Madcap

I was banded on July 16th 2008, I weighed in at 294 lbs. My doctor used the Realize lap band in me as as well. I currently have 7cc's and do not believe I have the right restriction. I can still eat large amounts of food of any kind. So I am 7 to 8 months out now and have not had that "sweet spot" effect. I currently have an appointment a week from tomorrow to have my band adjusted at the hospital so they can determine just how much restriction I do have. So maybe you don't think its right to not have it after months and months of being banded, but it is real. It doesn't have anything to do with my Dr as I am currently under the care of one of the top bariatric surgeons in Atlanta. And before conclusions are drawn, I exercise 3 to 4 times a week and am currently weighing in at 191 lbs. Yes, I have had a great result, however it appears at this point to be 30% banded and 70% will power. I knew that if I didn't follow the rules religiously and exercise regularly that once I found the sweet spot I would have already re-introduced the bad behaviors I had before the surgery. The good news is, if they do find that sweet spot then I am only 16 lbs form my goal weight and 6 lbs from my dr. goal weight for me and that will give me the stregnth for the final push. The bottom line is, everyone is different, we all lose differently and we all react differently to this life changing event. And the last thing we need is to come to an online support group looking for answers and be judged by someone who is obvious uneducated about the issue. In addition, it is a fact that guys burn the weight off faster than the females do. Its a tough road and you just have to find whatever means you can to be victorous over this battle! Steve

I was banded on 7/16/08 and am currently 10 lbs away from my goal weight. I started the process at 294 lbs, my day of the surgery I was 274 and this morning I am 195 with a goal weight of 185. I might be able to get down to 175 but time will tell. Things have gone really well, and I stuck to the plan the doctor gave me and achieved the results. Christmas week was the first time I really pushed my band and I wont do it again...It hurts! Good luck to all the new banders and do yourself a favor and follow the rules....It really works Steve

Hey all, I am going to set an appointment with my doctor but in the mean time I was curious if any of you all might have had this problem. Over the last 3 or 4 days, whenver I eat and about 10 minutes later I develop a really bad pain in the center of my chest. Then it lasts for over an hour if not more and then goes away until I eat again. I have done really well, lost almost 100 lbs and not a problem. The only thing different this week is I ate more than I have in the past, and especially more carbs. Perhaps this is a coincidence, not sure. But one thing I know if I don't eat, it doesnt hurt?? If my bad slipped woulndt it be a more constant pain? Thanks in advcance for your replies. Steve

I think you might be right, this past week is the first time I really went at it with the food. I have been very disciplined since I was banded on 7/16 of this year. Today I went to liquids and no pain, I will do the same tomorrow as well and this should get me back on track, thanks again.

I fully believe from my life experiences and people I know who have had bariatric surgeries that success lies within following the rules. The very first rule is to eat protein first, veggies second, fruit third, carbs last if still hungry. For the ones who were just banded or the ones struggling long term, remember, carbs cause a hungry feeling so if the majority of your diet is coming from carbs this will create cravings, hunger and a want for food. That is why getting the protein first is so important.