I've made the decision to move forward with bariatric surgery. Of course I am in the long haul to get the insurance company to approve it but I still want to work on preparing myself for it. So I am trying to watch what I eat and trying to get myself to exercise. What I really am struggling with is portion control. Like last night I had two cheese burgers instead of just one. At breakfast this morning it was two big breakfast sammis instead of one. At lunch it was the chinese buffet and I had 2 large plates of food and 2 large cups of soup. I tell myself I need to do better but then I don't. This is so frustrating.

Well, One thing I can tell you about the band, you will no longer be able to eat 2 cheeseburgers, or 2 buffett plates - once you get restriction. The hardest part is getting to that restriction, you have to very patient.

For me, it took 19 months to finally get really good restriciton, but I'm a rare one, Most people it takes 3 fills, it took 11 for me.

I have an aunt who has had the band and she tells me that she is one of the lucky ones in that her first fill is all it took. Granted I have a feeling that it will take me a couple of fills but who knows.

It took me 6 or 7 fills - but I finally have it! I have to warn you - I am one of the ones who has super tight restriction for breakfast, great restriction for lunch and virtually none for supper. BUT, I have the band helping me 2 meals out of the day - I try to eat healthy and watch the amounts for super. Congratulations on your decision. I would do mine again a hundred times even if I never lost another pound. Losing 38lbs in 6 months and KEEPING it off - has made me a new person!

Hey Pete...I had the surgery July 16 and I have lost 30 lbs...I had my first fill on August 16 ,Beleive me the double eating will stop..It is the best thing I could have ever done..I have had no problems..so dont worry just get the lap band and things will change..:tongue2: