Thank you Kelly. I print your advise and posted a copy on my fridge and board @ work. I plan on following and updating you 1 month from today.

THANK YOU KELLY I WILL TRY THIS AND LET YOU KNOW IF I SEE RESULTS.

Hi Kelly. I was glad to read your post because I am feeling like a failure thus far. I was banded back in August and lost about 13 pounds at first, but have now gone back up close to my starting weight. I got my first fill this past weekend and I have no restriction. I am trying not to get discouraged because I do know that the band is a tool and not a "magic device" as they say but what is the use in getting it if it's not going to help at all. HELLO, I'm fat for a reason so obviously I have a food addiction and I am really sick of hearing that 'You have to do your part" and "the band is not going to do it all". Like my 5 year old says, "but duh". I am aware of this!!! but just when exactly does the lap band kick in and do its part??? I'm kind of feeling like I should have gotten the gastric bypass as planned. Anyone who has gone through this and can give me some words of encouragement it would be so appreciated right now...

I hear what ya saying but my surgeon is telling me under 1000 calories. I eat a low carb, low calorie diet. I track everything. I work out 6 days a week. Cardio and weights. I don't know whatelse to do when I've gained 4 lbs. I have great restriction. I'm currently on a water fast for 2 days to see of that will help. No calories for 2 days.

So glad you posted this. I've met with a couple of registered dieticians over the years and they all give the same advice. Create a calorie deficit through diet and exercise, but not so much that your body shuts down and holds on to every ounce its got. For me, successful weight loss (without the band) only happened when I was doing strength training 2-3x/week, cardio 3-4x/week (60-80%of max heart rate) and eating roughly 1600 calories per day, with a breakdown of 40% protein, 30% carbs (complex carbs mostly) and 30% fat. I lost an average of 2 pounds a week for many months, and I was concerned that my calorie intake would be too low with the band, but when I asked the surgeon he said my target should be 1400 calories a day. This reassured me that I can be successful with this, while incorporating the knowledge I already have about exercise & nutrition.

Good Post Kelly, your way will be successful for the long haul of weight loss. I am losing slowly now but have increased my calories, and monitor my carbs and fat intake. I eat between 90-100 grams of protein a day and honestly lose better when my protein is higher. I also agree with having a (treat day) I hate the word cheat ;-0 My thought is if i plan I can eat anything I want! Great weight loss good luck reaching goal.

WOW Kelly you read my mind. I have been the same weight for 3 weeks, I have lost a total of 26 since aug 1, and had surgery aug 15th. I have great restriction and will not need a fill (ever hopefully). I have gotten stuck a couple of time sonly when eating too fast. I play tennis 2 times a week, walk 5 times a week and ride my recumbent bike 2 times a week. My calories have been at 1400 everyday give or take a couple of calories. Everyone says something different so I don’t know what to do. I currently weigh 206 lbs. I am 5'10 and I would say I do moderate activities. I know my body is shrinking and I am now a size 14. I am self pay and my goal is 170 lbs. Can you think of anything I am missing - oh yes, I do Calorie count site everyday and get all A's except when I have a few drinks every couple of weeks..lol. I know "slow and steady wins the race" but I am frustrated and I thank you so much for your advice. Thank you for your post and I pray I can up my calories more, I really have NO Appetite! But, do my best to eat really healthy food. I think my weakness is chips and salsa. I do love that. Anything you can help with I would so appreciate !! thank you!!

Thanks Kelly....really gonna try these tips!!!

I hear what ya saying but my surgeon is telling me under 1000 calories. I eat a low carb, low calorie diet. I track everything. I work out 6 days a week. Cardio and weights. I don't know whatelse to do when I've gained 4 lbs. I have great restriction. I'm currently on a water fast for 2 days to see of that will help. No calories for 2 days.

Like I said, my surgeon told me to eat under 1000 cals as well...and I had a lot of restriction. I barely lost anything. You asked what else to do...? I just listed what you should try. Have fluid removed from the band, eat clean and work out. What you are doing is causing your body to NOT lose weight by only burning your muslce - muscle is your metabolism. Think about it. What a disservice!!!

hello, i had surgery on 11/2010 i started at 287 my low was 244 and i have found myself having a very hard time lossing the weight i had an upper gi its fine im filled to like 8 so its pretty tight but im not lossing i feel like the dr. think its me but i have no idea what else to do but post on here to get feed back i recently got pregnant but loss it and i did put on a good 15lb.its been 1year + out and thats all i had loss but what i hate the most is im always getting sick i have a very hard time keeping food down please anyone else having this problem please let me know what you did thats working HELPPPPP

I'm feeling real frustrated with myself,like a failure once again.I had the band done in 2006.I did great in the beginning and even up to about a year ago was still happy because I was maintaining a weight i felt reasonable for my age and activity level.I wasn't at my goal and was still 25lbs off but was happy with myself.Now everything has changed.I gained 20lbs back over the past year.Went back to the doctor and had tests done and everything is fine so they did another adjustment.I can only get one more.I have some restriction but not much.I haven't lost a pound since the adjustment.Really feeling down.People don't realize the emotional toll this is taking.My doctor told me oh well you had a good run of 6 yrs at least you got that.What?He should be trying to help me figure things out.I wish i could have this off and have the bypass.I'm lost and need guidance so badly but there isn't any.what can I do?HELP

I am waiting for insurance approval, and several doctors recommended the lap band over the by pass. However last week I went to see an oconlogist and she said she never met anyone who was successful with the lapband. This leaves me concerned. Reading the blog has me more conerned. Your thoughts?