This is just an observation that I've had that I wanted to share with those who have yet to be banded.

I had several "last" meals before my banding. I wanted to eat as much of my favorite foods as often as I could, knowing that once I was banded, I'd never be able to eat that way again.

My best, last meal was about $70 worth of sushi and sashimi. It only took me about 20 minutes to eat it all. It was all of my favorites, and a meal worthy of a king, no doubt.

A couple of days ago, I went back to that sushi restaurant and had the lunch sashimi special. It cost $10 and took me 45 minutes to eat.

I can honestly say that I enjoyed the $10 meal 10x as much as I enjoyed the $70 meal. I tasted it. I chewed it. I experienced it. I was there when I ate it -- you know -- present, instead of off in some food-induced stupor, and I didn't leave so full that I hurt, so shameful that I hated myself until the pain went away.

In retrospect, this is true of all of my "last" meals as I ate them then, and as I eat them now.

So if you're about to be banded, and you're thinking about all of the foods you'll never be able to eat again, and you're trying to get every single "last" meal in that you can before you're banded, please believe me when I tell you that you will eat again, and that as much as you think you enjoy eating now, when you actually have to chew your food, you're going to enjoy it a lot more.

Just in time for me!! I have been eating last meals for 2 weeks now. Thank GOD Above I don't have a 2 week liquid diet pre-surgery!

However, it has really been anti-climactic. The Gyro was yummy but not near as delicious as I had hoped, the really fattening egg/sausage/gravy/hashbrown bowl with biscuits was less than wonderful, and on and on. I think the main thing I will miss is the shoveling. Large bites. Mouth FULL of yummy food. I'ts not so much the food, but the feeding. It will be quite an experience "feeding" post-band. Thanks for the perspective.

As in your other post (magic wand?) having the info and actually living it are two different things. I can be as intellectually prepared, but have to live it to really know. These posts will be SO hlepful to read later on. Thanks Jonathan!

Thanks Jonathan!

I needed to hear that. I've been Last suppering for six weeks and I stopped last Thurday after my last meeting with the surgeon. I am officially waiting for insurance now! I am now in a good emotional space with food. I'm trying to channel my obessive behavior to clothes. I am anxious to buy smaller sizes and Shop where the real folk do.

Thanks again, I enjoy your posts and your website - Good luck to you - Happy Losing

Great post, Jonathan!

Well said again Jonathan. It's obvious you're enjoying your band.

Jonathan you have come up with some great posts today! I ate my last meal the night before surgery( Carnitas, Beans, Rice, Tortillas), but have enjoyed the same meal many times over since surgery, just in smaller quantities and it tastes a whole lot better. Again thanks for such a great post!

All post banders....Do you feel food is no longer center stage?

I've been thinking about and eatting foods I won't be able to eat after.

Like a farewell to my faithful companion.

Do you really think food is enjoyed more since you eat it slower?

I know I probably won't tolerate my favorite meal "spicy cajun chicken pasta with alfredo". But eventually, I will try I am sure.

oh man, food is more center stage than it has been in a long time!

I had sushi and sashimi for my "last meal" too. But I sat and savoured every single piece from the eel to the seattle rolls to the smoked salmon to the nigiri... mmmmm sashimi...

Thank GOD Above I don't have a 2 week liquid diet pre-surgery!

*****CRY*****

Ahhhhh my "last meal"... I really cant go out and have a "last meal" everynight, im saving that money for my traveling. But... I am going up to CO for my pre-op just 3 days before I have to start my liquid diet.. So hubby and I are going to a reasturant out there called Texas Road House (I think lol) Its a steak resturant. Yummm after that well i will wait util i can eat all my favs. again in smaller amounts!

Texas Road House was my LAST MEAL! Oh how I love that place!!!! Now all I eat there is sauteed mushrooms!