• It can be inserted laparoscopically without a large incision.
• It does not require any opening in the gastrointestinal tract which reduces the risk of infection.
• There is no staple line to come apart.
• It is adjustable.
• It is fully reversible.
• It is tolerated well by most persons of all ages and physical conditions.
• There is no mal-absorption or "dumping syndrome."
• This operation may be particularly suited to persons who are from 50 to 200 pounds overweight.
• Short hospital stay (around 24 hours)

Although its' effects may not be as profound and rapid as the gastric bypass, the risk of the procedure appears to be less and the recovery time is the shortest. The success rate for satisfactory weight reduction is significant.

Your weight loss should average 1-2 pounds a week. We all want immediate results now but banding doesn't work that way. Use Excel to graph out your weight loss so you can actually chart your weight on a weekly basis. Do not weigh more than once a week, you are not going to let the numbers on a scale determine your mood for the day or week. Remember they are just numbers, guidelines of how you are doing but not definitive of success as we all have equally important NSV (non-scale victories) too. If you are following the rules outlined below and still are feeling very hungry or not losing perhaps it is time to consider an adjustment.

Are you drinking a minimum of 70 ounces of water per day?

Actually the recommendation is to take your body weight, divide in half and that is how many ounces of water you need to drink per day to keep your cells flushed and everything in working order. I know it is hard but try using a water bottle with measurements on the side so you can track it. And don't get too far from a bathroom :-) Remember to stop drinking liquids 30 minutes prior to a meal and no drinking during your meal! You want food to fill your newly formed pouch and give you a satiated feeling. Drinking during meals can wash food through the stoma enabling you to eat more than you would if you did not drink while eating.

Are you engaging in some type of physical motion on a daily basis?

I hate the E word exercise because that happens in gym and life does not. So raking your yard, walking your dog, weeding the garden all count as do parking farther from the store, taking the steps instead of the escalator. Many of us former fat people have discovered Yoga, it helps us redefine our physical space as we lose weight which is an essential piece of reclaiming our bodies. Swimming is also a great form of physical activity for those of us with joint problems, and it is something we can do with our children or families. Exercise is cumulative and it all adds up so every little bit counts!.

Are you eating 60 grams of protein per day?

60 grams is not so much really, it is 3 -3 ounces servings per day. Figure your protein at 7 grams per ounce and so 3 ounces of chicken is 21 grams. Once you get the hang of it you become a pro at mentally tallying where you are at for the day. Remember that your body can only absorb about 20 grams at a time so don't over do it. But protein is an essential building block for your tissues and cells and protein helps turn off hunger and carbohydrates seem to turn it on. If you need additional help you might try www.fitday.com. to help you learn to track where you are. And again, we all tend to be a bit OCD about this and our eating so don't worry if you are over or under, just make the adjustments. Letting go of food as a friend is not an easy thing to do but it has not been a good friend. It has betrayed us by making us fat and unhealthy long term and only temporarily satisfies us. Sort of like a bad lover.

Are you staying away from liquid calories?

Cut the slush and mush once you are 4 weeks past surgery, it just goes down way too easy compared to 3 ounces of fish and some broccoli. Are you eating protein and produce and leaving out fast foods and junk? We all have bad days, forgive yourself and just move on, no more guilt. It is possible to eat on the road and have healthful meals, instead of a fast food try a grocery store deli, I had five cocktail shrimp for lunch this week from the grocery store deli and they were healthful, high protein, low fat and I could eat them while I drive (one of my worst habits).

What should I be eating?

Protein and produce, if it isn't one of those two items then it is something that should not be part of your daily diet. Chicken and vegetables, Beef and vegetables, Fish and vegetables, some fruit thrown in there and a little dairy and you are good to go!.

No matter how much fluid you have in your band there are only three kinds of fills, too little, too much and just right, the actual number of cc's is totally irrelevant.