I know everyone here has one or two things they just aren't willing to do or change. I understand and I'm really fighting with a few of my demons here.

I don't want to give up fast food. (out food) - I mean I say it's because of my job entertaining clients, eating out with them, traveling hours to see them etc. And a lot of people have given me suggestions on how take along food.... but honestly I just don't want too. I think there should be a way around this - like for example I can make better decision at each resturant. I don't cook nor will I ever learn. I'm not into that.

Anyway - that's my one thing. I still think I can make it work with this life style but I'm wondering what's your thing? I've heard someone say before - I didn't have this surgery to sweat and she wasn't going to exercise. I respect that. I like exercise and don't mind that but understand everyone has their thing.

What's your thing?

Oh well, to each his one. I feel the exact opposite when I exercise...the first few minutes are fine, and I feel like I can keep going, and then it just starts to suck. Don't feel sorry for me, though, I get that great feeling from a lot of other things, like cleaning my house or doing things that I'm not supposed to talk about in an unmarked thread.

FRENCH ROAST - Finely ground, brewed up DARK with real half -n- half... MMMMM. On the weekends - it's real coffee with half-n-half...

I am with the "Eat real food" crowd. I can go with the LITE alternatives - but Fat Free is truly Frankenfood. (Love that word! Greatness!)

CHIPS And DIP!!!!! I love the stuff! I will not give that up unless the band says that I have to!!! LOL

I'm with Sunta. Everything in moderation. I haven't really given up anything. I eat pretty much what I want, just in smaller amounts. I eat fast food, I just make better choices. Instead of the Big Mac value meal with giant sized fries and coke, I get a hamburger and eat it with half the bun. I might get fries. I might get a fruit and yogurt parfait. It all depends on how I've been doing for the day.

I also agree that all this over-processed, fat-free, sugar-free, flavor-free food is a load of crap. "real" food is so much better for us and as long as we eat it sensibly, cook it in a healthy manner, we are so much better off. Besides, it tastes better. Look at butter for example, taste a bit of butter. Then taste margarine.......I'd say butter wins, hands down AND, all those hydrolized fats in the margarine can be bad for you. The only "diet" food I use once in a while is splenda. I put it in some hot tea or make lemonade with it. It keeps me from going over my daily caloric intake with liquid calories, it tastes good, and it's made from sugar.

Also, as far as eating out in general. I do, regularly. For my job, we eat out daily. I just make the best choices I can. Sometimes I get salad. Sometimes I get Soup. Sometimes grilled chicken. It all depends on what's available and what sounds good to me that day. It's all about making good choices. I NEVER get deep fried, breaded anything. It's just one of my rules for myself.

I haven't given up chocolate, wine, pizza, chips or anything...I just limit it, don't eat it every day and enjoy being able to eat these things without fear of dumping, but in smaller quantities. It's good to be satisfied with 1 or 2 pieces of pizza instead of the whole pizza!

The only thing I have truly given up (and I can honestly say I don't miss it) are carbonated beverages. I didn't drink them a lot before, so it hasn't been a big sacrifice.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I am not giving up eating out. I like to eat out. Although we are definately eating out less. Applebee's has the weight watchers menu and I also order salads with the lower fat dressing or the fish with veggies on the side. I will also have the occassional mini chocolate as a treat. I decided that I would have to change my lifestyle to work with the band but that I could get the band to also work with my lifestyle. But no way am I wasting all that $$$ I spent to get this band. I used that money to improve my health for my kids and I couldn't live with myself if I screw this up. Heck, I've proven for the last 40 years that I can't do this on my own!