I read most of the posts here from all the different people, I like to hear different people's experiences, good and bad....

One thing that is always re occurring, is people saying how they "Fell off the wagon" and "Need to get back on track"

Now I know I'm going to get flamed for this by the "Know it all's" But personally, I do not understand how that can happen...(Short of a medical problem)....

Either your band is adjusted to where you are in the Green Zone, or it's not!! To me, that is the only thing that is important...

Two characteristics of the Green Zone is HUNGER CONTROL, and PORTION CONTROL.....yet I read posts about how people say they were doing fine, then started to eat anything and everything in sight...out of control...Does Not sound like being in the Green to me....

Speaking for myself, When I eat, I eat until I cannot eat anymore...I don't measure or pre determine portion sizes...the band will let me know when to stop eating...it's that simple.

The other day I brought home Chinese take-out...sat down and began to eat to where I knew I had to stop...threw the rest away!!!

It was physically impossible to eat anymore...even if I wanted to....

IF I were to measure what I ate, I know I would have found it to be VERY LITTLE....some would say way too little....

The 2nd issue is Hunger....I'm sitting here, it's 4 am, and I am having my coffee....thinking about it as I type this, I AM NOT HUNGRY, and I have no desire to eat anything....the last time I ate was around 6 pm yesterday, 16 hours ago?

I will take 15gm Protein along with my Vitamins and omega's, and head to the gym when they open at 6am.

After my workout I will have a high protein recovery shake......then that will be it until this afternoon....(plenty of Water though)

My point is, being in the Green, these things now come natural to me....circumstances such as parties, stress and emotional issues, etc, etc, cannot change what has been surgically done......

I travel all over the country on business, vacations, cruise at least once a year...have had deaths in the family,....my daughter had a big wedding.....everything everyone else experiences, but none of it can change the band....that would take an adjustment....

So when I read these stories about "Getting back On Track" or "Falling off the Wagon", I get a little confused...but out of personal respect I keep my mouth shut...it's not my place to tell anyone they are right or wrong....

But what I can do is type here MY experiences with the band and how it all works for me.....

I know I'm in the green....have been for about 20 months now...and from my view point the only thing that matters is whether you are in the green or not...and if not, Why?

Didn't mean to step on anyone's toes...just my opinion, now let the "Know it All Police come out of the woodwork"....

@B52 Where do you get the protien and other supplements you take in the mornings? I'm a fairly new bandster, May 29 of last year.

@B52 Where do you get the protien and other supplements you take in the mornings? I'm a fairly new bandster, May 29 of last year.

I get most of my supplies from a website called "Bariatric Choice"

My smoothies start with 1 scoop of 100% whey = 25 gm Protein, then I add 30ml (shot glass) of pure liquid Protein called "Pro-Stat 64" which adds anoth 15gm of protein....

I then add anything to it such as banana, mixed berries, mango, Peanut Butter, coconut, pineapple, chocolate....anything your imagination can come up with....

Mixed with 8 ozs of Water...(I stay away from dairy products so no skim milk)

Also be warned....I DO NOT count calories...have not for about 1-1/2 years now.....

@B52 Where do you get the protien and other supplements you take in the mornings? I'm a fairly new bandster' date=' May 29 of last year.<img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

I drink Atkins dark choc exclusively. Protein bars can be dangerous for me (too tasty n like candy) but I use them sometimes when traveling etc... Mainly Atkins is great shake because enough protein and low cal almost no net carbs / sugar.

Vitamin shoppe is cheap - free delivery so right my door. http://m.vitaminshoppe.com/search/controller?N=200785802&type=brand

Lee