I was banded December 19th, 2013! I am glad I made this choice, to-date I've lost 83 lbs on the Lap-Band, 275 lbs on day of my surgery to 192 lbs this morning (7/16/2014). Also went from a pant size of 46 to 32! I still have my struggles/questions, where I feel like: I am eating more than 1/2 cup of food, eating too fast and I don't know if I've found my green zone, etc.

I currently have 10 cc in on a 14 cc band. Starting on the day of my surgery, I started walking, after 2 months I was cleared to start exercising and joined a gym. I started walking on the treadmill and weight lifiting, increased that to running, started running up to 4 miles a day and weight lifiting, and did those pounds come off! Now, I've joined a boot camp style gym where I go 5 times a week for 50 mins and still run every other day 3 - 4 miles.

I've learned to eat more healthy such as: salmon, ground turkey, chicken, with veggies. Sometimes, in the morning I don't feel hungry, so I'll just drink a Protein shake or have oatmeal. I still have an urge to have a bad meal, but it's very limited, because I am afraid of getting stuck or taking too large of bite. I've only had 2 times where I gotten stuck one: the chicken was too dry and took a big bite; second: ate a hamburger that was grilled and was too dry and took a big bite. I feel that I still struggle with eating way too fast and eating more than 1/2 a cup, but the P.A. at my surgeons office, told me that I shouldn't be too concerned as, I am exercising a lot, and she liked that I was pushing myself at the gym.

Does anyone feel like they have found their green zone or still think they eat too fast? If so, what do you do slow down on your eating habits?

Congrats with your awesome weight loss! I was banded the day before you. I too started exercising and going to the gym. I've been doing the elliptical and weights but just started C25K. I was able to skip to about the middle of it because I had gained enough stamina doing the elliptical.

I've only had one fill so far. I think about 2.5cc in my 10cc band. My doc has been so pleased with my loss that he really hasn't wanted to give me any fills. I struggle with this because all my band really does for me is slow down my eating. I'm happy that it does because then I can stop and take time to think about my portions.

I struggle with portions though. I see everyone talking about 1/2 cup, one cup, etc. My doc said he doesn't care about my portions as long as I'm losing weight. But I wonder about after I reach my goal and loosen the reins.

I have seen this whole experience as a chance to retrain my brain. After 7 months, I do great most of the time but still have struggles here and there. I honestly believe that that is how it will be the rest of our lives. A band can be tight but we still have to make good choices for the years to come.

Totally awesome. I love the progression of your last 8 months. I am 4 months in and down almost 70 pounds. I have been pushing myself but you have inspired me to push more.

Thanks for that update!!!!!!

Great weight loss! Congrats!

Congratulations first off. To answer your question, yes, everyday I have to tell myself take small bites and chew, chew, chew. It's just a part of our new lifestyle that has to be done. Everyday, I have to talk to myself or I will eat that big bite or eat too fast. Continued success on your journey.

Congratulations on the weight loss! I believe many of us still struggle with eating too fast and taking larger bites than we should. Just last night I had to pay close attention to how large of a bite I was eating. But practice makes perfect, lol.

I wish you continued success