You Say The Band Didn't Work

[Dulci 108]

When I first started thinking about getting banded, I thought that the band would just force me to eat less and I would lose weight (similar to how Phenterimine worked, but without the side effects). Once I learned that I may have difficulty eating certain foods, I paused and really thought about whether the band was for me.

Only after I weighed the positives and negatives and after I discussed the changes with my husband, did I decide to move forward with the band.

I think that a lot of people that aren't happy with the band did not research well or didn't have their surgery at comprehensive bariatric program.

[lellow 1,713]

The band doesn't work for some people even if they do all the right things. That is true. Nothing works for every single person, we're not all built the same. But very often when someone doesn't have success with the band, it does have to do with their CHOICES as opposed to whether the band is working for them or not. A lot of people don't lose a significant amount of weight on the band. Like most things, this will only help you if you are prepared to work at it. And I did not see a psychologist or anything before being banded. I was just ready. And I was not going to fail. No psychologist was going to make me feel like that, that came from me.

I openly admit that the band has been life changing for me, but the actual 'losing' part had a lot to do with me eating well and exercising, because I lost the majority of my weight before I achieved restriction even. Keeping it off is what the band does, and does well, if you learn how it works with your body, and work with it instead of against it, most of the time, it does exactly what it is supposed to do - it stops you from eating too much. My dr has said on numerous occasions that I know my band better than he will ever know it. The band is very much a part of my life. I wouldn't have it any other way.

So the person who goes around hating on the band can scare some people off, but there will be people like me who are living proof it works, and works for years after, to show people the other side just by being here. So they can spout as much negativity as they like, in the end, it's their issues they're dealing with, not mine, so let them expend their energies on that, and decide for YOURSELF what's best for you.

[ElizabethAnne 40]

I do appreciate the positive perspective here. As a newbie who hasn't yet had the band placed, I am mostscared it will be yet another failure. The innumberable diets I have tried have initially been successful, but though I am an avid walker, I always end up gaining the weight back again because I eat way too much. As most of us know, one CAN become obese on healthy food choices if that individual eats incessantly. I am realistic and don't expect the band to zap the pounds away; I just want something that will help curb my hunger so that I can do my part. Thank you all for giving me hope that the band can indeed help me!

[B-52 7,113]

I do appreciate the positive perspective here. As a newbie who hasn't yet had the band placed, I am mostscared it will be yet another failure. The innumberable diets I have tried have initially been successful, but though I am an avid walker, I always end up gaining the weight back again because I eat way too much. As most of us know, one CAN become obese on healthy food choices if that individual eats incessantly. I am realistic and don't expect the band to zap the pounds away; I just want something that will help curb my hunger so that I can do my part. Thank you all for giving me hope that the band can indeed help me!

Why not?

Ok, here is a question for everyone.

IF the band restricts HOW MUCH you can eat -stops you from overheating.

And

IF the band takes away your hunger, appetite to where you don't feel like eating most of the time.

(above is the definition of "Green Zone")

What else is there everyone says they must do to make it work?

I know the answer, (or think i do) but I'm curious what everyone else thinks they have to do to be successful.

[horsegirl315 114]

The same negative nelly we have all seen posting anti-band rants posted one woman's account of her gastric banding nightmare, but STILL had something positive to learn from it:

"Sure, I could say getting the gastric band was a stupid thing to do, but why would I do that?

In hindsight, I would not have done it, but that’s hindsight.

Having already learned the hard lessons, it’s easy to look back and say “I shouldn’t have.”

I’m where I am now as a product of my mistakes, a product of my hard life lessons, a product of my past.

I’m not stupid, I’m learning.

I failed so that I could succeed.

I wouldn’t trade all the wading through the muck and murk for an easier path because then I wouldn’t have learned as much.

Thank God for my muck, murk and mess.

Thank God for my hard lessons.

Now it’s time to innovate.

Time to succeed." -Lisa Sargese

Heres the link to the entire post, for anyone interested http://www.formerlyfluffy.com/lisa-sargese-gastric-band-nightmare/

[54Shirley 105]

Ughh!!!!! Let me get something straight, and out here on the screen.

As I remember, This band is R E M O V A B L E right !

So if your not happy with the Band, maybe you should loose it,

and get over it ! ! !

Then Move on with your life..............

[horsegirl315 114]

cute pic, shirley!

[54Shirley 105]

Thanks !

[ElizabethAnne 40]

Why not?

Ok, here is a question for everyone.

IF the band restricts HOW MUCH you can eat -stops you from overheating.

And

IF the band takes away your hunger, appetite to where you don't feel like eating most of the time.

(above is the definition of "Green Zone")

What else is there everyone says they must do to make it work?

I know the answer, (or think i do) but I'm curious what everyone else thinks they have to do to be successful.

I hope I am doing the above "quote" right:

I will be eager to read the responses to this question. Thanks for asking it. I am assuming exercise will be a key component since the material I have read indicates one needs to exercise moderately for 30 minutes a day.

[horsegirl315 114]

Why not?

Ok, here is a question for everyone.

IF the band restricts HOW MUCH you can eat -stops you from overheating.

And

IF the band takes away your hunger, appetite to where you don't feel like eating most of the time.

(above is the definition of "Green Zone")

What else is there everyone says they must do to make it work?

I know the answer, (or think i do) but I'm curious what everyone else thinks they have to do to be successful.

I agree, it should be as simple as that, and in fact that is what I went into this expecting. It would be great if it worked for me that way, my surgery is Jan 30. However, I am willing to accept the changes I may have to make as far as not being able to tolerate certain foods, and realizing when I am full (from what I hear it will just take that ONE time to over eat to teach a lesson)

Another change I am willing to make is becoming more active. I am not a fan of the gym, but I love walking/running outside and am currently buliding a horse barn where I will board and care for 10 horses....needless to say I will be getting my activity levels up soon, but in a different way.

The difference post band will be, I will now be able to see results from my activity because I won't be undoing it with eating. Hope I answered your question!

[B-52 7,113]

I hope I am doing the above "quote" right:

I will be eager to read the responses to this question. Thanks for asking it. I am assuming exercise will be a key component since the material I have read indicates one needs to exercise moderately for 30 minutes a day.

EXERCISE is definitely on the list to be successful.

[Humming Bird 275]

Why not?

Ok, here is a question for everyone.

IF the band restricts HOW MUCH you can eat -stops you from overheating.

And

IF the band takes away your hunger, appetite to where you don't feel like eating most of the time.

(above is the definition of "Green Zone")

What else is there everyone says they must do to make it work?

I know the answer, (or think i do) but I'm curious what everyone else thinks they have to do to be successful.

That is how it works for me. Insert band, fill it properly, drop over 100 pounds!

[horsegirl315 114]

That is how it works for me. Insert band, fill it properly, drop over 100 pounds!

Its so encouraging to see people here that have not made the band this big complicated issue...just smaller portions...can't wait for my band, and congrats on all your success!

[54Shirley 105]

DITTO !

[horsegirl315 114]

Hummingbird, I just visited your profile, and I must say the blog where you posted the note from your surgeon sums it up pretty well...calorie deficit is key, its as simple as that!