Sorry this is a bit late! But I said I'd write some more about stuff I've learnt. This is how it's been for me and everyone is different. It's also worth saying I only had a BMI of 32 to start with and I know most people have more to lose.
1. It definitely helped that I've thought a lot about my weight/overeating (been to overeaters anonymous in the past and have some of their books, read fat is a feminist issue, Paul mckenna etc). Also started therapy just after being banded. Everyone says 'the band is only a tool'. That's totally true! So have as many other tools as possible....for me confronting the 'head' stuff has been incredibly important and I would recommend starting therapy/OA if at all possible (I found a low cost place which I go to).
2. Exercise! Do the thing you hate least! For me that's been swimming. I joined a lovely, expensive gym v near my house and go swimming 3-5 times per week. I don't push myself at all and it's really not even about the weight loss, more a way if doing something lovely for myself that doesn't involve food! Yes, nice gyms are expensive but think about all the money youre going to save on food!!
3. Use my fitness pal....even on bad days. I actually plan my meals in the morning and put them in.
4. Know yourself and your danger areas and make a plan that suits you. For me supermarket shopping is pretty dangerous so I do almost all my shopping online where I make much healthier choices. To begin with I also knew that I was terrible about portion sizes so bought ready meals and small portions (small tins etc) wherever possible. Yes they're more expensive and possibly not as healthy as freshly cooked food, but to begin with I needed this level of control and it took a lot of the stress away.
5.You'll be miserable if you fight the band...many times (often while hungover!) I've tried to eat too much/the wrong thing and ended up being sick. Often I've attempted to continue even after being sick (shameful and gross) and ended up being sick loads more and making my band so tight I couldn't tolerate solid food for days. Also....if you're going to try something that you know might be tricky to get down, do it at home/near a loo! I've been sick on pavement outside m and s, on a train platform, in a bin and In a gazillion public loos. Now I am generally much more careful!! It takes a long time to really get your head around the fact you can't eat bread/big portions/rice after years of eating too much of everything!! And if you are sick/pb stick to soft food/liquid for the rest of the day....things get worse if you keep trying to eat solid stuff.
6. Be really proud of yourself...whatever anyone says it's YOU that lost the weight by eating less and making better choices. The band just supported you. This means you are super amazing brilliant brave and that you definitely deserve that new Mac foundation and pair of shorts!!
That's it for now....sure I'll think of more. Xx
Well done 
