What factor determined your success?

[Kya Wolf 69]

i was wondering what y'all have done that made a huge difference in your weight loss following the band placement. I am currently about 100lbs overweight and am going to a meeting tomorrow night to learn more. i am well researched and am leaning toward the surgery and would like some guidance. love the forums and the support.

[Kitt3000 757]

Honestly, this forum has been extremely valuable to me. Thank goodness there are people here who want you to succeed, who will listen, help and yes, even kick your butt! Over and over, I heard stick to the band rules and guidelines, give it a hundred percent effort, do the best that you can, hour by hour, day after day, try not to dwell on the small stuff. If the band is the right tool for you, success will not be far behind. Best of luck and warm wishes!

[catfish87 3,471]

i was wondering what y'all have done that made a huge difference in your weight loss following the band placement. .

For me, it was getting my band PROPERLY ADJUSTED. And that only happened after my surgeon started using fluoroscopy.

I have had my band for almost 5 years now, and like many others, I could diet for some period of time....actually did quite well at dieting for the first few months post banding. Lost 90 pounds during the first 6 months or so..

I followed all the rules, lost lots of weight, life seemed good....

Then like so many times in the past, my willpower started dwindling...eating more than I should, getting frustrated, then actually was ready to give up and say it wasn't gonna work for me. I couldn't even tell I had had surgery!! Nothing was different than before....FRUSTRATED! Almost.....almost, ready to give up. Even stopped going to my surgeon for over a year I was so frustrated....felt like a failure. I had surgery and thought even IT wasn't gonna help. But I did go back.....

My surgeon started using fluoroscopy for all band adjustments, he immediately understood why it wasn't working, corrected it, and NOW.....I couldn't be happier with my band. It does EXACTLY what I was told it would do....LIMIT MY PORTIONS, therefore I eat less....sounds kinda simple. But thats my experience.

In 5 years, I've never had one band caused problem. But without fluoroscopy, I'd have never been where I am today.

Best wishes!

[pink dahlia 2,513]

My Dr. told me to follow his rules 95 % of the time to be successful. I did and I was ! Still very happy with my band ! Good luck !

[2muchfun 8,927]

Learning how to eat like a Bandster. Small bites. Eating slowly. Chewing food to mush.

Properly adjusted band. Updating fills when the band becomes too loose.

Recognizing when I've eaten enough. Recognizing the soft stops.

Changing up my workout routine. Changing my eating habits.

[Kya Wolf 69]

I really appreciate all the responses. thanks so much for taking the time to share your wisdom. i am excited and scared at the same time. but i know something needs to change and i want the best outcome possible to take full advantage of the process.

[CarmenLeAn 99]

I started with my 6 month supervised weigh ins. I took them very seriously. Started by making small lifestyle changes during that time. Not drinking before, during, and after meals for 30 minuts. Cut bread way down and cut out all carbonated drinks and sweet tea. Started walking. A little at a time. So when it was time for surgery it wouldn't be quite the shock to my system.

I was bound and determined to be a healthier me and that is what I am doing most days. I've been struggling the last few weeks. Got back on track. Remember it's a marathon not a sprint. Good Luck

[HealthyNewMe 1,935]

Well, I think EXERCISE has been the key for ME.... Could barely walk into the gym 15 months ago. Could barely sit on a stationaty bike and pedal for 10-15 minutes. But, through the encouragement of my husband, I continued to go. Now, I'm at the gym 60 - 90 minutes a day, six days a week. I know I'm not answering your question about the BAND, but it's because of the BAND and the continual weight loss that I have become a successful exerciser.

Band related success......

Frequent follow-up appointments, with FILLS as needed to get to the GREEN.

I eat ONLY when I'm hungry.

Cut out most all refined carbohydrates.

Lots of Protein.

Lots of Water.

I don't get on the scale daily or even weekly. I liberated myself from letting a number determine my worth.

ENJOY THE RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bandista 7,466]

Choosing to have weight loss surgery was very empowering for me -- I put myself and my future health at the top of the list and the energy from that has been amazing. Having my appetite dimmed and being able to make good choices has liberated me from food jail. I am so happy about that -- I'd say joy is a big factor. The weight loss is great but the being committed to one' self is, for me, key to the whole thing.

[Kya Wolf 69]

thanks so much for all the advice.