe (ya gotta let it cool some or it will currdle) and 1 scoop is 20 grm - so if you do that you have 3 cup of coffee (i only have 1) you have your 60 grms and then can eat what you want (well you know what i mean = healthy low fat low sugar) I think if you add some protein - you just might get a boost...

Yes, the band is but one tool and people know that. The psyche eval is not designed to find only obsessive compulsives who can succeed at a 99% rate. What is telling about this thread, is that the title baits people to come here and then attempts to beat less sucessful people up. To what end? Do ya feel better now? what assistance did you think you were giving the potential reader here. I am glad you are doing well and wish you all of the best in your journey. However, in a few months if you get weak, remember what you wrote here and take some of your own medicine. :car:

Some people just have slower metabolisms that other people. That's where exercise comes into play.

I have to say too, that since I got my last fill, I am losing a lot better. It is much easier when you feel so full from a fill that food

doesn't even enter the mind. Before this last fill, I had Snacks on the brain. Now I feel like I ate a big dinner and the thought of food or snacks is almost nauseating. I am sure it won't last because it never does. I always lose better right after a fill.

Yes, the band is but one tool and people know that. The psyche eval is not designed to find only obsessive compulsives who can succeed at a 99% rate. What is telling about this thread, is that the title baits people to come here and then attempts to beat less sucessful people up. To what end? Do ya feel better now? what assistance did you think you were giving the potential reader here. I am glad you are doing well and wish you all of the best in your journey. However, in a few months if you get weak, remember what you wrote here and take some of your own medicine. :car:

Krinannie - IMHO i don't think anyone was trying to beat anyone up here on being less successfull - the original poster was stating a fact that was given to all of us from day one - IMHO i know that we all Know that the band isn't the magic answer to our food issue but I think somewhere in the back of some peoples mind that they think it is and then are dissappointed when the weight doesn't fall off. We are all individuals here and our weight loss journey will be as individual as each of us are travel this path - it will be fast for some - slow for some - and the truth be told some here will fail and I could be one - she could be one - but she is stating "don't blame the band" the band is nothing more than a tool- The assistance to the reader is that they should not think that this the Band is the only key to losing weight - it's your brain and what you choose to do. This imho this is tough band love - and i truly understand where she is comming from - But again this is my perception and we all read things differently. You have been given the tool to help now you gotta do the work to make it work... It doesn't work all by it's self..

Repectfully

I only lost 30 lbs the first 9 months i was banded, which i knew was a little on the low side. i went to my family doc the beginning of aug 07 for my annual checkup and he was extremely disappointed that i had spent so much money and lost so little... i knew i was eating about 1/2 to 1/3 less than i was before i got banded and exercising 3 days per week, but obviously that wasnt enough.

my doc put me on a 1200 a day calorie diet and insisted that i start doing cardio and strength training 5 days a week 1 to 1/2 hours a day.

i guess i thought that my band would make the wt go away since i was eating less- not realizing i was still eating enough to maintain such a high wt... i was in denial that once again i was going to have to "diet" to lose wt.

i have lost 14 lbs in a little over a month and sticking to my docs plan.

my previous preband days i had lost 100 lbs twice only to regain that wt each time. this time because of my band i know i wont regain 100 lbs.

i believe my band is there to remind me and keep me in check and for maintance purposes once i actually lose all this wt the only way wt really comes off thru diet and exercise.

I only lost 30 lbs the first 9 months i was banded, which i knew was a little on the low side. i went to my family doc the beginning of aug 07 for my annual checkup and he was extremely disappointed that i had spent so much money and lost so little... i knew i was eating about 1/2 to 1/3 less than i was before i got banded and exercising 3 days per week, but obviously that wasnt enough.

my doc put me on a 1200 a day calorie diet and insisted that i start doing cardio and strength training 5 days a week 1 to 1/2 hours a day.

i guess i thought that my band would make the wt go away since i was eating less- not realizing i was still eating enough to maintain such a high wt... i was in denial that once again i was going to have to "diet" to lose wt.

i have lost 14 lbs in a little over a month and sticking to my docs plan.

my previous preband days i had lost 100 lbs twice only to regain that wt each time. this time because of my band i know i wont regain 100 lbs.

i believe my band is there to remind me and keep me in check and for maintance purposes once i actually lose all this wt the only way wt really comes off thru diet and exercise.

KYM828

There is it MAGIC - "calories & exercise" - there is no way around that period the end....:biggrin1:

INDIOGIRL55 is my hero! Tough band-love. Works for me.

Krinannie - IMHO i don't think anyone was trying to beat anyone up here on being less successfull - the original poster was stating a fact that was given to all of us from day one - IMHO i know that we all Know that the band isn't the magic answer to our food issue but I think somewhere in the back of some peoples mind that they think it is and then are dissappointed when the weight doesn't fall off. We are all individuals here and our weight loss journey will be as individual as each of us are travel this path - it will be fast for some - slow for some - and the truth be told some here will fail and I could be one - she could be one - but she is stating "don't blame the band" the band is nothing more than a tool- The assistance to the reader is that they should not think that this the Band is the only key to losing weight - it's your brain and what you choose to do. This imho this is tough band love - and i truly understand where she is comming from - But again this is my perception and we all read things differently. You have been given the tool to help now you gotta do the work to make it work... It doesn't work all by it's self..

Repectfully

Well, as long as we are talking about our humble opinions, a closer read of the original post reveals a very telling clue that you seem to have missed....that being the statement that the psych evals fail to weed out the weaklings that cannot face the realitites of the band. IMeversoHO, this is not simply a post about the poster coming to Jesus on this it was a direct diminishment of those who have gone an extended period of time and not become Twiggy, and I stand by my position. :heh:

BonJosie - Thanks for your message. I think I'm in the same boat and your story has calmed me down a bit. Suddenly I have 0 restriction whereas the last three weeks of being a newbe I couldn't eat much. Now I can eat everything and oh boy am I. I have got to get a fill before I gain back my ten lbs I lost.

Well, as long as we are talking about our humble opinions, a closer read of the original post reveals a very telling clue that you seem to have missed....that being the statement that the psych evals fail to weed out the weaklings that cannot face the realitites of the band. IMeversoHO, this is not simply a post about the poster coming to Jesus on this it was a direct diminishment of those who have gone an extended period of time and not become Twiggy, and I stand by my position. :heh:

I did miss this! Thanks for pointing it out -and weaklings might not have been the best word to use, but to my perception it's saying "not everyone is ready to do the head work that the band requires" and it has nothing to do with being twiggy.

I just read here yesterday were someone did flunk their psych exam and has to go back in 60 days.

I think we can both agree - you read into it what you like and I read into it what i like - I have spoken with the op and it was never intended to inflame anyone into this major debate - it was all about accepting responsiblity for your actions - and not blaming the band for not losing weight.. And I personally think that's a sign of someone who is on the right tract... To. many people today want to blame others for their problems, I think accepting responsiblity for your actions is a very mature and healthy mindset.

I personally accept that I am FAT - it's no ones fault but mine - I accept that right now i am highly motivated am at the present winning the battle. I accept that tommorrow i could have a weak moment and fall off this band wagon . I hope not to and will do what i can not to but could happen and if it does - it will all be on me and not the band.

I did miss this! Thanks for pointing it out -and weaklings might not have been the best word to use, but to my perception it's saying "not everyone is ready to do the head work that the band requires" and it has nothing to do with being twiggy.

I just read here yesterday were someone did flunk their psych exam and has to go back in 60 days.

I think we can both agree - you read into it what you like and I read into it what i like - I have spoken with the op and it was never intended to inflame anyone into this major debate - it was all about accepting responsiblity for your actions - and not blaming the band for not losing weight.. And I personally think that's a sign of someone who is on the right tract... To. many people today want to blame others for their problems, I think accepting responsiblity for your actions is a very mature and healthy mindset.

I personally accept that I am FAT - it's no ones fault but mine - I accept that right now i am highly motivated am at the present winning the battle. I accept that tommorrow i could have a weak moment and fall off this band wagon . I hope not to and will do what i can not to but could happen and if it does - it will all be on me and not the band.

I think we both are on the very same page about accepting responsibility ... and FAT is surely what I am -- especially given I am pre-band. I am as excited as anyone undertaling this adventure and am sure there is some corner of my being that hopes beyond hope that I will wake up with a band in AND all the weight off...(much like I hoped my uterus weighed 80 pounds instead of 8 grams when I had it removed) In the end, though, it is about ALL of us being healthy and happy........one of the posters on another site I go to was denied surgery and along with MANY OTHER FACTORS, took her life and the life her special needs child. THAT is what we must defend against happening to the extent we have the power, however little power it is. Good day and thank you for the honest eschange of ideas.

I think we both are on the very same page about accepting responsibility ... and FAT is surely what I am -- especially given I am pre-band. I am as excited as anyone undertaling this adventure and am sure there is some corner of my being that hopes beyond hope that I will wake up with a band in AND all the weight off...(much like I hoped my uterus weighed 80 pounds instead of 8 grams when I had it removed) In the end, though, it is about ALL of us being healthy and happy........one of the posters on another site I go to was denied surgery and along with MANY OTHER FACTORS, took her life and the life her special needs child. THAT is what we must defend against happening to the extent we have the power, however little power it is. Good day and thank you for the honest eschange of ideas.

Krinannie

Loved the 80 vs 8 grms - Yes us chubby chick have alot in common and I appreciate the honest exchange of ideas too without getting nasty like some do..

I am so very sorry about that poster who took her life and that of her child. I have been touched by suicide and it is such a difficult thing to experience. What an awful thing to happen - said a little prayer for her & her family

Good Luck on your journey - I think it's well worth it and even me has that little hope in the corner of my mind that it will be easier this time (and so far it has, as the band does make you feel full faster - but i can be full and still want to eat - so many head hunger issues to deal with and i am exercising 5 days a week and making correct food choices 99% of the time) and pray that I will be able to keep it off (this time)

Again my best to you...

Janet

Thanks for your consideration. I wondered, too, about the head hunger factor. I guess I am hoping the desire not to make myself sick will help. I have so much yet to learn as I have gone to the seminar and am awaiting a call from the doc to start the next step. I don't come here as much as the other forum I go to. BUt I find both to be of great value.

:whoo: