Do any of you have any tips for me? I'm eating way too much (a lot more than 4 oz.), but I'm still not back to eating where I was. That's a good thing, but I'm very frustrated. I even gained a few pounds. I'm so mad!!!!!! Am I not using this tool right? It's been a year since I was banded. I'm just a little bit discouraged. Is the food supposed to go down into the larger stomach right away? Or is it just supposed to stay there for a while? I know that this is a really dumb question, but I'm just a little confused. Please help!!!!!

Do any of you have any tips for me? I'm eating way too much (a lot more than 4 oz.), but I'm still not back to eating where I was. That's a good thing, but I'm very frustrated. I even gained a few pounds. :cursing: I'm so mad!!!!!! Am I not using this tool right? It's been a year since I was banded. I'm just a little bit discouraged. Is the food supposed to go down into the larger stomach right away? Or is it just supposed to stay there for a while? I know that this is a really dumb question, but I'm just a little confused. Please help!!!!!

How many cc's in your band and how many does your band hold? Without the proper restriction, your band isn't even a tool...it's just a piece of plastic. Even once we have restriction, we may still need adjustments along the way.

If you are hungry (should be able to go 4 hours or so after a meal without being hungry) and/or able to eat to excess (more than a cup of food), then you don't have restriction...assuming you aren't drinking with your meals and/or eating slider foods.

As Elfie mentioned, without proper restriction, your tool isn't working the way it should. How many fills have you had? I would call your surgeon and schedule a fill, since it sounds like you really do not have restriction and that is key to success with the band.

I don't have restriction yet and I do eat about 8 ounce meals, but I am staying full for at least 4 hours now, but I find that if I'm taking in enough Protein and Water, I do a little better.

I just did the 5 day pouch test, which not only helps to shrink your pouch, it gets you back in tune with eating properly. If you want to check it out, it's at Surgical Weight Loss 5 Day Pouch Test . Honestly, I do feel it helped me because I'm not super starved. It's almost 10 am and I am STILL not hungry for Breakfast (I've only had 1 fill too!)

Try eating smaller meals, like 6 to 8 ounces and if you get hungry in between, have a protein-rich snack, like a hard boiled egg or low fat cheese stick.

It is also important that you follow the rules with not drinking 15 mins before and 1 hour after your meals. It will push the food right through and you won't stay full.

I hope this helps! Good luck to you!