firefish

I am so glad someone asked this question! To be honest I didn't hear of even one bad experience w/ the band until I came to this site! I have no doubt the band works...As I struggled through liquids and mushies I just looked at my Mom and sister. My sister (4th year w/ band -175lbs) and my mother (2nd year -80lbs) both successful and I am now starting my FINAL path to success. From my first consultation I had already done my research and made my decision before even going in for my appt. I immediately bonded with my Surgeon and his staff, most of them have been banded as well! I totally agree you need to find a surgeon/staff that you connect with. I have lost 80lbs twice (prior to the band) in the last five years and gained it all back both times. The band is just a tool to help me succeed and maintain without the hunger! And you will succeed if you are determined...I know that I will succeed because I truly believe I will. I didn't pay all this money and go through surgery to fail myself! This site was hard for me at first, I signed up 2 weeks post op. I read some horror stories of people losing hair/teeth, having band slippage, no restriction, not losing or even gaining etc.. etc.. And I thought oh my god what did I do to myself! But I quickly realized these are people (though I empathize and wish them well on this journey) who are not taking responsibility for themselves. If you don't like your surgeon find a new one, hair/teeth issues take a vitamin and eat better! The only advice I would have is to truly believe this is going to work for you and take care of yourself and LISTEN to your body. I have never been so in tune with what my body needs and when in my entire life! Good Luck on your journey!

It will get better! I was banded on 8/1, so I'm not too far ahead of you. The first week was really hard to say the least. Just smelling food was torture. I have done atkins for years so the Protein shakes don't bother me but I'm lucky to finish one all day and only getting 27-30g/day. But I did find online some protein shots that are only 3oz and 42g of protein. You will feel sooo much better physically and mentally just getting in your protein. But what really gets me through... My Mom and my sister are both banded. Watching them eat whatever they want now but in moderation and the ability to ask them thousands of questions when everything seems to surreal is enough to keep me excited for the next steps. It is a progression and it's getting easier already! Keep your head up and dream of how you'll feel and look when you hit your goal!

I know how you feel too... I lost 80lbs on atkins about 5 years ago and none of my co-workers noticed any weight loss until I was at 55lbs! When they did notice, I got a "Hey have you been losing weight?" Duh! Fortunately they didn't question me when I gained it all back either!