I also have the lapband. There are ways you can make it so the tool doesn't help, but if you work the band (as the saying goes) you can do fabulous. I'm kindda at a stand still, because I'm not adjusted just right yet, but it's getting closer. Each adjustment makes it closer to my "sweet spot" and each one brings me a couple pounds closer to my goal. My short term goal was 215 for New Years, and I'm not sure I'm gonna make it, but I have certainly hit a MUCH lower number than I have been in years. Nearly 13 years ago (to the day) I weighed 225 when I conceived my oldest son Brandon. I am currently stuck at 224, down from 270 in April of this year. I have had my band 3 months, and lost nearly 30 pounds pre op.
I love my band. The weight loss is slower and healthier than the bypass. And amazing as it sounds I take NO supplements. I do take a PPI (for reflux) that I had prior to the band. Actually the band helps hold the acid in my stomach, so it's not as bad as it was pre op. I do take a multivitamin, but that's by choice, not dr recommended. I also take a pain medication which is prescribed for my back pain. That's it now.
I love my band. The weight loss is slow, and at times I feel like I'm stuck on the scale. But it works.
teri