It's not a magic trick!

I'm writing a book about strategies for success with the adjustable gastric band, and I'm strongly tempted to title it, IT'S NOT A MAGIC TRICK!

There is nothing about the band that makes you lose weight. What it does is make it easier for you to eat less and therefore burn off stored fat. It is not going to do all the work for you. It is not going to make good food choices or exercise for you. It's not going to stop you from grazing on potato chips all day long. It's not going to erase the thought that a bag of cookies would make you feel better after a long, hard day. It's not going to take responsibility for your bad habits and unhealthy lifestyle.

It's just a piece of plastic, folks. It's not a magic trick!