Does anyone think they could have avoided the Lapband by just restricting what try ate like you do with the Lapband but just dieting?

Same here, I have lost good amounts of weight in the past, but I eventually got tired of the routine before I reached goal and I went back to bad habits. I lost 46 pounds prior to surgery in order to qualify (my BMI was too high for my hospital to perform). It took me only 5 months to do that, but if I had continued on without getting the band, I don't think I would be where I am now. The band is my backup if I ever try to overeat. I physically won't be able to. Sure, sliders can still go down with ease, but that is where my will power comes in.

I also find that if I give in to my cravings and treat myself to a small dessert once or twice a month, it helps keep me focused on my journey. I still get to eat my favorite foods, just in smaller qty's and less often than I was pre-band. I started my insurance required diet in April 2011 (1 year ago today actually) and as of today, I've lost 84 pounds. That's an average of 1.6 pounds loss per week. Very healthy weight loss and I couldn't be happier. I'm hoping to lose another 92 pounds to reach my goal weight of 150. I've never been 150 in my adult life. I'm so excited!!

That excitement keeps me going.....that and my band.

Though I have had my band since 2010, I'm really just getting started for the first time, so I don't really know what I'm doing, but I do desperately need to succeed! I see that you have gone for fills once a month. This is where I'm starting now. I had my last fill on Friday so I'm up to 2.5 cc. I've had liquids to mush this weekend, and was told to transition into solids starting tomorrow. My question for you is this: How do you know what increments that you need each time? How do you know when you have hit the green spot?