Unsolicited Diet Advice

Do you get unsolicited diet advice?  This past week it seems that I have received more diet advice than I ever have.

I have been told to:

1.  Eat only whole foods
2.  Try Herb*life
3.  No sugar
4.  No carbs
5.  More protein (this one makes it quite apparent that people do not know how us bandsters eat)
6.  Try a pre-packaged meal plan
7.  Join Weight* Watchers

And the list goes on.................

What makes it okay to approach me now?  Do they think maybe somehow I have lost 97 lbs. by some accident?

I have used this new found concern with my weight loss to educate people about being banded.  I am sure they love to hear me talk about the band but, fair is fair.  You want me to listen to your diet advice.....well, listen how I am going to keep my weight off.

You see, this is NOT a diet.  I look at this as a complete lifestyle change.  I know now what a correct portion size is.  I know I have to eat at least 80 grams of protein and drink about 100 oz. of water a day.  I know I have to keep my carbs to around 50 grams, my sodium to no more than 2,500 mg, my sugar below 30 g (that one I still struggle with!). 

The point is:  for the first time in my life I am knowledgeable about what goes into my body.  I track everything that enters my mouth.

I exercise no fewer than 5 days a week.  Most days between 1-1 1/2 hours.  I am extremely active now.

I know now what is takes.  I have goals.  I hold myself accountable.

If I choose to eat a cookie and the scale does not budge then I know it was my doing.  I also know that just one day is not going to affect how I eat MOST days. 

Now instead of "bad" foods and "good" foods,  I consider foods "sometimes" and "always". 

This band has changed my whole perspective about food.

This band is going to get me to my goal (that and my willpower).

This band is going to help me maintain when I get to goal.

This band is going to make me succeed.

Isn't it funny that a tiny piece of plastic has changed my whole way of thinking?

So, bring on the diet advice.  Just don't be surprised when you have to hear how about how Lap-band is my "diet" of choice.