I would like to tell this story to reinforce the fact that the band is a TOOL, not a "cure" for weight loss:

My wife works with a man who had the band one year ago. She thinks he has only had one fill. To date, he has lost a total of 5 pounds!!! He has failed to get fills when needed and is able to eat pretty much what he wants, and does!! He does not eat Protein first, and often not second or third. He finally heard her talking about me getting my second fill 8 weeks post-op, so he scheduled one for himself, probably out of guilt. He now is trying desperately to force down bread, cheese, crackers, and any other type of carb you can imagine. He told her he JUST NOW learned that he should not drink when he eats, so apparently he has not listened to his doctor and/or dietician.

I don't want to discourage anyone out there by telling about his 5 pound loss in a year, but DO want to let people know that they MUST use the band to their advantage and not try to sabotage it just to see if they can. I can't imagine going through all the appointments, arguments with insurance and then the surgery just to try to "beat the system"!! I am doing well myself and love it and feel so much better!! But for those of you who think the band is a magic solution, you need to get that idea out of your thoughts. It takes work, but IS very do-able if you just make a little effort!!

Yeah, this is a thought-provoking thread. I'm with CoffeeWench: sure, the guy could have done much more, but he's not a failure. Five pounds lost is better than nothing. And the story is a great reminder to all of us who go on "vacations" from good bandster behavior, whether for a day, a week, or months, that the tool still lies waiting for us to use properly when we're ready to follow the rules again.

Sounds like he needs some support. Why not refer him to this group?

-Kendra

Wow - it's interesting how everone has such different experiences and reactions to this man's challenges. I for one felt like I was very educated and really knew what I wanted and like most paid a lot of money for it. I have lost weight, am working out but it has been harder than I ever imagined. I think a support system, a good doctor and someone in your life who has been through it really helps. I have all three but still find it hard everyday. I recently had my second fill and had been pb'ing a lot and email my MD and was told I was eating too much. So my MD says to keep it under 600 calories a day but read some eat between 800-1200. So it seems there is so much of the rules changes from MD to MD. In any event, I hope this mans reads these posts and feels inspired to try again and get some help with his resistance to letting the food go. I am grateful that I am not walking in his shoes - it must be very painful.

Wow,

I'm glad this thread got bumped too. It was interesting reading. I didn't even know it was an old thread until I got to Christina's post. LOL. Wonder how Larry and his friend are doing now... Thanks for bumping this. Teresa

Your All Welcome- Interesting I found it looking for answers to Birthcontrol Pills---LOL LOL LOL

well i am due to be banded on may 11th and i have been doing alot of research on this surgery and the dr's but i still do not have a real handle on the allowed foods and all the pre and post op diets and advice on where i can find this info?