crittlebird

I only eat 2 grams of sugar per entree, which I was instructed to do by my nutritionalist. Everything I eat is sugar free. They make great sf candies, cookies, and ice cream. You still must eat these in moderation, but they are my lifesavers. I found out through this lapband that sugar was my culprit. I don't even miss it anymore. Many sugar free items out there and online, so if you are a chocoholic like I am, you can still be satisfied!!!!! Good luck

Hi all, I had lap band surgery 1 yr ago on April 20th. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself!!!! I lost 11 lbs before surgery and 70 lbs since surgery. I never thought I could do this, but I am. I am so proud of the amount I have lost For those of you just going into this surgery, keep the faith. I know others have lost a lot more than me in a year, but I am truely happy for myself. I feel much better in every way!!!! So, if you are unsure of getting the band, I say DO IT!!! You won't be disappointed!!!!

My doctor has done his own personal research on both the Realize and the Allergan lapbands. In his research of all his patients he has found Allergan to be the best. He said that people with the Allergan tend to lose more in the long run and keep it off better. He himself has the Allergan band. That is what I have.

Check with your surgeon, but I eat sugar free candy a lot. It does have more calories, but with me it is cutting sugar down to 2g per entree that has allowed me to lose. I eat many sugar free products. I always thought eating too much fat was my problem, but to be truthful it is definetly the sugar. I have of course cut way back on my fat, but I think eating a piece or two of sugar free candy daily is not a big issue, at least with me!!!! Good luck!!!

I was banded in April, 2011 and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have lost a total of 65 llbs, 11 lbs pre-band and 54 after band. There was a month that I did not lose anything and felt discouraged, but when losing weight we all have our ups and downs. Give yourself time to adjust to the band, because you will become in tune with it, trust me. It takes awhile, but you will. In the beginning you are healing and not losing so much, be patient with your body. The band is the best gift I have ever given myself. I wanted to lose slow and steady, and I am. I have difficulty exercising because of balance issues (I had 2 brainstem strokes, which affected my sight and balance). I do walk on my treadmill as much as I can. Do not give up, you will begin to lose on a steady basis, but you will never lose as fast as those who have had a by-pass. Don't compare. Also, as you know the band does not perform magic, you have to do your part too. Good luck on your journey!!!

Hi, I wouldn't think any anesthesia is still in your body, but you never know. I know I have problems with depression and was told to be monitored by doctor after I got the band. I am not sure why but having the band can cause depression in some people or worsen it in those that already are depressed. I have not had any problems, thank God. I think the changes in your body due to the band can have an effect on the chemicals in your brain. Contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY!!!!!! Do not put this off, this is serious and you need to see a doctor!!! I hope and pray that you start to do better. Good luck!!!

Crystal here. Still 227, no weight loss this week

Hi, Crystal here. I lost 1 lb on Dec. 8th. New weight 227 lbs!!!

I also had surgery in April, the 20th. I have lost 63 lbs altogether, 11 lbs before surgery. So, since surgery I have lost 52 lbs. Starting weight 280 (at time of banding). I had a plateau that lasted 1 month, not weight loss. I am unable to exercise much because of balance issues and fatigue. I had 2 strokes in 2007 that left me with balance and eyesight problems and fatigue. I exercise when I can. I use the treadmill because I can hang on when I walk. I have gone from a tight 28 to a loose 24 size pants. I am very proud of my progress and you should be also. It takes time and patience. Be proud of yourself and keep up the good work!!!!

Name, real or screen~Crystal Age~53 Weight on December 1st~228 Goal weight for December 29th~224 Dietary goal for December~Eat healthy Exercise goal for December~Walk as much as I can Personal goal for December~Remain calm and peaceful and enjoy Date banded~04/20/11 Total weight loss since banding/pre op diet~63 lbs, 11 lbs before surgery 52 lbs since surgery One thing that has improved with your health since banding~ I just feel better all over

I also have cut out almost all sugar. I am allowed 2 grams per entree (directions given by nutritionist). I stick to it religously. I have noticed things tasting sweeter than before. I have cut down the amount of splenda in my hot tea. Isn't it great that foods that have a lot of sugar look unappetizing!!! I love it!!!

Crystal here, I weigh 231 today. Lost 3 lbs for the challenge. This was great, thanks!!!!

Hi, Crystal here. Weight on Nov. 8 same, 234

Congrats, you look great!!!!!

Name, real or screen~Crystal Age~53 Weight on November 1st~234 Goal Weight for November 29th~230 Exercise Goal for November~walk or do jazzercise tape 5 days a week Dietary Goal for November~More Protein and veggies Personal Goal for November~Do well over the holidays Date Banded~04/20/11 Total Weight Loss Since Banding~11 lbs pre-op, 46 lbs since surgery

I agree with the others that you are not eating enough. Also, I don't understand why your doctor would tell you to not drink so much. I drink 64 oz of fluids a day, which is recommended for any weight loss plan. Also, I only eat 2 grams of sugar per entree and it has done wonders for me. That is what my nutritionist advised. Talk to a good nutritionist and see what you can change. You will lose eventually, although, I know it is disheartening at this point, but don't give up!!!!!! Right now I am at a place where I have only lost 1 lb in the last month, so I am revising things to get started again. Do not give up, fight!!!!!!

No, it doesn't hurt. I do not get a pain shot first. It is a pinch and then it is over, not a big deal. Try not to stress out about it, you will be fine!!! Good luck!!!!

The one thing I would like to add is, my nutritionist said we are to have no more than 2 grams of sugar per entree. I truly believe this to be the reason I am losing so well. I use the sugar free carnation instant breakfast with my protein and it tastes great. They are many sugar free items available to us now, from cookies to candy to pudding, I love them all. You still have to use the sugar free candy and cookies in moderation because they do have a lot of calories, but they sure have helped me. I know a lot of people still eating sugar in quantities higher than 2 grams, but some of them are having trouble losing also. I am sure some people would argue that with me and that is ok. I just know for me, sticking to the 2 grams has become a law for me and it works. I have also found Swanson broth to be very tasty, I use the lowfat. I thought the chicken flavor was very good. Good luck and happy losing!!!!!

Hi, My doctor has done personal research on this question, and in his opinion based on his research he believes the Allergan band has a better success rate than the realize band. Now he is in a clinic with many other doctors and none of them will participate in his research because they like the realize band and only use that one. But, my doctor likes that the band in wider and fits more snugly and has less slippage problems. He also has the allergan band himself. Before I had surgery I went onto that clinics site and all of his patients do indeed have better success with this band. So, this is the one I chose and it is working very well. Every doctor is different but seeing that he has done his research, I trusted his advice. On that site I read many comments from people who had the realize band and were struggling or not losing much weight, yet his patients were doing well. So, it is up to you on which band to get, but I would suggest getting the allergan band. Also, remember, it is what you put into it and how dedicated you are. Hope this helps. Also, I wish I would have done this surgery years ago!!!!! Good luck!!!

Hi, I also got my band in April. What I want to say is you can eat pizza, just not a lot of it. I believe my greatest success with this band is not eating sugar. I was told by my nutritionist to eat only 2 grams per entree. So, if you have 3 small amounts of foods for a meal you can only have 2 grams per amount. I have lost weight successfully doing this. For me sugar seem to be the problem. I eat most anything I want, but in small amounts. I buy sugar free candy (I am a chocoholic) and have 2 pieces a day. Now, you have to watch sugar free items because they contain more fat, but if you limit it to 2 pieces a day it works out. That is what gets me through, knowing I can still have foods I love, just in very small amounts. After 2 weeks of no sugar, I have lost my cravings for them. It does work, so I hope you take this into consideration. I also agree with the others, you may need a group or some other type of help to get you started. Once you see the weight coming off, you will be inspired to continue. See your doctor and get the answers you need to be successful. Talk to your nutritionist also, they are a great help. The 5 day pouch test is a great way to get started again. But, remember, you have to commit to this and not feel cheated by it. Eat some of your favorite foods, just in small amounts and not everyday. Try the sugar free products out there, that may help a lot. Good luck and I pray you can start to use your band as the tool it is meant to be!!!!!!