Hello everyone, I would like to know whats the key to actually losing the weight, after surgery. I have heard alot of people say it did nothing for them, but I know that couldn't be true unless they didn't try. Also, is it true that the tighter the band the faster you lose????

The lap band is not right for everyone. Weight Loss Surgery is not "one supersize fits all". People who graze, snack, eat emotionally and can't get a handle on it, or have a severe sweet tooth may not do as well with the band, and find another surgery like bypass works better.

Similarly bypass, with it's restriction AND malabsorption, is the faster method of loss.

The smart consumer needs to read up on all forms of WLS and pick which, if any, is right for him or her.

And no, tighter doesn't mean faster loss. There is a range or zone where restriction is sufficient for the person to be full on 1/2 to 1 cup of food and stay that way for up to 6 hours or so. Too tight generally means the person turns to foods that go down easily (food getting stuck HURTS, sometimes a little, sometimes a lot) and most "slider" foods are high in fat and/or surgar and don't afford good weight loss.

Attending a seminar should give you some basic information.

Follow the rules. The weight loss is 2/3 our effort, and 1/3 the band ( my Dr. said!)

If getting WLS, you will make a commitment to change your lifestyle. If you are not ready for a new lifestyle, and willing to follow your doctor's guidelines, then you are not ready for WLS.