Any words of support from someone afraid of "cheating"?

Hi all!

I have been talking to my husband about him getting the band at the same time as me, so we begin this journey together and can keep up with one another.

He is receptive but fears not being able to "stick" to the food plan once the procedure is done.

He is 6' 5" and eats very quickly and in decent/large quantity. He is heavy but has a fast metabolism.

My husband is not a sweet tooth kind of guy. He likes the occasional treat but if given a choice between pitas with hummus and ice cream, he'd probably choose the pitas.

He *does* love soda, and regular soda, not diet. I had gotten him to quit a while back but he fell off the wagon. I am slowly trying to gently nudge him back on.

He also LOVES meat! Especially steak and red meat, though he likes almost any meat on the planet. LOL

He doesn't tend to snack a lot during the day, (except on weekends occasionally).

So, the recap, he LOVES:

meat, regular soda, salty snacks and, occasionally, sweets like ice cream etc..

He CAN CONTROL easily his consumption of:

most sweets, (candy, cake, pie, chocolates etc.), starches etc.. He likes rice and potatoes etc. but also enjoys salads and high protein items.

So, any words of wisdom from folks that have a similar pattern?

He has *never* dieted, per se, just increased his activity levels. He has lowered his salt intake and has gone lower caffeine and diet soda for a long stint, however, which is a big thing for him.

I am sure, given his metabolism that, even if all that he gets out of the band is a slightly smaller stomach, he will still lose a substantial amount of weight and that may become addictive, this making him want to stick to the program even more... in theory.

So, I hope that some of you have had similar loves and cravings and can set his mind at ease.

Thanks, in advance!

Shannon

With the band he is going to get restriction, and if he over does it he is going to get that why did I do that feel which really sucks. However I have heard people on here who talk about not exercising and losing a lot of weight I guess it just depends on the person. I know for me I dont have a real sweet tooth either but I didnt do portion control either, and that has been my downfall all my life. I think it could be a good choice especially with you guys doing it together so you can make each other accountable. Oh yeah and we all have a cheat day here or there but we dont over do it. I have had cookies before, I even tried a soda. The cookies were good but the soda was a bad idea so I have learned from that mistake and have found other alternatives when I want something with a little flavor other than water. I dont know if this has been helpful but I hope it helps.

LAter, B.

Hi Shannon. Well liking meat is good because with the lapband you are on a heavy protein diet. The pop will have to go. You can't drink pop with the band. If you ae filled tight it makes you uncomfortable and the carbon can stretch out your stomach. An occasional sweet is okay. You can't go the rest of your life without eating another sweet again, you will set yourself up for failure that way.

Good luck! Hope you can both do it together!

I was a big meat eater, ate quickly (since I was a kid), and in large volumes, couple of sodas a day, but without the fast metabolism. I also like a sweet once in a while - but not a huge every day sort of things.

So 10 months and 110 lbs after the band - as a guy- let me tell you my thoughts:

1. The band forced me to re-learn how to eat. Eating fast makes me sick - I dont like being sick -so you learn to eat slow.

2. I think I choose meat most of the time because it was the most filling - and I needed the most food at a sitting to fill me up. While I still eat meat, I love fish because I am full after a normal fish meal.

3. Soda was hard to give up but I didnt have a choice - it was part of what I signed up for. I thought the benefits were worth the trade off - and I was so right. Don't miss it at all.

4. The band forced me to eat more often, smaller meals etc.

5. Having dieted for years (20+) this is the first time I dont actually feel like I am on a diet. I eat "right" 95% of the time but if I want a cookie - I have one. But I am happy with one or two as oppose to 1/2 a bag.

6. There is something to the losing weight being addictive. While I have dropped 50+ a couple of time over the years, thing time was different - cant explain.

The bottom line is he has to decide if it's the right choice for him. I am happy to answer any questions

Thanks so much everyone, that really helps. I'll send him your thoughts and see what he thinks. I was hoping that he'd join the forum but he is taking baby steps. Maybe in a few weeks, one never knows. LOL

Thanks again!

Shannon