BeachWithMyBabies

I'm just curious. Can people share what they know now AFTER being banded that they wish they could have known before? And please, don't just focus on negative aspects. I'd like to know about any moments/details you never imagined that are now a part of your life. This can be positive or negative. Please be honest and share what you wished someone had told you or that you would have known before the banding. I'm looking for inspiration, but also some good levity and advice.

I am in the process for getting my surgery date and I get to meet with my surgeon for my first consultation in a few weeks. I've been researching lap bands now for about a month and I am pretty comfortable with the idea and lifestyle it will lead to. I've tried liquid diets before and I've done insane 21 day all veggie and just whey protein cleanse. I know how to restrict - I really should have a PhD in diet and exercise by now with all the facts that I know. I just keep gaining things back because I love to eat a LOT. My question is - What do I have to permanently give up, food wise? Besides eating low calorie/low fat (which is something we should all do anyway, right?), are there permanent restrictions on certain foods? I love to go wine tasting with my husband a few times a year. Can I do this on lap band? I also love to travel and it is hard to imagine not being able to try things abroad. Granted, I've come to the realization that I'm not happy having all the food that I want in the world right now, so why should I be worried that eliminating things will make me more unhappy. I just want to prepare myself for what I'm getting into with my future cuisine options. Thanks for all the advice in advance!

Oh yeah - and YAY FOR WINE! I'm a big fan of wine (I'm allergic to beer and corn syrup, so I could give a flip about soda). It's such a relief to know I can still enjoy it. I'm traveling to Scotland this summer so it's nice to know I can partake at the pub.

Thank you everyone for the replies! This is very helpful and even more encouraging. I have my doctor's consult on Friday (the 18th) and I'm excited to get in there and ask questions and learn more about this lifestyle. From what I can gather, the Lap Band is not a magic bullet, but a tool to help someone achieve their goals on a healthy eating plan. I feel like it is going to be a good addition to my eating and exercising. I feel like, this time, I am going to be able to actually see some of the fruits of my labor, which will be such a relief! I've been yo-yo dieting since I was in high school - simply because I would dedicate myself for months at a time, only to see minimal if no results. Each time I would relapse into frustration eating or anger. I'm crossing my fingers that the lap band will give me results sooner so that I can keep up the willpower and feelings of accomplishment to keep me on track and motivated!