A few questions about post-band life:

I know I'll be eating about a cup of food three times per day and really focusing on protein intake.....

What about how you eat -- I.e will it still be possible to eat with family and friends? I'm feeling like eating is such a ritual -- the whole cooking and eating with people. Dinner parties, BBQs, etc. How do you handle this? Should I plan to hole up for a year? Also, are there people on here who are/were supplement takers? I take a small handful AM and PM and wonder about those (everything from fish oils, multis and calcium to melatonin, GABA, SAMe, etc.). Many of these are for joint pain, which I believe will be somewhat alleviated when I lose the major weight. Getting my ducks in order -- meeting Wednesday with coordinator of LB program at our local hospital. Paperwork is in, mandatory info session completed and now this appointment -- feel like things are finally moving and thanks to all the info in this site I'm feeling pretty ready to go!

This is strictly my personal opinion and experience, but I believe secluding yourself for a year or avoiding social situations is counter productive. The whole purpose of the band is to be a tool to aid in a new lifestyle, not a temporary diet. For the rest of our lives, we'll be eating with other people. Family meals, holidays, parties, sporting events, etc. The sooner we learn to adjust to these situations, the easier and less stressful it becomes.

I personally believe in moderation not deprivation. If I am at a BBQ and they're serving ribs, I'll have one or two. If I'm at a birthday party I'll have a small piece of cake. In the beginning, it can be hard because you're still learning portion sizes and calorie counts. But because I measure everything I eat at home, I'm used to seeing the correct portion size on my plate, which makes it a lot easier to "eyeball" proper portions when I'm out.

I have also used an app called Lose It since the day I got home from the hospital. This makes it even easier not only to track my calories but to make good food decisions. A good example: I was at a graduation party trying to figure out what to eat. My Lose It app made it simple for me to quickly look up the calories in a hot dog versus a chicken leg.

I know it seems like a lot right now but in time it all becomes second nature.

Best wishes.

I eat out. I just order a protein and fruit or vegetables. if it is something I really like I take it home. I can have three meals from some things Ive ordered. I order water and maybe sip a little before eating and don't drink the rest of the time. I use gummy vitamins. You can get them at Target or anywhere. they are the newest rage right now. They even have omega 3s and fiber. you can also get some in powder form to put in drinks. My Dr took me off all NSIDs they can hurt your stomach. I used to take handful of pills but now I have to take them one at a time and wait a minute or so to not get stuck and wait a few minutes before going to bed. It was not fun to have that pill dissolve above the band. It's not bad you get used to the new way of living. It's worth it. Good Luck

I would vote against the hermit routine. You can eat with others as long as you eat what you are supposed to be eating. Your family will adjust to your pace. Friends need to be told not to offer you more or be concerned about how much you eat. It is a lifestyle change and you need to keep living a normal life while you change.

I have friends that still try to sabotage my success. It is what it is, they are large folks, I know what I have to do and stick to it. You can to! I am the cook in my family and it has made my family eat better. If I have three people eating over I cook for three and just skim a bit for my self and then add an extra fruit or veggie as an extra if they need. But that's it and it has been 4 years with no complaints.

I have absolutely no problem adjusting to any social situation. If it's in a restaurant I portion. Out what I can eat and ask for a take out container right away. If I go to a partyI'll take a taste of this or that and incorporate it into my calorie count. If I get samples from Sam's I always ask to see the nutritional label so I can add those calories in my count. I use an app called my fitness pal and I log the calories right then and there. There are a lot of good apps that keep you accountable and you'll be able to adjust to any situation involving eating. Let's face it, you can stop drinking alcohol but you can't totally stop eating. We need nourishment to survive.

Before you know it your new eating habits will become second nature to you. Good luck!

Thanks so much every one -- all your comments are much appreciated! I think as I get closer to a surgery date I am over-thinking everything. I love to cook and prepare food and obviously I'll still be able to do that -- and, no, I don't need to become a hermit just to be a person who eats very little. And let's face it, a teen aged boy in the house with all his friends, etc. will provide plenty of outlet for my kitchen energy. I'm sure it will all be fine -- at this point I just need it to begin! Anxiously awaiting appointment Wednesday at which possibly I will be given a surgery date.