I've not been banded yet - I'm still exploring whether my insurance will cover it. I keep going back and forth...could I just eat like I have the band and lose weight? Of course, I know that if I could do it by myself, I already would have! Truthfully, it is my fear of giving up my food that makes me shy away from the commitment of the band.

I have to admit, I am terrified to give up all of the food I love so much. I love to cook, and food gives me so much pleasure. How will it be to go to my fav Mexican food restaurant and not eat a whole basket of chips? Will I be able to? How will I cook meals for my husband and me - He eats so little anyway, and if I can only eat 1/2 cup of food, I think I will have to relearn to cook! And I am a total carboholic. I live for bread! What will it be like to have only a small bite (or worse - none at all!) of crusty french bread? And rice? How about sushi? Champagne? (sigh):scared2: It is like saying goodbye to a friend...

I know exactly how you're feeling, because I felt the exact same way before being banded. But my fear of giving up my "friend" (yeah, right) had become less than my fear of not living my life to the fullest, not being active, always being insecure and self-conscious. What I found after being banded (almost 12 weeks ago) is that it's not near as bad as I thought it would be. Of course, right after being banded and after fills, you're on a liquid diet, then mushies, then you slowly introduce other foods. But after that, it really is to where I can still enjoy most, if not all, of the things I once did before.

Before I got banded, I read some of the posts on here and got the impression that I would just NEVER be able to enjoy food again. It was very depressing, and I wondered how I would deal with my emotions if I couldn't find comfort in my old ways. It has really become so much more of a non-issue for me than I ever thought. I even wondered if I would need psychiatric care if I didn't have food to lean on!! That makes me chuckle, because really, with a balanced diet, I feel much more on an even-keel than ever before.

What the band is for me is a reminder. A reminder to eat slowly, a reminder to make food choices from the "wise" column MOST of the time. It has taken a majority of the focus off food, and has allowed me to focus on much more important things in my life. AND, after losing almost 40 pounds, it's allowing me to move about more freely, suffer less joint pain, and feel better generally.

I know that not everybody is this way, but personally, I CAN eat bread, rice, tortillas, etc., when I want. The difference is that now I eat them in moderation. I used to live almost entirely on carbs, now that I look back, and wondered why I felt so tired and wrung out all the time. Now that I'm eating a balanced diet, my energy level is much better and I'm more motivated to try.

Banding's not for everybody, for sure -- but so far, I'm really grateful that I have my band!

I'm right there with you, renebeau. I have started the six month weight loss program that my insurance requires - but my insurance is changing so my requirements might change. But I figure I want to see how I do with these six months.

A life of no sushi is not appealing to me! I don't eat a ton of it - once a month or so - but never again? That seems harsh. I'm struggling with that idea.

With the band, sliding backwards will be much harder. Without the band - there's nothing there telling me I'm going wrong.

And you are right - if I could do it myself - wouldn't I have already AND kept it off?

On the other hand - have I ever been this serious?

I definitely want to ask these questions next week, though, when I go see my NP again - about sushi and rice. Really? Never?

My surgeon says champagne and beer are ok - but to remember those are cheating calories because they just slide right through. It IS interesting how all the surgeons say such different things.

Thank you both! Arkansas bandster - I like your attitude. I feel hopeful that I can balance what I want and what I need. Sometimes I feel like there are a lot of people who are so rigid with "the rules" that they take the joy out of eating - period. I like your moderate approach! I guess that is what I am wishing for - more MODERATE eating.

ldswims - thank you for your reply - it sounds like we are at about the same place! I'm happy to hear your surgeon has no problem with champagne/beer. I will have to see what mine says. Best wishes to you both!

They are right...just watch what you eat, do it slow and just not all the time.

Once you are banded, also remember not to drink while eating. Yes there may be times you need something but usually not.

When I go out to eat, I ask for a coffee cup of water or a kid’s cup. This will stop them from asking “are you sure I can’t get you something to drink” or just in case I need a sip I have it there.

Set a date or time during the month when you reward yourself.

I eat whatever I want. I just watch how much, how often and always, always eat it slowly. I too eat bread, tortillas, rice etc.. If you want those chips, have them but take out a handful from the basket for yourself and that's your portion. I do this w/French fries. 10 is my limit and I either toss the rest or give them to the kids. But I’m not beating myself up for having “bad food”, I given myself permission, dealt w/the portion size and enjoyed.

There will always be that head game out there that we need to deal with and the more we deal with it the easier it will be to move on and we win the game of life…Our new life!

It's a life change as you know and we all work on it ONE DAY AT A TIME.

Good luck on your journey.

Thank you, ubermom! I appreciate what you have said. I think feeling deprived can really backfire for me. In my head, I think, "I deserve to have _____" even though it is really not about that. Hopefully the portion control with the band will be my helper. Thanks for your comments!