First of all, I am in Vegas for business not vacation. But, it is challenging none-the-less. I am just getting to the not so soft food stage and allowed to not eat baby food. I have found several things that have helped with the Lap Band diet and will power issues, plus fitting in without drawing attention (unless you feel comfortable with the attention I don't). First, fish is your friend. I found it easy to chew and it doesn't always come in a giant serving. It travels well (back to the room) and warms up in the micro for dinner or lunch the next day. Fajitas without the tortilla - the meat is already cut up in small pieces and most of the toppings are shredded or minced. The last thing I learned was the illusion of a "regular meal". I am in a class with caterer lunch. So, I get my plate, take what I think I can eat and if I don't, it goes to the dirty plate pile. If I get something I can't or shouldn't eat it just stayed on the plate. I have found the will power a lot easier when you fill up faster.

Oh, I and did find out sautéed green bean are not cooked enough for this stage of the diet. It caused some uncomfortable moments during lunch today. This thing sends a really clear signal when you are getting full or something is not going down well. I picked this up the other day and recognized the feeling early enough today to stop before things got out of hand.

In general, it has been a good visit and I have not had any issues with over eating or going outside the diet. The exercising is pretty easy too. I walk from my hotel to the conference center and my wife and I are walking in the evenings. Things are not a close as they appear here. It seems like a big illusion (it is Vegas after all) and it is quite a hike between points of interest. I am covering about 4 to 5 miles a day. On breaks I walk from one end of the casio to the other (Bally's is a big place).

I hope this helps. jp

Congrats on doing well even while in Vegas. And yes, I agree, things are much farther than they appear. It is a great place to walk though.

I have to say I love my band for traveling. Usually it tightens up just a bit on the plane and it takes a day or so to get back to normal...I eat less and lose weight all while I'm traveling!

And remember...what happens in Vegas can catch a ride home on your hips if you're not careful

Good job at staying on track though!!