Questions re the Band

I'm trying decide whether or not the band is the right thing for me. I have several questions and would love to hear from banded folks. Please feel free to answer one or all! 1) Does the band REALLY address hunger pangs? 2) Are there any foods on the DO NOT EAT list? 3) For those of you who stress eat, do you have better control with the band? 4) Any issues I need to be aware? Thanks!

Please check out my blogs  1- yes he really does stop the pangs 2 -- eat anything you want after 6 weeks except  NO BREAD NO RICE NO POTATOES  EVER!!!!!!!! 3 - yes you learn true hunger from head hunger I have to force to eat and remember to eat .... I use to eat 24/7  4 I am up and running 2 weeks after surgery! 

Thanks you for the info.  Definitely encouraged! kim

After nearly three years with the band, I've found that any DO NOT LIST foods are still a case-by-case basis. I try to limit white carbohydrates, but have little problems with rice, potatoes and bread. Rice is very small amounts -- sushi does not bother me. Fried potatoes have a very limited window with me so it's always just a little. I eat high fiber whole grain bread with no problems and most other breads are ok especially if toasted or pressed. Even with an empty band, hunger is a big non-issue for me. I'm not a 5-6 meal a day person. I can, however, eat three meals a day with no snacking or desire to do so.  I don't stress eat, sorry, but I'm sure with proper restriction, even stress eating can be limited. Band eating is not just deprivation. It's understanding that the right amount of balanced food will help you avoid between meal hunger and snacking.  I have a blog also and I hope you visit. One bit of warning is that I have had several surgeries since the lap band that are totally unrelated to the band. So, don't be discouraged by these instances. They are a part of my journey, but not common or expected in band patients. Please don't hestitate to ask more questions if anything puzzles you. All my best, Frances

Thanks for the info.  I visited your blog.  Very well done!  I go to a seminar Tuesday evening, so I may have more questions then. kim

Good Morning.

I know that you have only asked about the band, and making a decision in this area is very difficult.  There are a lot of options out there that you will probably want to check out before making a final decision on anything. 

You haven't given any information about your height, weight, co-morbidities, so it is really hard to make any comments about how much benefit you might be able to expect from the band and/or any other type of wls.    You might go to the lap-band forum and do some brousing there, and then if you want to further explore your options, check out all of the forums.  They have forums for most any area of WLS that you might want to check out.  There is one for people who have had problems with wls.  From my expierence there are advantages and disadvantages to every surgery.  It is more a matter of finding out which will work best for you.  Don't be afraid to go onto these forums and ask questions, I have found most of the forums to be very patient and honest about their experiences with wls.  I wish you much success in your search for a weight loss program and/or surgery.  Regina

Thanks and I appreciate your response. kim