I've had several friends ask me questions about the band and just thought I'd share it here. I'm about 2 months out with my band. I don't yet have good restriction, but am working on that. I am limited in quantity so far - just not enough. However, things I'm learning:

• having a band doesn't prevent me from eating junk
  
• The band controls hunger - but I need to make sure I don't eat when I'm not hungry
  
• I still need to make good food choices - I may only be able to eat a small amount, but I have to choose to make it a healthy small amount
  
• I could, if I wanted, eat a greasy meal - just one bite at a time
  
• Snacking must still be controlled
  
• I still need to eat according to my doctors recommendations (so, yes that means writing things down & tracking calories, carbs, protein & fat)
  
• I'm not prevented from eating sweets (never was a big sweet eater but unlike bypass I dont' get dumping)
  
• Having a band is a great diet tool!

I knew what kind of eater I was going into this - and I knew it was a tool. My doctor explained how with lap-band, much of the success would be contingent upon me! This is one tool I'm going to work to make sure I succeed.

good points!

I'm almost 11 months post op and still learning every day.

I agree totally.

It is a learning experience every single day for me.