By: Gloria Samuels

We're conditioned to seeing the disclaimer on every weight loss ad "RESULTS NOT TYPICAL."

Still it's no surprise that many lap band patients, when setting their goals, are hoping for results not typical.  So the truth is my results are not typical for gastric banding patients either.  But what is typical?

Here is my understanding of the facts for average weight loss, or "typical results," for people with serious weight issues (I hate the term morbid obesity) from the research I've done:

• For diet and exercise/medical therapy:
  • 25% of excess weight lost (EWL) in ONLY 10 - 40% of patients
  • 95%  of patients regain  (can you say yo-yo)
• For Gastric Banding:
  • 50% of excess weight lost (EWL) in the average patient at two to three years
  • Results are enduring and similar to those of gastric bypass patients at 3 years and beyond according to published studies

 If you are following my story it is important to know that typical results for me would have been to lose and maintain half of my excess weight.  That is far better than the results I ever achieved with diet, exercise, drugs and diet doctors.  Depending on your situation and your goals (that I hope you set while you are exploring lap band surgery), achieving and maintaining 50% EWL can resolve your health issues, and dramatically improve the quality of your life.

I started my journey at 232 lbs.  Early in my transformation my surgeon told me that I should expect my weight loss to stall in the 170's.  (I think he assumed that I would achieve better than average results based on what he saw in his practice, given my level of commitment and the strength of his practice's after-care program).  I could live with maintaining in the 170's - it was a sort of a "Happy Weight" for me.  I remembered when I had dieted to the 170's before; I felt good about the way I looked.  I was in normal size clothing, I felt healthy, I wouldn't be the fat mom, and if I could just stop yo-yo dieting in the 170's, yes I would be good with that...but I'd always want more, because that is just who I am.

Needless to say, as my surgeon warned, I sailed pretty easily to the 170's and then my weight loss stopped.  I had a decision to make.  Was I happy with where I was, or was I willing to put in the work to get "results not typical"?  I decided to go for it.  I've now been maintaining a healthy normal weight for since late 2007.  Here is what I learned about how to achieve "RESULTS NOT TYPICAL" with my band:

• Journaling helped me find small changes in what I was eating to increase protein and decrease calories.  Journaling helps keep me accountable; even today I periodically journal. 
• I always have a plan, or at least a plan B.  I travel a lot, and seem to have unlimited access to foods that can get me into trouble.  I always have a supply of food with me to ensure my success.  I'm not afraid to special order at restaurants, or to ask a hotel to open the gym at 4:30 am.  NO EXCUSES. 
• Having a good support structure is critically important, FOREVER.  Keep building your team. 
• Come to terms that this time your weight loss is really permanent.  You are not going to fail again.  You are not going to suddenly wake up fat again.  You have a tool that helps with portion size, hunger, and satiety.  As long as you work the tool, it will help you. 
• Yes, fills can still help; that's one of the features of the band that no other weight loss surgery offers.  But, beware of the risks of being too tight. 
• Stay close to your surgeon and his/her staff.  Take advantage of the resources they offer. 
• Pay it forward; by helping others on this journey, I am always learning, and it feels great!
• Work on your body image; it takes a long time to see your new body the way others see it.  Liking what I see in the mirror helps me stay motivated.  Learn to say thank-you when people compliment how you look.  This is hard for those of us, who have always struggled with our weight. 
• Admit when you're struggling and enlist help from your team. 
• Step up your exercise.  The benefits of exercise are many-fold.  Cardio burns calories; more muscle burns more calories, muscle is more compact than fat so you lose inches, exercise is good for your physical and mental health.  And then for me there are those happy endorphins - I'm addicted.  Exercise makes me feel good mentally and physically which starts a whole wonderful cycle. 
• Reward yourself and take care of your body. 
• Live your life.
• Do the things you always avoided because you were too fat, or embarrassed. 

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