I am five weeks post-op. At every surgeon visit after surgery (I've had two so far) they ask on a form if you would do this surgery over again. I always, happily, check "YES".

To be completely honest, it is a challenge. My husband is SO supportive, but even little things like him asking me to grab the Oreo's are a struggle. It's a mindless question for him, but to me it's putting temptation in my hands! You have to have will power. Until you have restriction in your band and get to the allusive "green zone" it is a mind-controlled diet.

I had barely advanced to soft/moist foods and got a fill so I'm back on liquids for a day then mushies for another day. I haven't experimented much with a lot of foods, but I did learn the hard way that when you feel full, you HAVE to stop. I was always a "one last bite" person, and tried that tactic on Saturday after I felt full and I had the WORST indigestion of my life, for about 15 minutes. For me, the full feeling is a pressure-type sensation in my chest.

I have been able to sucessfully drink coffee but I haven't done it very much. I used to be a coffee addict. At least a pot a day. I quit for about 2 months then realized that one cup of coffee would cure a migraine. I've had probably 3 cups since surgery and they've gone down fine.

As a rule, I'm avoiding foods that I know aren't nutritious for me, like the bread and pastas. I'm in the mindframe of protein, veggies, then fruit if I'm still hungry and that's IT. Eventually I'll venture out but for now, it's working to help the weight loss.

Also - exercise is important! You need to do something every day. Sometimes I only have time to hit the elliptical for 10 minutes, but I do it.

But as I said it is a challenge, it is one that I am SO, SO happy I chose to take on. The feeling I get when I go to bed at night knowing that I ate healthy, exercised, and am working towards my goal is amazing. I'm proud of myself for the first time in years.

I have no regrets. I'm 12 weeks post op and 30lb down. Last month I lost 8lb but this month I've only lost 4lb so far but have been off track more than on in food choices and keep going back to the cupboards.My target set by the dietician is 4-8lb a month so I'm ok but am still knocking myself as I know just how often I have eaten badly.

My dietician wants me to eat everything now, all food types so it's an experiment as to what doesn't suit me. I've found broccoli, apples,crumpets and some bread have been a problem. I have had alcoholic drinks 3 times and for me it was the same as pre-op. I can drink a whole mug of tea at 'normal speed' and my dietician has even said I can drink while eating. A couple of times this has proved problematic though..

I'm really enjoying the feeling of weightloss. I remember being this weight and I feel so much better and happier. My confidence is returning.

My journey hasn't been plain sailing. Constipation has been a problem, particulaly in the first couple of weeks. I have to push myself to drink more fluids as these daily volumes havn't been part of my routine for the last 40+years! Some days I suffer the '2nd bite stuck' sensation where I have to wait and wait before eating any more as it's kind of 'stuck'. When I haven't waited long enough , I'm sick. Sometimes I can eat and eat and eat. I am suprised at some of the portions I can still have - but know I shouldn't be.

Crunchy foods are my best friends. They fill me up quick and keep me full for longer. I eat chicken at least 4 times a week which is the same as before having my band.

A tip is not to compare yourself and journey to others. It's really hard not to but our bodies do work at different rates. This site is one of the best tools you will find. Initially I could be on here for 5 hours a day every day. I've needed it less as I'm finding my way and might only log on for 10 mins every 3-4 days now. xx

I'm in the beginning phase too. I looked into weight loss surgery years ago, but never felt I could afford it. Then, my sister-in-law had banding done about a year ago and I became interested in it all over again. It has been 6 months since my decision to have gastric banding, yet only now does the dream feel obtainable. I finally think the finances are set, so now it's just a matter of crossing off the lengthy "to do's" from the checklist I've been given before my surgery date can be set. However, during this time I am looking to find out all I can from online members like yourself and post-ops. I less frightened about the procedure as I am about failing, but I feel like this is my best shot. My biggest stress right now is the waiting. I look forward to following your progress!