I'm set to be banded on Nov 19 and I'm nervous about the 'mental' changes that I will have to make.

I'm wondering how one gets to the point where they don't NEED to eat everything on their plate - in other words, I often find that I am no longer hungry, but keep eating because it tastes good or because I don't want to 'leave' any.

I'm worried that I won't be able to 'stop' myself .. and I'm hoping that THAT is where the band will step in and make me feel "SO FULL" that I won't want to finish.

Does putting less food on your plate help? How do you get past the "memory" that even though there is a "serving" on your plate - there is still "more" on the stove ?

I just read a book about lapbands and it says to "leave some for the angels", meaning to leave food on your plate for angels.

It sounds funny, but it works!

I was banded 10/05/07 and I haven't had a fill yet. I leave food on my plate because I'm full. I never thought I'd be in a place that I wouldn't obsess over food on my plate but I almost never finish now. I eat on small plates and use small untensils. I, also, feel gleeful over being able to leave food. I went to a restaurant for the first time since surgery and left over half my plate. Isn't that awesome? I can't get over it!

Please tell me what PB means? I hear the term a lot.

What does PB mean? I've heard that term a lot.

I think PB means "P"roductive "B"urping - in other words when you burp a little bit of food comes up ... at least that's what I *hope* it means ...

It is a learning and adjustment process for us all. Since my surgey and fills, I have noticed changes with my eating habits and the amount that I am able to eat (of course that is the whole idea). I still have my days where I eat something that I shouldn't but I do not make that a habit. I also counteract it with doing more exercise that day. Right now, I feel I have good restriction and I do not even want the food. Since I am single, I try to not cook as much so I don't have to worry about leftovers or the possibility of snacking on it later. Also, I just throw it out & don't worry about wasting "good food" or money. I figure if I eat it , it will contribute to me not losing any weight so out it goes. It is hard trying to adjust to old habits and portion sizes even with cup sizes. My boyfriend fussed at me (jokingly) the other day for throwing out most of a Snicker's bar. I had a small craving, bought one in checkout line @ Walmart, took two small bites and out it went. I figured if I had kept it, I would have eventually eaten the whole thing. I had to explain why I did it and he now better understands. It feels good to leave food on my plate or have a take out box when leave a restaurant and not be hungry. My friends, boyfriend and family seem to have a harder time adjusting than I do. They think I am not eating enough.

I read somewhere that "normal" people don't eat until they are full, that they eat until they are no longer hungry. I love this...because it makes me aware that I don't have to be full, I just need to be not hungry, and that feels good!