Hi there. I understand your situation. I have three kids (19mo, 8yr & 9yr). I get banded on April 28th, but I have been staying away from sugar, chocolate, rice, potatoes and pasta for almost 2 months. I just have to pretend that I am a short order cook. I make regular dinners (chicken, veggie and starch). I just put chicken and veggies on my plate. That way they are not deprived and I am eating what is on my plan. The hardest temptation is the goodies my husband is constantly eating. He'll leave a container of cookies in our bedroom or by the couch. It is easier to do what I need to do if I don't have to see them eating the "goodies" or have the "goodies" within view. So, I just put the "goodies" away. I've asked my husband to refrain from eating that stuff in front of me. With each day it gets easier. I try really hard not to think "I will never be able to eat <blank> again". Instead I just remind myself that I am not choosing to eat that stuff today. I'm not going to worry about tomorrow. Today is my focus. Do you have any tricks that work for you?

I feel your pain! As I served my family bar b qued chicken, green beans and mac n cheese i sat down to my lovely liquid diet which sucks, but then I remember that I just lost 18lbs and the pain is worth it. I got banded on the 4th so that helps a little bit but when you see your hubby chowing down on Easter candy and then the smells of the delicious meals you're cooking for everyone else it can get a bit overwhelming.

My situation is a touch different, but I can completely understand how you feel. I am comforted by watching the numbers on the scale go down, and by the fact that my clothes get bigger everyday. My kids have become my biggest cheerleaders. They are 11 and 8 years old. We keep a small amount of candy in the house (not the kind I like, but the kind THEY like). They know they need to ask before eating it and that they can only eat one piece.

It gets better as everyone gets used to the new habits.

thanks everyone!!

I think i need to keep goodies and candy in the house that i dont care for....

I am cooking Easter lunch for 12 people ( ham, Asparagus, mash potatoes, salad and chocolate coconut cupcakes) One thing about having people over is that i have learned i cant really serve my self a plate and eat it since my band gets really tight (stress). So i just focus on everyone else eating.

The easter bunny will be coming over with lots of chocolate, i let my kids have 1-2 piece per day so i am hoping i can stay away from the stash for the next few weeks.

Hope all is well