You find most people post/blog when something bad happens or if something really good happens you don't really see the it's a normal day everything is going alright posts.<BR> You're right though, a lot of us do come here for encouragement and need that positive feed back. <BR>I've been banded for 1yr and almost 5 mo. I've had great success with my lap band and am very happy with it. The only time I've ever had an issue with mine is when I got a bad cold and had bad drainage. All that it took to fix that was to have less than half a CC removed. The only times I ever get sick from eating is if I eat too fast or if I'm more restricted during that time of the month. I rarely ever have anything come back up anymore. It's definitely been a learning process but after tweaking and tracking and playing around with my diet I have figured out what works for me. I've lost 150 lbs and I feel and look so much better. You are right everyone is different, but if you are proactive and realistic then you will most likely get the results you're looking for. Just keep telling yourself when it comes to eating that the band helps with the appetite it's still up to you to decided what you put in your mouth. The band doesn't STOP craving for unhealthy food. I tell myself every time I go for a run, What sucks today is just a memory tomorrow! Also remember to just keep pushing and tweaking your diet and exercise plan even when you plateau. I have had so many plateaus and every time I freak out and every time I eventually get past it.<BR>Oh and the protein shake thing... I notice if I don't smell it they don't taste bad. I think I've just gotten used to them by now.<BR>

It is unfortunate that a lot of the posts on here are negative but it is just people that are looking for tips, motivation or trying not to feel alone. There is a Lap Band Success Stories thread on here too! I tend to stick to that when I need some motivation. My experience with the band has been positive. Sometimes I get stuck at the same weight for a couple of weeks and I just keep at it until I see the scale move. If I look back over those times, I can usually see what I have done wrong - slacked on working out, made bad choices with food or just needed to switch up exercise and food choices. I know that is not everyone's experience though. I keep at it everyday -that is what the band has given me. Instead of giving up the band has been a great tool in allowing me to start over with good/healthy choices everyday! Keep positive and I'm sure you will do great!

I have to admit that I am in my negative phase of things. I was just banded in Aug and now have my first fill and I am not seeing the results that I "think" that I should see. But the thing is that I still have hope that if I do MY part, things will turn out for the better. You just have to stay positive regardless. Most people do come on here with the negative because they feel down or discouraged and they are afraid to fail yet again at another WL endeavor. But most of the time I have found that there is a happy ending if you keep up with your fills and follow the weight loss patterns that best suite you. It is a learning and growing process but you can do it. We all can...

I think over time I dieted myself to obesity. At age 46 I really had given up. Then I got my lap band and although the process was slow (I never dieted, I never ate any low calorie of low fat food, I never exercised except a few dog walks) It has been pretty easy. I keep my band pretty tight and it keeps me from overeating. I self payed and would do it all again. I have no doubt that I will keep the weight off.If you havent already take the time to read the whole blog of band_groupie which is called the sweet spot. She also never dieted or exercised and I think she lost 100 pounds in a year.

I have reached my normal BMI goal and have since lost a few more pounds. I dont want to lose any more of my boobs (LOL!) so if I lose more than about 5 more I think I might get a tiny unfill.

Good luck!

Yup I'm negative cause despite what my surgeon is telling me nothing is working. I ve dieted before and lost but not now. Lapband should be a last resort honey.