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I have had the same thoughts and sometimes feel depressed that eating will be completely different for me, but then again, that's what got me in this spot in the first place. And then I think of one of the main reasons I did this....my grandkids. When I see their faces I know I'd do anything for them, and if eating healthy is what keeps me around a little longer to watch them grow up, then so be it.

Helen, first off, be so proud of what you've accomplished. 85 lbs is amazing! As for eating too much lately...have you been eating more because you've been feeling hungry, or for other reasons. If you've been hungry, you might want to consider if a fill adjustment could help. You might need a small fill to get you back to good restriction. If it's not hunger, well, that's more complicated. I've seen people suggest that going back to basics can help, like going back to a liquid diet for a couple of days, but if you're eating for emotional or psychological reasons, that might not help. What might do more good is finding a local support group. Sharing stories and getting advice from other people always makes me feel stronger. Also, getting you mind off food by filling in time with other activities you love can also help make it through a rough time. Good luck!

Yes life does get better! For either good or bad I am one of those bandsters who can basically eat anything. I choose not to eat pizza everyday (which at one point of my life I did. No kidding). I try to eat by the 95/5% rule. Eat correctly 95% of the time and enjoy your treats the other 5%. The only bread I've had trouble with is cheap rolls you get at low end restaurants. I reallllyy really like bread so I choose my battles. If there is good bread to be had I can have some but I choose not to eat lesser bread the rest of the time. I don't tend to eat sandwiches because the bread is not the star of the sandwhich so only have the filling. You will be able to eat out again you will just need to choose healthy foods and to probably pack up half of what you are served.

It's really going to happen! Had my history and physical today, need to go in for fasting labs in the am and then I will be all set. Surgery date is February 28th and I am excited/anxious/frightened/elated.....

I am just three weeks post op and I had major gas pains for the first two weeks,it does get better.a friend of mine who also has the band sugested gas -x it works great! I carry a box wherever I go.

Good luck! This is the best decision I have made for myself! Feels so good to be doing something for me! I was banded in January and love my new life! All your emotions are normal. You are going to do great!

I was terrified of going under anesthesia. Terrified!!! But let me tell you, they set me up in my bed with my iv and I got to watch tv while I waited for the surgeon. While I waited, I was given warm blankets, and then met the anesthesiaologist. They gave me something in my iv and I felt like I drank a bottle of wine. They wheeled me in to the OR, and I got myself on the operating table, all while feeling quite calm. They told me they would take good care of me, and thats all I remember. Then I woke up, in recovery, and it was the most comfortable I have ever been!!! I went in and out of sleep, and was even able to get up and go to the bathroom after a few hrs of being in recovery, with some help from the nurses, who were wonderful. I had heard a few people here say, you just have to give yourself to the nurses the day of surgery, and dont stress just relax. I never thought I could do it, and i was a mess the day before thinking I was going to die from some horrible complications...but the day of surgery, a calm came over me and I felt so ready. I did like everyone said and just let the nurses care for me...it was actually enjoyable!

OMG!! My surgeons office just called me to tell me they called Empire BCBS to let them know they were sending over docs today for my surgery. They then told me BCBS asked them a few questions and approved me over the phone! Can this really be?? I want to call BCBS so bad and find out for sure but I don't want to stir the pot...... OMG!! OMG!! I didn't even tell anyone yet but you guys, i been lurking for weeks and would not have as much info as I do now if it was not for you!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.... Do you think this is correct? It must be. I'm prob just in shock.. OMG, OMG, OMG!!!

When you put solid/mushy foods into the pouch it causes the pouch to grind. liquids do not cause this grinding. Doctors have us on liquids because they do not want that grinding to occur and pull the stitches they've used to anchor the band into place. Each doctor has his/her own opinion as to how long to let those stitches heal before allowing the stomach to grind. I was told I'd be in big trouble if I needed a re-operation because I pulled my stitches due to eating. (What the definition of trouble was, I don't know, but I did not want to find out). I was three days post-op when I was so hungry I wanted to eat my dog. My surgeon called to check on my that evening. I told him my dog was lucky he could move faster than I, otherwise I might have broken my post-op 7 day clear liquid diet. He said that since I was doing so well and was so hungry, I could move on to a full liquid diet.

Sheesh, we women are never good enough are we? What's wrong with you, only got one pair of hands or something? Seriously though, you look fantastic. Actually your pic was the only one I've ever seen where your skin is actually very nice before, I gather it was more muscle repair you needed?