Hi, My name is Susie and I was banded on 9/9/08. Within the first week I lost 13lbs which is to be expected considering the drastic drop in daily calories..... but I'm sure everyone here knows what I am talking about. I have found lots of interesting things to read but I wondered if someone that has been living with the band for a while could answer some of my questions because I question sometimes wether or not I made the right decision. I have approximately 90 pounds left to lose.

My biggest question/fear is .... do you still live a "normal" life?? I realize there are changes that have to be made and I can accept that. But do you have to give up everything that you enjoy?? Meeting friends for drinks?? Having a hamburger at a cookout (even if it's only a portion of one)?? pizza and movies?? those kind of things. I UNDERSTAND that these can't be part of everyday life. My question is on those occasions when these things happen.... are you able to partake and enjoy in moderation???

I know my thoughts are probably crazy but I'm sure as everyone banded knows, it's a lot to take in. My first fill is on September 24 and I am SUPER nervous about that but I am so ready to drop this weight and become a new person. But on the flip side some of this can be a little depressing. I hope somebody understands what I am trying to say.

Thanks,

Susie

Ok I'm getting some really great responses and feeling a lot better. But can anyone help me on the "no drinking while eating" thing. I think I understand why it's that way but It's really gonna be tough when I'm on regular food...

I really appreciate everyone's help!!!

The reason the band works is because it keeps all the food you eat from going straight into your stomach. It keeps it in this little pouch, and once the little pouch is full, it signals to you that you're full, and you can stop eating. Slowly the food will make its' way through the band and into the stomach, and then you'll be hungry again, but this whole process takes awhile. If you drink while you eat, then it moistens the food you're eating, thus making it easier for the food to go through the band. The faster the food goes through the band, the less time you'll stay full, and the more often you'll be hungry. This is why it's important to refrain from drinking while you're eating.

You aren't supposed to drink while you eat or for about an hour after, because you will wash your food through your pouch too soon. The longer that food stays in your pouch, the longer you will feel satisfied. If you are chewing your food well enough and you bites are relatively small, you won't need the drink. It will just be a habit you need to try to break.

Thanks again ladies I appreciate the explanation.

Restless Monkey.... if you read my reply it said "I THINK I know why" that's not the same as "KNOWING" why. I was basically wondering how do people deal with that when they are used to drinking with their meals..... just looking for tips. But I've got it!!!!

Just trying to help, Suzking. Sometimes with the internet and no body language, inflection etc it's hard to know what people mean exactly. If I insulted you, I apologize. As I believe you can probably tell, I am trying to help, not belittle, anyone. We are all kind of in this together. But I'll read your posts more carefully and consider before I answer from now on! :cry_smile:

I'm also someone who drinks something with every meal, almost with every bite I take. It's just habit, I guess.

I've read that the only way to really overcome the whole "drinking while eating" thing is to just not make yourself anything to drink. When you sit down to eat, don't have a glass anywhere near you - seriously. I fear this is probably the only way I'll be able to overcome the addiction I have to drinking while eating.