I went for my consult with the nutritionist and found it to be quite interesting. She says fake sugar is ok if you use just 2 items a day and she says lapband is all about counting calories. Do you find this to be true? She suggested a website for counting calories at fitday.com but I like thedailyplate.com better so I am using it. She wants me to be on a 1600 calorie diet to prepare for surgery. I can do it but I am concerned about losing too much weight to qualify for surgery. What would you do? I also went for my cardiac clearance. No results on that for 2 weeks:frown:. But the technician said it looks good for me to get a clearance. :cool2: So my worries about the heart murmur and all that are much less than they were. I think this is about all the hoops I need to jump through. I think the surgeon can submit it to my ins. for approval now. Yay! I want to have the surgery in September or October. Wish my luck on the approval!

I'm on a 1200-1600 calorie diet, and I don't think it's all about counting calories. You need to exercise too and take small bites and all that jazz.

It's all about calories in and activity out. If you count the calories or use the band to restrict your intake it is the same as far as the basics are concerned. IMO, if you have no idea about what are calorie dense foods you can eat a small amount and not lose weight. I am glad I know how to count calories as I feel it helps me make good choices and my band keeps my portions in control. I found that getting all artificial sugar out of my diet helped me a lot so I don't indulge but I think each of us needs to be sure for outselves. My insurance clearly stated that the detemination for surgery would be made on my pre-supervised-diet weight. If I did not show a signifigant weight loss (for my insurance 5-10% of body weight) they would not have approved me. Check with your insurance and see if your deal is the same. Good luck!

Thanks to both of you. I know exercise needs to be a part of the diet. I don't think that is what she meant. I think that as far as eating goes it is about the calories but I also intend to watch my fat intake and certainly a lot less sweets if any at all. Also someone on here said not to drink your calories. I think that is true. Good luck to both of you in your journeys.

thanks yellow you too