Once you hit your goal weight.....

Hi all - Im so glad I found this site. I've been thinking so much about this and about how much my life and lifestyle will change once I get the LapBand! Im very excited, but very nervous too!!

I have my initial consult tomorrow, so I don't even know yet if Im a candidate, but I do fit the insurance paramaters, so Im thinking I must be, right??

I need to ask this question......for all of you who are 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and more post op... what is life like?? Once you hit your goal weight - Will I ever be able to go out to eat again? Will I be able to have a snack or eat normal food?? I get this strange feeling like I'll never get to enjoy Red Lobster or Giordanos Pizza or just a night out.... what is life like a year or 2 later??

Thanks

I'm not a year out yet but I will tell you, you will be able to enjoy the same foods as always just smaller portions.  The fact that you can eat things like that is why some people start regaining after a while.  You have to think of those things as once in great while treats.  Like for my birthday last year I went to Olive Garden and had lasagna and one bread stick.  Yummy!!!  At Christmas I had a few Christmas treats.  But if you cheat like that all of the time you will gain your weight back. 

I had Realize band surgery so it may be different with someone that had RNY. 

Hi and Welcome to the Illinois Board.

I am 2 years 4 months out, and I love my band. You will not be able to consume a 12 oz steak at one time, like you do now, but you should be able to eat a 4oz one. For me, I can't eat steak at all. But, i can eat hamburger, a slice of roast ect. We go out to eat at least 2 times a week. Where I would order a full meal before, now I might order a peice of broiled fish and a salad or a bowl of soup or chili. I do not eat potatos , pasta, or bread very often. That is my choice.

You will be fine, and please continue to come here. We all offer all the support we can to each and everyone of us.

LISA

Welcome! I had the duodenal switch, not the LapBand, but I can tell you my experience with hitting goal weight. I have been at it for quite a while now and life is good, even GREAT!

It's amazing to slip on clothes in my closet and not worry if they're going to fit this time. I love knowing that I am going to fit in any chair, etc. I've never felt so free in all my life.

I eat out all of the time, from fast food to family dining to nice, gourmet places. There's always something on the menu I can eat. I love Giordano's and stuff like that. Frankly, that's one of the reasons I got the surgery I did: I simply love food! The DS is very forgiving.

If you have not gone there yet, you may want to check out the band forum here on OH. Lots of folks there who have real-life experience with what you are about to do.

Best of luck to you!

Nicolle