So I went to my first support group at my doctors office. I was excited to actually talk with other people (in person) that have the band.

I explained at group that this journey has been a lot harder at times then I thought it was going to be. I feel like there is lot more willpower involved than I anticipated (as I am getting hungry every 2-3 hours). I did learn a valuable lesson...they assured me it does get easier. I guess the golden "sweet spot" is truly the key. The point where the band works more for you rather than you for it??? The hunger I guess does go away...thank God. Can't wait!! I did get a big boost to my ego as everyone said I was doing great (38 pounds in 12 weeks). The counselor said that most of what I am doing is dieting. Yes the band is helping, but I needed to give myself a lot more credit. Most lapband patients lose most of there weight further down the road when they reach that 'sweet spot' rather than at the begining. So that part was great. However...

The counselor that ran the group has had the band for 8 years. She is a 5 ft woman who has lost over 150 pounds and is at goal and maintaining. However the way she maintains is rediculous. She eats yogurt, protein shakes and cottage cheese 85% of the time. She is perfectly content with this life. She says she doesn't miss the food. Do I have to do this? Is this what my future holds? I realize because I don't have a lot of restriction right now, I can eat more then a cup of food. I know this will change, but will have to live like that?

All of you out there that have reached goal and are maintaining, please give me some hope for the future. I can't see my life like this woman chooses to live. I am happy it works for her, but COME ON!!

I am about 30 lbs. away from my goal weight, but I eat fruits, veggies, rice, pasta, chicken, beef, seafood and the occasional "bite" of my husband's dessert. I do supplement with protein drinks because I don't eat large portions of meats at each meal. She probably eats that way because she either doesn't like to cook or just doesn't get bored with the same old foods and it is easy. There are some good cookbooks out specifically for Bariatric Surgery patients such as: Before & After by Susan Marie Leach @ www.bariatriceating.com or a local bookstore. It has her story and recipes. Another one is Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery by Patt Levine and Michele Bontempo-Saray @ www.dacapopress.com. My doctor also recommended Dr. Phil's Ultimate Weight Solution Cookbook, found in most bookstores. I have all of these books and have found them very useful.

Not quite at goal yet, but NO you are NOT supposed to eat like this. My doc says NO soft foods (sliders= cottage cheese, yogurt) and NO liquid calories (protein shakes) as these defeat the purpose of the band. I've used the 'bird' as an anaolgy...you can eat at the bird feeder (and small amounts like a bird or you won't be able to fly) or you can drink at the bird bath, but you can't do both at the same time! Best wishes! -BG

Hey Stephanie171,,, I'm not anywhere my goal,,, actually it's been 3 months since my band surgery and I've lost only 29 pounds. Although I don't have any advise for you on the subject,,, I am feeling like we are in the same boat right now. I've gotten 2 fills and while I do realize I have the band after the second fill due to sticking and such,,, I am still eating more than what I should due to not being full. Now, I do stop myself way before I use to stop, but still waiting for that magic fill that put's me where I need to be,,, the sweet spot as they say. I have some hard days wondering why I did this since I'm basically dieting like I would have before the band but still at the end of the day, I'm glad it's there and looking forward to the day I get that magic fill!!!

How many fills have you gotten in your 12 weeks? By the way,,, 38 pounds is awesome!

Thanks for the encouragement. I am realizing it is all based on the way you want to live. I guess she is content with that life. I have to find what works for me. Mybandjourney2009 - I had 3 fills so far. I go every 4 weeks. 10 cc band with 4.5cc. I can say I am getting some of my restriction now since I posted this. So I am doing better with hunger. I have a feeling when I go back Feb 4, I should be at or close to my sweet spot. Keep up the good work all!

Hi Stephanie171, I have had 4 fills and we are thinking I'm at my sweet spot. I really don't get hungry between meals and I have to remember to eat because if I get busy I will forget since I'm not starving anymore. I still have to remember not snack when my husband is having his sweets. But I really don't want anything. I hope you have found your sweet spot since a lot of these post were some months ago.