Banded Living - How do you use your tool? Help, feedback needed, please!

I recently started a thread on another forum about the rules of the band. It turned into a passionate debate, and a huge source of inspiration for me. The manufacturers of the Lap-Band(R) and REALIZE(R) bands have "rules" or "tips" posted on their sites.What I learned from my fellow members of the banded living community is that: 1) a lot of us don’t like "rules" because we’ve tried them before and frankly they didn’t work as a way of life, and -- 2) we are all different, and we need to work hard to find what works "for me."

So here I am, in my fourth year, and maintaining a normal healthy weight and in the best shape of my life. I devote a lot of time and energy to paying it forward. I mentor lots of folks, some of who are frustrated or struggling and trying to figure out how to get the most out of their tool.

My doctor, reminds me over and over again, that it’s a tool, and I need to work it. I shouldn’t expect "it" to do anything. (A screwdriver can’t remove a screw unless you turn it.) I have to work it to get the results I want – and for me that was more than the average 50% Excess Weight Loss. My band helps me with portion control, controls my hunger and leaves me with a feeling of satiety when I work it.

I would really appreciate, if everyone reading this thread would follow this link to the 10 things I learned about how to use my tool: www.gloriasbandedliving.com/transforming-003-maintaining-004-getting-the-most-from-my-lap-band%c2%ae-how-i-learned-to-use-my-tool/ , and answer 3 questions:

1) Which of the things I've learned about how to use my tool work for you?


2) Which don't work for you?


3) Is there anything on this list that your surgeon would object to?



Thanks for taking the time to help me pay it forward.

Ok, not sure if I'm the only one who feels this way, but if you have ten things you learned and you want to share them then post them here. Trolling for traffic for your blog is not appreciated. At least not by me.

Hey mrbillclark, sorry u feel that way: here is the list; it's a bit long. I included some additional context at the end. I would appreciate feedback, and I hope you find soemthing useful.

Here are the 10 things I learned about how to use my tool:

1) I stay close to my surgeon and have a whole team of people to help me on my journey. It starts with my surgeon who is my head coach. I also surround myself with other successful members of the Banded Living community.
2) I don't drink with meals. It defeats the band.
3) I make sure I get enough protein everyday.
4) I eat good quality meals and I don't graze. I do best when I eat for 20 -30 minutes and leave the table.
5) I don't drink my calories - my properly adjusted band helps with portion control but only if I am eating solid foods. (It doesn't restrict ice cream or a high calorie frappuccino, or Long Island Iced Tea).
6) I've learned to take small bites and chew, chew, chew. I also use small plates.
7) I've learned what foods are difficult for me, and I stay away from those choices. I have lots of great choices. I've learned to dine and enjoy food again.
8) I always have a plan or a least a plan B, each and every day for how I am going to use my tool. NO EXCUSES. I'm not afraid to carry food with me (Ziploc bags are my friends), or ask a hotel to open the gym at 5:00 am because I'm traveling and have an early meeting.
9) I journal when I need to. I journaled consistently during my first year of banded living. When I wander off track, or gain a few pounds, I go back to basics and journal for a while. It helps me stay in my target weight range by keeping me accountable to myself.
10) I make myself a priority. I take care of my health, I eat right, I exercise, I take my vitamins...and live my life to the fullest!

Now I'm not saying that I use my tool perfectly all of the time. What I am saying is that I've learned how to use my Lap-Band to get great results and keep myself in the same (small) pair of jeans for over 2 years. When I don't use my tool correctly, I gain a few pounds, but I know how to go back to basics, and keep my weight within a normal, healthy range. This has worked for me, and became especially important as I tried to break through average weight loss for band patients. I know area all different, and I'd really appreciate you feedback.

 Thank you for posting this. I did read another post by you on a different weight loss site and I can say for me you are truly an inspiration!  

Thank nkara,
That's what I'm trying to do, and I really appreciate your support!