johnp

Nah the honeymoon won't be over. I have seen the light. I enjoy my meals. I have not been this weight since 94 and I am loving it. The difference with me is that I have taken the time to understand why I got fat in the first place. After my banding I hit the ground running. If you believe that I will eventually go back to eating poorly I now understand why you have failed. I hope you find the strength to use the band as a tool and not as some miracle

I have done great with Dr Cunneen at Cedars Sinai....70lbs in under 4 months! Congrats to us all

Actually there are right foods and wrong foods. If someone is not losing weight they need to start somewhere and counting their calories so they are on a realistic diet is the only way. Many folks fool themselves with the wrong foods, thinking that well, I only had a small portion. But if you eat the wrong foods all day long you are going to exceed your proper caloric intake to lose weight and you will fail. Fried foods, steak, enriched flour, rice are the wrong foods. Telling someone who is struggling that there are no wrong foods is like handing a suicidal person a loaded gun. Before I got my band, my Dr had me meet with a counselor and a nutritionist. I learned alot from them both. And like it or not weight loss comes from burning more calories than one takes in. I don't count anymore because after 3 months I trained myself to know whats right and whats wrong and not to kid myself. Tomorrow I go for my third fill and hopefully this one will cause restriction. But I no longer even desire the bad foods. But if I have something that is higher in calories than I should, I sacrifice at the next meal by eating more conservative than usual. I now eat to live not live to eat

I think what you need to do is get serious. You can believe that I don't cheat. I stick with 1000 to 1200 calories a day. It is difficult but if you eat something "bad" you need to minus something else for the day. Counting calories is the only way you are going to lose weight. I have not been able to exercise for the last month due to an injury. I have still lost weight because I have stuck to the proper caloric intake. You need about 2k a day in calories to maintain your weight, you go below that and you will lose. There are plateaus but you need to remember the lapband is a tool not a miracle. If you are eating the wrong food you will gain weight or stay even. Mine is not even adjusted yeat where I have restriction and I am losing on pure willpower

You are one of the lucky ones, my experience was less than desirable. From the moment you walk in you are treated like cattle. I know others who consulted with him and they had the same experience. He seems to be only concerned with cash. Even speaking to other Drs, they no longer refer him because of his poor attitude

I was also banded in February and am down 70lbs! I have had two fills but they really have not helped yet. My third fill is this week and hopefully I will be able to rely on a little more help then just willpower! I went through my closet yesterday and realized I bypassed alot of clothes. I am thrilled that I have passed my half way point and can't wait to get down to my weight. I have not been this low since early 1994 and people are starting to notice. As for missing foods, yes I do miss some favorites but I don't really deisre to eat them anymore. My desire is to lose weight now Good luck to us all

Down 54 now, the fill did nothing I have no restriction. Another fill next week

I was banded on 2/2/09 I have lost 48 lbs. Had my first fill about 2 weeks ago but it has not helped. Still working strictly on willpower

As of Monday I lost 48 lbs. My operation was on 2/2/09. I have had one fill but it has not helped. Always hungry but staying strong. I will pm you my email

I live in the Valley and was banded on Feb 2nd

Had my first fill yesterday, down 38 lbs. Dr does it under flouroscope and he put 6 cc's in an 11 cc band. Will try some solids tonight or tomorrow

Got my first fill yesterday also. Also under flouroscope. He put 6 cc's in an 11 cc band. Have not had solids yet but will try tonight

HI! The 18th is my first fill, I hope I can get some, make that any restriction. Still doing great down 32 pounds. No longer snoring and no more naps. Actually have a hard time falling asleep at night because I have more energy

Thank you. I just got back from a business trip. Spent four days with none banded folks. Eating out three meals a day is a challenge. But I kept a calorie count and I did fine. This is tough but worth it

Today is my 3 week anniversary and I have lost 27 lbs since then. It was difficult since there is no restriction but will power is doing it for me. I actually celebrated on Saturday night, we went to my favorite restaurant. Chose the right meal and immediately cut it into three portions of 4 ounces. Gave one to my fiance, I ate one and took the other home. I had it for lunch the next day. I feel so much better being able to start eating

I was banded on Feb 2nd. I lost about 20 lbs since then. As of the second day I have been walking 1 1/3 miles a day plus doing what I can on the Wii fit. Weighed myself today and I have gained almost 3 lbs! I have not cheated once, I have been on about 1100 calories aday average the last week. I am pretty upset right now and I do not understand the weight gain. It is bad enough that I feel no restriction and am doing this all on willpower because I want to be healthy but a 3 lb gain is ridiculous

I have been having the same problems with my incision area itching. I used cortisone cream last night around the incisions and slept fine.

Saw my Dr yesterday and he was happy with my weight loss so far, even though it is only a week. He allowed me to have more than clear liquids and protein drinks. So I can now have smooth soups, yogurts etc. A victory!:biggrin:

I have only told a few close friends. When the time comes and need arises I will tell others

New here and wanted to say hello. I was banded on Feb 2nd in LA. Ready to start my new life.

Yes, so far so good, just bored with Clear liquids. Getting some good walking in and feeling fine Thanks and how are you doing?

So far I am doing great. Walking everyday. Losing weight. But this clear liquid and yuck protein shake diet sucks! I am wondering why I am on clear liqiuds for three weeks and the bypass folks can eat sooner

I add benefiber to drinks or meals. Don't even notice it and so far so good

Thanks, looks like a great place

Was banded on Feb 2 and I feel great. Wanted to say hello to all