Last night, 10 of us went out to a 5 star restaurant....after 2 pre-dinner cocktails, skipped the appetizers ordered for the table.

Then the entree's arrived....large lobster with all the fixings!

One or 2 bites, and already I knew I was almost finished...so after that I just picked at my food and carried on conversation...

Turns out, because of the band, I was only able to eat about 1/4th of my meal....and that was slow....

Then we had coffee, no problem, and Key Lime pie for dessert...which I was only able to have one or 2 forks.....a good taste if you will.....

And that's how it is for me....I did not need to measure, weigh or count calories.....the band is there, and dictates how much, and in some regards what I can eat....

Bottom line, I ate very little...no where compared to the pig I would have made of myself prior to the surgery....

I don't get hung up on the little things...can't loose sight of the forest because of the trees...I look at the big picture and that is that as my new lifestyle, I eat like a new person, very little compared to my old self...and it is not because I will it to be so, it is because there is a band wrapped around my upper stomach that prevents me from doing so.....

I read so much about people failing, falling off the wagon, needing to get back on track.....

Speaking only for myself...I cannot imagine how I would be able to have that happen.....last night, if I even tried to ignore the signals sent from my band and tried to over eat...I would have been in the bathroom spitting it all up, and then feeling miserable....

I certainly do not want that...I have learned my lessons before.....

Yeah b-52. You are an awesome example of how this new life works for people! I went to dinner on Thursday night. Not a fancy restaurant. But, anyway, ordered and when it arrived, I immediately cut everything in half. I ate my fish 1st and 1/4 of a sweet potato. Then, everything else went home for dinner last night. How awesome to make 2 meals out of 1!!! Woohoo! to the lapband!!!!

as always b.......honest speaking and telling it like it is...

you have always inspired me and i dont see that changing anytime soon.

your are right,,and i wish people would just LET the band work

It is always great to hear stories from seasoned lap banders. Thanks for inspiring us newer ones! Yay, for the band!! You are a great success story.

I understand that 80% of people on this website are just starting out, and/or still desperately learning their way with this surgery hoping to loose their weight.....

BUT

I do want people to know that there is a new life, reward, waiting for you! THERE IS LIFE AFTER LAPBAND!!!

My Dr. and I talk about different things, things he knows I do, that he would NEVER DARE let on to his newer patients....it is easier to tell them NO than

to confuse and cloud the issue.

So Just like my Dr., I read posts here and I have to bite my tongue....lest I be the cause of people stumbling....

Hi B52; very good story. I'm getting banded Feb 4th. Last night we went out for dinner (hubby's bday) and I said next time we go out; I'll be taking a TO GO box!

Thank you for your inspiration.

B52 as one of those newbies your story is inspirational to me. Sounds like your not missing out on anything and still being able to enjoy a dinner out is awesome. That was one of my fears: "what am I going to do when we go out to eat?" And now I know I can have my healthy meal and not focus on company and not stuff my face like I always do. Thanks!

Oops meant focus on company

I do the same when I dine out. I always plan on eating 1/2 the meal and a bite or two of a shared dessert. I also love taking home a doggie bag.

I am really trying to practice eating slower and making better food choices. Need to drink more fluids throughout the day. It is major but your posts and the local support group have really helped me