Hello All,

I am fairly new to this forum and have enjoyed reading so much information. I am currently waiting for insurance approval and then will hopefully schedule surgery.

I am wondering....how do you describe the bandster lifestyle? What is different about your lifestyle now with the band, what's not different?

I have so many questions!

Thanks!!!

Grocery shopping is very different I buy way more protein and less processed foods. I am still the same on the inside I still am funny, smart and a great mother and grandmother. hugs

Grocery shopping and a complete change in eating habits! I was addicted to sodas and now I can't have them. I love chips!!!! I will eat about four and be happy and I use to eat two or three small bags. Learning how to dress!! I like big clothes, but I am learning to wear clothes that fit. I lost 30 lbs and I didn't get compliments or people did not notice until family and friends convienced me to wear smaller clothes. I use to snack more and now I drink more.... I use to drink sodas and now I drink water with a little crangrape. I don't keep bladder infections now!! I eat less sodium and now my hands and feet are not swollen, but wrinkled from years of not eating right and blowing up from eating and drinking too much sodium.

The bandster lifestyle? 3 meals a day, no more than 1 cup per meal, 3-4 ozs of Protein, 1/4 cup veggie, 1/4 cup carb, small bites, chew till mush, eat slow, don't drink during meals and exercise. That is the basic rules, now it will very with different doctors.

For me, it has become second nature in a lot of ways. I don't think about food or obsess over the next meal. I eat to fuel my body, food does not control me anymore. This is possible because I got this great tool, my band, to help me change. I had to work hard to get where I'm at and I will continue to work hard to get to my goal and to maintain my goal.

The band saved my life.

My day is the same as it was before I was banded.... Minus the calories. Seriously I haven't noticed a difference in my quality of life other than I am thin now and healthy. I make good food choices now whereas I didn't pre band. I watch my calories now and stick to 1000 each day... Didn't do that pre band so that's probably the largest difference.

During my journey I learned that food is fuel. I don't need it for comfort, companionship or love. No one cares what I eat.... Except me.

So my big changes are grocery shopping, body perception, energy level, self esteem, calories. So basically I eat to live not live to eat.