With every attempt at weight loss in the past, eating had to be planned out and regimented or else the diet would fail.

How does it work with the band? Do you have to plan your meals? Or can you just eat what your family is eating, but less of it?

Like others have said in this thread...I don't count my cals, I don't measure amts religiously (only when I feel out of control). I know how to fix healthy food, what NOT to eat...but at same time, I DO NOT deprive myself of anything I really want! This helps me to set limits on foods. I still won't eat fried chicken, fried seafood, fake hotdogs, sausages, etc...but still enjoy eating!! And am very happy to say that for the first time ever in my life, I feel control of what I eat. More in-tune to not making food master of my days!! My therapist told me it's a diet when you make yourself eat "inside a box"....well, my band is my box. I have learned to control it rather than wait for it to control me. So no diet for me!! The only "meal planning" I do is listening to my DH and kids different requests for supper ideas.