I'm now eating solids again, and boy-oh-boy, the band does help, even when it's not filled. If I eat more than about 2-3 oz of meat or eat too quickly, I *will* be sick. Guaranteed. And darned uncomfortable until I do yark it up, let me tell you!

I finally found the techniques that works for me:

1. Measure! You can't keep an accurate record without correct measures, much less be sure you don't overfill. By simple averages it became very clear 2 ounces is my usual limit.

2. Put down the fork between bites. Example: Cut up the deviled egg. I snarfed one down in three bites and yarked it up. Cutting one into quarters and eating them slowly ensured they stayed down. My mini-food processor helps, but sometimes I can just cut up my food very small. Putting down the fork between bites works best, even if my food sometimes gets cold before I'm done. I know where the microwave is.

3. Eat a la russe (one small course at a time). By eating one tiny course at a time, you don't get the guiltiness about not "cleaning your plate." Because my doc insists on low carb, I eat the meat first. Then I go back for the veggies, if there's room. It can take me as long as it takes the guys to eat 2-3 big helpings! I may switch this, though. Sorry doc, but I think I need the fiber from the veggies.

What amazes me is the pitiful cries of boredom I’m hearing from my fellow bandsters. I’m going nuts because I have too many choices of food to cook and eat! And that’s if I don’t want to “play with my food” and create my own recipes. Sure, I can only eat 2 oz at a time, but most of the time it keeps for another meal later. The guys are pigging out on anything I cook and even my DH, "Mr. Meat and Potatoes" is loving my new recipes. (Not to mention my figure.)

I’ve been posting many recipes at my regular blog, http://fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com but maybe my editor at Aspen Mountain had a good point. Maybe I should write a LapBand Cookbook. Hmm.

I am going to view your recipes. I love new ideas.

I think that cook book is an excellent idea. I think you should not only limit it to just lap band but any type of weight loss surgery. It would surely help some one like me who is not good in the kitchen with or with out the band. when it comes to the kitchen I am clueless in being creative.

Thanks, ladies. Your encouragement means a great deal to me. I'll approach my editor today. Fun thing is, she's diabetic and says my recipes work for her too.

Sarah--My recipes on Fat Frog Diary are interspersed, with most in 2008.

Lovely-- You make a good point. I happen to have two friends who are gastric bypass patients. I'll talk to Angela first. She's got a big, strapping cop of a husband to feed so she can't goof off with convenience foods like my other divorced friend Sandy.

Your post is an eye opener. Thanks for your attitude. I am hoping to get banded this Spring at the VA Hospital. Right now I am trying to lose 5% of my body weight which participating in program to qualify for the surgery. This last two days have not been to rough, I guess I have a purpose that is driving me as I "DIET" to lose the 5%. I am eating small amounts of stuff which will also help me diabetes. I am going to check out your blog for food ideas. FYI I weighed in at 333 lbs yesterday, I go back on the 4th of February and am hopeful that I will have lost weight. I just hope and pray that I can end my affair with food. God bless you and thank you. art, a friend of Jesus.

GordoNoMore, I'm loving the low carb life! This is the first "diet" (call it a food regimen or meal plan) where I've been not only successful, but actually enjoying myself in the kitchen again. Sure, I still watch the calories because I'm not stupid enough to think calories don't matter, but it's those carbs that have sabotaged me for years. One doughnut sinks my battleship. Who couldn't love Sherried Fillet Steaks that are literally little more than sherry deglazing the pan you cooked the steaks in, salt, pepper, whipping cream, and a tiny bit of terragon? How easy can you get for a meager 267 calories and 3g carbs? YUM!