Help me understand all this!

[marthie66 1]

Okay, I don't think this whole lap band thing was explained to me real well! Yes, I was told that is was only a TOOL and not a cure! Some of y'all are watching your carbs while others of you are counting calories. I noticed that some of you keep your calories between 800 and 1,000 calories daily. I have been told by doctors and other people that if you cut your calories too much then your body goes into "starvation mode" and holds on to everything and you won't lose. I don't see how I am going to get enough calories eating 4 ounces of food! My doctor said to eat 5-6 times daily but still even at that I am not consuming many calories at all! Does your body just eventually realize that this is what your body needs? Please help me understand this!

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Personally, I know that weighing 360...if I eat 1000-1200 cal a day my body is NOT going to hold on to it forever. Lap band average is 1-2 pounds loss a week. (That's what WW averages too, by the way) Some count carbs or calories because that is what they want to do or what their surgeon recommends. Some don't because they don't want to or their surgeon does not recommend "dieting". It's a tool; everyone uses it with their own style. My surgeon for example says 3 meals a day ONLY! not 6. No Snacks. I think you are trying to pin down something that isn't there. You'll use the band the best way for you. If you eat 1000 cal a day and aren't losing, up your calories if you want. It's your band; you'll work it the way that works for you.

[crzytchr 3]

I average around a cup of food 4 times a day. I log my food onto fitday, because I want to be certain I am at least at 1000 calories, but I try to stay under 1300. I try to fluctuate it and hit 1400-1500 every 3 days or so, to keep my metabolism working. I am not really watching carbs, but I DO make sure I eat my Protein first, because I try to get at least 70g per day.

I think that if I had hunger pangs sooner than every 3-4 hrs, I would cut the carbs, because that is what normally causes me to get hungry sooner. For now, that isn't a problem, though.