I am not scheduled yet for surgery, but am wondering what others, who have been banded, do when they face the hard times? When you want to eat, what are some of the things one can do to take your mind off of wanting to eat?

When I want to eat, I eat! The beauty of it is that i can be satisfied with an ounce of cheese to tide me over 'til mealtime!

If you mean what do i do when i want to be "comforted" by a wheel-barrow full of food but can only get a small amount in? That is an issue that is better answered by a 'binger'.... but they'll probably tell you to get some counseling for those issues.

I am not scheduled yet for surgery, but am wondering what others, who have been banded, do when they face the hard times? When you want to eat, what are some of the things one can do to take your mind off of wanting to eat?

I think the toughest times are during the period after surgery and before you reach good restriction and that is a hard time and for some people (like me) takes a while to get there. (i'm still waiting for that promised sweet spot).

I have a cup of tea or a bottle of Water before I even consider eating. Diversion tactics: I just organized our re-cycle area. Sorted cans, bottles, newspapers and cardboard. I'll read the newspaper. One morning I organized all my recipes. Another morning I sorted all my clothes that no longer fit!

All those boxes of messy old photos are waiting for me, too. And how about the junk drawer?

I figure by the time I get to goal, I'll have one very organized house, LOL!

Like to keep your hands busy, take up needle work or sewing or a craft. It will keep you busy and you end up with a finished project as well.

Awesome! What you do sounds good to me. My house needs so much work too, lol. At my weight, moving around is difficult. I can't wait until I lose 50 lbs where I can be much more active. I would love to be able to walk, bend, stretch, etc. Thank you so much for your input.

You don't have to bend, walk or stretch to organize photos or a drawer or do a craft, you can sit. You won't burn many calories that way, but it's a diversion to food and occupies our mind for a bit, so we forget about food, for a little while at least. It just gets easier to figure it all out as you go along.

Oh and many people love to scrapbook right now, too.

As you lose weight, you can progress to the organizing that requires more bending and stretching.

Have a glass of water, put on your walking shoes does not have to be long, just a 10 /fifteen minute walk, check out everyones homes gardens etc. Give you ideas for your house.