Working With Your Band

[westcoastmom 3]

Here are some great facts from seminars I have been too. And a few thoughts as I have struggled through this process...

The purpose of the band is to help you restrict your eating and control your hunger.

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It is not to cause weight loss by keeping the band too tight. You can still eat around the band. Or you can keep it so tight that you can’t eat or only eat too soft foods. Too much restriction is what you are going after.

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You might not be losing weight if you pouch is stretched, if you are drinking with meals, if you are eating soft foods, or if is you are drinking your calories.

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You can enlarge your pouch if you keep your band too tight or eat large meals.

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You are perfectly adjusted if you are losing 1-2 pounds a week and feel like your hunger is under control. But you have to remember you won’t lose every week.

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Being too tight doesn’t translate to weight loss. But it does increase your risk of complications.

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You need to reduce Fluid if you are having difficulty swallowing, discomfort while eating, heartburn, reflux, vomiting, spitting up, regurgitations, soft calories, or poor weight loss.

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I read a lot of stories here about people concerned that the band is not working. We really need to work with our band. I know it is hard. I have not had any fills and I am still thinking about food a lot. I am trying hard to be conscience of what I am eating to think with every bit.

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I worry so much when I read stories of people not wanting to reduce fluid because they are worried about gaining weight. I am so scared that they will have a much scarier outcome – at the very least lose the band or have bigger health issues. You can’t lose sight of the bigger whole health issue.

Edited May 18, 2008 by westcoastmom

[barbara9460 1]

You need to reduce Fluid if you are having difficulty swallowing, discomfort while eating, heartburn, reflux, vomiting, spitting up, regurgitations, soft calories, or poor weight loss.

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I read a lot of stories here about people concerned that the band is not working. We really need to work with our band. I know it is hard. I have not had any fills and I am still thinking about food a lot. I am trying hard to be conscience of what I am eating to think with every bit.

<o:p></o:p>

<I worry so much when I read stories of people not wanting to reduce fluid because they are worried about gaining weight. I am so scared that they will have a much scarier outcome – at the very least lose the band or have bigger health issues. You can’t lose sight of the bigger whole health issue. >

I just came from a support meeting (I'm new, so maybe I misunderstood), but they told us that we need AT LEAST 64 oz of Water or other fluids a day to prevent dehydration and to flush out the fat and toxins. So, I'm confused about why you'd be saying to reduce fluids. Can you help me clear this up?

Thanks,

Barbara

[westcoastmom 3]

Sorry for the confusion - I mean reduce Fluid in the band. To reduce restriction so that you can eat solid food and not only get your calories from fluids or soft foods. Not reducing the "fluid" without calories you drink!

[WASaBubbleButt 41]

You might not be losing weight if you band is stretched, if you are drinking with meals, if you are eating soft foods, or if is you are drinking your calories.

I agree with everything except this. Thing is, your band doesn't stretch. It is made of silicone and it will last long after your bones have turned to dust. ;o)

[westcoastmom 3]

Thanks - I changed it to say "pouch" is stretched. I mis-typed!