HeatherinCA

I've done it all in the past.. weight watchers isn't a bad idea.. but I just don't feel it's necessary, unless you really want that extra guidance. I think weight watchers might be more food than we can actually eat with the band. The prepackaged Nutrisystem stuff is gross, and very expensive, and you have to add almost a full groceries each week on top of it! And then the second you eat real food you gain it all back. Because you didn't learn how to control your own diet.

Don't worry! I didn't have to do it, but i'll be a good learning experience, and you will be all prepared to diet after your surgery I think I almost would have liked a 6 month diet prior...

No idea.. I mean I don't just blab about it to everyone, but my family and friends know. For me, everyone knowing about it is kind of a personal motivator. They are holding me accountable. We are all fat people, we've been on every diet under the sun, it's not like our friends and family don't know that. I think some people view the surgery as like a cop-out... so that could be a reason to not tell them.

I was unemployed when I was banded, but I would say 7 days or so would be plenty. You might not feel 100% by then, but for me after day 4 or 5, I went and did normal things, like shopping or the movies.. got my hair done.

You shouldn't have any problems going to school. School isn't about eating, it's about learning. If you have problems with food just have a protein shake for lunch. I WISH I had done it in high school.

I wouldn't worry, just think of it as a jumpstart! it'll be EXTREMELY helpful knowing you can stick to a diet after surgery.

I'm sure by day 13 you will be thinking differently haha (then another week or two after surgery, then mushies for a week a or two..). But eventually you will get to eat again!

It's really different for every person. I can't say how the band will affect you. For me, I eat normally, but I eat less. I can eat ANYTHING, any type of food. I don't get sick, I haven't thrown up. I don't eat pencil eraser size bites. Generally if you are getting sick all the time, it's because your band is too full. (some people prefer it that way I guess?) but some bodies just have trouble with certain foods. If you are really scared, just have Soup or something when you go out. Or eat things you know you are comfortable with. Overall it IS much easier to eat at home, restaurant food is terrible for you. I'm discovering that more and more. As with any diet though, go find a meal at any restaurant that's 400 calories or less... you won't really find one. The lapband is there to control you hunger. When you get fills it prevents the hunger hormone from being released. So generally you don't have much appetite ever. It's not there to control what you eat. That will always be up to you.

I wouldn't say it's worth it for 50lbs... but that's just my opinion. I have 125 lbs to lose, I'm down 50 in 5 months. After surgery it's basically a diet, and exercise plan, you eat about 900-1200 calories a day. The band controls your hunger. So you aren't starving while eating less calories. The weightloss is 1-2lbs a week on average.. like any other diet. I know everyone says it's not a diet. It's a diet! You won't lose weight if you don't eat healthy. That's like $260 a pound (based on a $13,000 surgery cost) but if you really think you can't do it on your own, and you really need your hunger controlled to lose the rest of the weight.. then go ahead, it could be a good tool for you. BUT also, most people with the band, only lose about 50lbs on average, then willpower gives out and people give up... the argument could go either way. Obviously it will take longer for you if you are only 50lbs overweight... (heavier you lose more at first)

Yes, but I don't think she's talking about that.

It won't fill you up at all...and has no nutriton what do you mean? alcohol? soda? 2 margaritas or pina coladas is like 1500 calories... thats more than you are aloud all day.

Everything she said. Alcohol you should wait at least 6 weeks till your body is healed. Even now though alcohol is weird cause you are such a cheap drunk LOL

Just drink your shakes, it sucks, but it'll be over soon enough

If you are hungry more often than every 4-5 hours. I mean PHYSICALLY hungry, then you need a fill. You shouldn't rely on any restriction, the band won't really stop you from eating, I eat a pretty healthy amount of food... it doesn't feel like I have anything in me! http://drsimpson.net/fills/Lap-band-eating/lap-band-not-restriction/lap-band-and-restriction.html <~read.

The hunger goes away after the fills, that is their purpose the amount of food you eat? You have to control that.

I never found any that I know of! I do the gummies.

You certainly can eat junk food, and I do on occasion. Sure it's fine to have an Oreo on occasion, don't worry. It's ok to mess up. But you have to learn not to justify eating bad things. I do it, oh it's only 1 it'll be fine. It's not good, Not gonna lie, I've been doing it a bit the past 2 weeks, and guess what? The scale didn't move. I think everyone is just saying don't "test" the band. Some people post like "oh I can eat 4 cups of pasta why is that? The band isn't stopping me" it's because the band doesn't work that way. The band is essentially diet and exercise, but it keeps your from being hungry all the time. Which is a big help! Everyone is just trying to help you. The bottom line is, we are on a diet, you have to watch calories. If you wish to include these things in your diet it's fine. But then some people eat these things and don't lose weight, then they wonder why. I think we are just saying don't get too excited about it. It IS about portion size, but 2 Oreo's is still 140 calories. That's like half a meals worth of calories. 1 cupcake has more calories than a bandster meal. I know it's not eating the whole sleeve, but it's still not a great food choice. You have to put things in perspective.

Yea, just healing because your body is kinda in shock, it all evens out after about 6 weeks. Also remember 1-2lbs a WEEK is normal. I know all the liquid diet weight is exciting, but it doesn't continue like that. Sounds like you are doing everything right though!

Both. well, after you are healed and on solid foods... nothing happens for about 6 weeks. Then after your body adjusts the weight starts coming off. About 60g of Protein an stay about 900-1200 calories. Both are important. I mostly watch calories. It's super easy to go over 1200 calories.

When you are filled properly the hunger will cease! Sounds like it's time for #2. It's not about being full, it's about not being hungry. Gotta pay attention to your body! For me I'm NEVER hungry, I can't honesty say my stomach ever growls anymore. But, it doesn't mean I don't wanna eat. So it's hard.

I don't see why not. Personally, the premade ones just taste better. The powder is so grainy.

Looking at the calories helps me.. I'll go on the website on my phone if I'm out. If you knew that Soft Taco you had as a snack was 210 calories would you have thought it was worth eating? I would of said no, that's almost a whole meal worth of calories for me. If that was your lunch, then it's fine, not so bad.

Nope, the band will never stop you from eating, you have to control what goes in your mouth. The band controls your hunger. I struggle daily with making good choices. If don't follow the diet you won't lose any weight.

Not everyone get stuck on bread and Pasta, I can eat both. Try everything, I would assume you CAN eat it, instead of assuming you can't. But, neither are very healthy choices. Remember, restaurant food has a lot of calories... Carrabba's doesn't show the calories on their website, but I'm sure it's not super healthy... I would look for something grilled, like fish or chicken, and veggies if you eat out.

Stick to your diet!! I wouldn't worry, but be careful. The band will never stop you from eating, remember that! It's a diet, full time, if you don't follow it you won't lose weight.