Well it's been about a month since I started thinking about LB, and a couple weeks since I really got serious about it and started my journey (hoping to get banded 3/09). I have to admit - I have succumbed to the "last supper" syndrome and have been letting myself eat more than I usually would because I am feeling like I "can't" or "won't be able to" eat this stuff after the band. Even worse is that it was my birthday last week so perfect excuse for dinners out and cake (yummmm) :cool2:.

The best part is that I've been boozin it up too, and I can tell, my ankles are swollen like sausages (I'm sure my hormones are helping with the swelling too). I love love LOVE beer and wine but know how many dang calories are in there. :laugh: In any case - NO MORE LAST SUPPER! What the heck is wrong with me? I'll just have to lose MORE weight if I keep eating like this... So yeah, no more, I am back to eating healthy and will go to the gym twice this week, dangit!

*sigh* It sounds weird - but I can't wait for the psychologist. I don't have what I consider "serious" eating issues, but obviously I have some challenges with control, etc. and would like to get started on those mental/emotional things while I prepare to get the physical tool to help me lose weight once and for all.

I know I'm not crazy - any tips on how to stay away from last supper dilemmas? :thumbup:

Best advice I can offer is what my psych dr. told me - focus on the future, on what you want to become. Everytime there is a temptation in front of you, think about whether or not that will get you closer to the surgery, and approval for it. Think about where you can be in a year if you put your mind to it.

And remember, you will need to drastically change your life and eating habits after surgery, so I found it way easy to simply do it a little at a time before surgery. Obviously, I could not control the amount I ate, and I still cheated, but I could control a lot of other things. I gave up regular sodas first, switching to diet [try Boylan's diet sodas, they are awesome, and regularly at stores like Cost Plus World Market - orange cream, black cherry, yum!]. Next was butter, I cooked a lot with both butter and olive oil, so I gradually pushed it to where I used mostly olive oil, even mixing my butter with olive oil for a spread on toast. Then I tried to find other foods that were healthier, switching from Ben & Jerry's to sugar free low fat TCBY frozen yogurt, and making tac salads with no tortilla, just lettuce, tomato, salsa, some extra sharp cheese, avocado, and seasoned meat. Then I focused on eating more veggies/fruits.

It's a lot easier to give up beer and chocolate cake when you ease into it, starting with healthier chocolate cake [i tried making my own with baking Splenda instead of sugar] and you need to still have a taste here and there to satisfy your cravings so you don't lose your mind and raid the fridge in the middle of the night!

This is the progression that worked for me, but then I really enjoy cooking and that made it easier. I hope this little tidbit helps you at least a little!