I'm just wondering how many people out there eat perfectly and work out like they should? When I read some posts (none in particular, just generally), it seems that most people on here are perfect eaters. They eat their 3 oz of Protein and then veggies, all 3x a day. If I could stay with that plan, I wouldn't have needed this "tool" to help me not eat so much! I've been banded for 2 1/2 yrs now and have lost over 100 lbs (about 12 left to go) and I'm far from perfect. I'm not even a good eater. I eat whatever I want, never measure anything, don't count calories, fat grams, or protein. I eat a few bites of everything then I'm done. I love my life now. I can fit into a sz 7/8 and no longer have hypertension.

My band slipped about 4 mths ago (my fault, too much vomiting from eating way too fast) and I've been unfilled for 3 wks now. I go back in next week (thank God) for a fill. I guess my brain finally decided to catch up with my band and be satisfied on very little food now,cuz I haven't gained a pound. I do eat a little more than I did, but not much. I thought for sure I'd gain 20 lbs.

I just wanted to get a count on here of everyone who eats perfectly all the time, works out like they should, and is happy. I sure wouldn't be if I still had to diet the rest of my life. That's why I got the band - so I wouldn't ever have to diet again!

Marci

I try to make sure I get my protien and definatley my water but no I do not count calories and measure I eat a littlr bit and wait see if im satisfied if I wanted to count calories and measure everything ida went on a diet for free instead of payin for a band

There is nothing duller or more boring than "perfection". I push the limits with this band and food still, after 7 years. When I read about a person who's going on and on in this forum (and other forums)about all the cardio and weights and "perfect exercise" they do and all the "perfect food" they eat, and all the "perfect advice" they give, all I can think of is eventually they are going to crash and burn and most of them do sooner or later. I take no pleasure in watching this. You know when we go on this journey, it isn't to be "perfect" (we all want to be, but we are not) it is to use this tool to help us have a handle on the fact that we are imperfect. The most important lesson I have learned in my 7 years is that I am imperfect. That is what makes me unique. I really had to struggle to adjust this band journey to all of my imperfections with not wanting to exercise and of course loving chocolate, and cheesecake, etc. I'll shout it over and over again, I am imperfect, and that my friends is why I have kept my weight off for seven years.

THANK YOU!!

Marci

I try to make sure I get my protien and definatley my water but no I do not count calories and measure I eat a littlr bit and wait see if im satisfied if I wanted to count calories and measure everything ida went on a diet for free instead of payin for a band

It has taken me 16 months for me to get to the point where the band has limited the amount I can eat. I would not have been as successful as I have been had I not weighed and measured everything out. I wish I could say I would have gotten there quicker but it is what it is! I have gotten so used to doing it, I don't think twice any more.

I probably follow 80/20 too! During bandsters hell, I was close to perfect, ate very healthy and logged everything. Now that I'm in the green zone, I track nothing! It's wonderful because I'm NOT dieting. Now, for the most part, my eating habits are a lot healthier than pre band but if I want bad stuff, I eat what the band allows, in moderation. I do not deprive myself and I'm still loosing. I've slowed down as I'm about 30lbs from goal but I'm doing great. I love my band!

I have some of the same thoughts posted in this topic. I had lap band surgery on April 9th and my first fill on June 6th. With my pre-surgery diet, I have lost 31 pounds. I have not been very good about exercise. But, I am going to join a gym this week. I think I must also prescribe to the 80 / 20 rule. If I could do all of these things perfect, journal food, weigh food, will power, and exercise, I would be a person who did not need surgery. I do think I am eating healthier and eating less.. . but I am no where near perfect~

I am far from perfect. Still, the band keeps me in check. Even if I have cake, cookies or something fried, I can only manage a little. I know I could be losing faster, but, as long as I'm losing and living, I'll take that any day of the week .

Well, I am a perfect eater

....a perfectly normal eater, and as such, from time to time i eat things that aren't 100% healthy.

electronicart, I LOVE what you said "as long as I'm losing and living".

i feel that way. I can't and won't give up foods that I absolutely love. That is not living to me. I still want to be able to enjoy the good things from time to time. The band has helped me with not eating and eating and eating bad foods ALL of the time (which is pretty much what i did pre-band.

I do eat healthy things, I do try my best to do things that are higher in Protein first, but it doesn't always work out that way. I don't weigh or measure my food and I don't log my food. To me, that makes this process seem much more like a diet, and in my past, diets have failed.

What has changed is that I eat much less volume wise than I did before, I try to make better choices and on the days that I do "mess up" I don't beat myself up over it. I move on.

I always giggle to myself when I see new people say stuff like "i'm saying goodbye to junk food forever! I didn't get the band to continue to eat bad foods". The band won't stop you from eating bad foods, so you still have to make the choice yourself.

I allow myself 1 day a week to eat something that isn't necessarily the best for me nutrition-wise. usually that day is spent eating out in a restaurant with friends or my hubby. I have chocolate every single day. yes, after dinner, i microwave a 90 calorie Fiber brownie and i eat that sucker up! it gives me fiber, gives me something to look forward to at the end of the day, and keeps my chocolate monster at bay.

so, i guess i'm not a perfect eater, but i eat perfectly for me. i don't want to live a life of "i can't ever eat xxx food again" but I do want to live a life of "i can eat xxx food, and I will eat less of it and be satisfied with that.

Me too Dawn. I wasnt a terribly unhealthy eater, just ate too much overall nd allowed too many treats. I also had the attitude that if i was out to eat I may as well REALLY enjoy it! All i really did to my diet was tweak the balances and reduce the overall intake.

i probably make people a bit sick with my attitude to exercise. i will move heaven and earth not to miss running ir the gym, i have kept it up through cancer and chemotharapy, holidays, bd weather, busy periods, i dont know where tjis dedication has come from, i never had it begore! But again, in reality I am a moderate exerciser, yes, running s strenuous but at my fitness, i trot long enjoying the scenery, its not that hard. Im not interested in hoiking huge weights at the hym, putting pressure on myself for better paces and race times. Apparently, my body will get used to tjis and stop responding. Jeez, i guess thats why after five years all i have to do if i gain a pound or two is run a little more, eat a little less!

So diet and exercise i set at a level i can do and forget perfction