Now being band free for 10 days (and feeling better than I have in months!!!) I will say that my 2 1/2 years of banded life helped me develop significantly better eating habits and made me realize I won't die if I don't eat XXX (insert any of the many foods I couldn't eat while banded here). I realized this As I ate my glorious 6 inch sub and apple slices today at lunch. 3 years ago it would have been a foot long, chips, and soda, I'd say that's not too bad of a trade!

Sorry if it seems I've hijacked this forum but just working through A LOT of stuff as I adjust to non-banded life and wait for my bypass. I realized earlier this week I have some anger associated with all of this. (originally I thought it was all shock and disappointment). I picked the band because it's not permanent, if there a complication it can be removed, yet, here I sit with some degree of permanent damage and scarring....I'm not placing blame, don't start yelling at me, just saying this is a surprise I wasn't prepared for. I assumed the band came out and everything was back to normal. Bad assumption on my part!

But anyway, thanks band for teaching me I won't starve to death if I don't give in to those cravings! I owe ya one! (but you owe me many more)

Here I am, a week without the band. Went to the dr. today and he gave me some helpful hints. Have set up an appointment with a dietician to set up a diet plan so I can maintain my weight loss with the band and I also need a plan to lose about 20 more pounds. I have stocked up on raw veges for my snack. My brain still tells me to eat the way I did when the band was present. Taking it one day at a time......

One day at a time is all we can do. I had an unfill a couple months ago. First month was fine. Now I am gaining. Need to rethink my strategy.

I am not at risk of losing my band, the unfill was not due to a slip, but the one day at a time applies to us all.