I am making changes to make life easier with the band. My date is 3/9 but I had first seminar in Sept. I started the gym, not doing to well with that (old problem). I then gave up most of the really sweet tea I drank daily and switched to sugar free drinks. Great Value from WalMart works well for me. I then started to work on portion controll, this was really easier than I thought, use smller plates and just don't go back for more. Not doing to good with drinking more water, but I am better than before. Now I am doing a version of the "liver shrink" diet. I have a carnation breakfast dirnk, a slim fast and a meal. I have lost 12lbs. in the last 3 weeks and am really happy with myself. Now here is the thing I find surprising. I always thought I wasn't an emotional eater, but I am. I thought I couldn't do a liquid diet because I would always be hungry, but I'm not. Now I almost am more disappointed in myself for all my earlier failures with diets. I feel really good that I'm doing well with my self impossed changes and it gives me great hope for after the lap band. I was most worried that I wouldn't be able to just eat 3 small, small meals but now I think I will be okay. I am ready and happy to know that I have the strenght for this. The real liquid diet is not far off, it doesn't look to bad, not very differnt from what I'm doing now. The excitement hasn't set in yet, but happy feels real good right now.:biggrin:

Niterun -

Thanks for the post. You should be proud of yourself! I am scheduled for surgery March 10 and I have to admit, since it was scheduled a week ago - it's definitely last supper syndrome. Not that I'm eating everything I think I can't have after surgery, I'm just overeating, about 1800 cal a day. I know it could be worse, but I set out every day intending to stick to 1200 calories - was doing well and down 10 pounds until my surgery was scheduled - talk about crazy! I'm up about 3 pounds from my doctor appointment a month ago. I might try what you are doing. It may help me get in the mindset that surgery really is right around the corner.

I just started a routine exercise program - gave up the gym - it just wasn't for me. I enjoy walking, have some exercise videos, etc. Im doing okay on my Water and don't have caffeine or soda, but I really need to practice chewing like crazy. That's something I really have to work hard at remembering to do. I've wolfed my food my whole life.

Again, thanks for the inspiration and congratulations!!! Please keep me posted on how you are doing. Send me a message anytime.

Edited February 12, 200917 yr by bambam