So, how do you know when you've hit your sweet spot? Do you just KNOW when you hit it? What does it feel like? Do you have restriction ALL day long? Sorry, I'm just trying to determine a few things and figure out where I am in the grand sceme of things.

Good question. It's different for each person. I have an 11 cc band with 5.5cc filled - even after my last fill I was able to eat whatever I wanted - just not as much. About a week later the restriction kicked in. I know I'm getting close because I can put just the right amount of food on my plate and eat it, be full and even one extra tiny bite sends that "shot across the bow" telling me to watch out. Often I eat only part of my meal, feel full, but know I need to get the protein in, so I'll get up and do something else until I feel like can finish my alotted portion.

I have an 11 cc band with 7.5 ccs and I'm at my sweet spot. I knew I was at my sweet spot when I could no longer eat pasta, rice, or bread. If I do, it feels like it is stuck in my throat. I can eat about half a cup of my meal and then I can feel it in my throat. My problem is I don't chew enough. It is so hard to get the chewing part down.

I always defined the "sweet spot" as having just enough restriction to lose weight continuously, without plateauing or gaining anything. I could still eat anything I wanted, but I'd eat just enough to keep losing weight and still have lots of energy.

So, how do you know when you've hit your sweet spot? Do you just KNOW when you hit it? What does it feel like? Do you have restriction ALL day long? Sorry, I'm just trying to determine a few things and figure out where I am in the grand sceme of things.

The recipe for cajun gumbo is different for every cook, the same is applies to the ever elusive "Sweet Spot". Everyone's idea is different. For me, my sweet spot is when I can stay full and satisfied on 1 to 1-1/2 cups of food for 4 or more hours, which is were I am been for several months now. This allows me 3 small meals a day. I can tell when my restriction starts to loosen because I find myself wanting Snacks in between. Hope this helps!:thumbup:

My surgeon's definition is when you get to the point where you are satisfied on 3 meals per day (no snacking).

I started out making this my goal, but have since realized that I prefer two mini meals in the morning (something before exercise and something after). And, I often eat something small (a healthy snack like fruit or yogurt) late in the evening so that I don't go to bed feeling hungry (we eat dinner around 6:30ish and I don't go to bed until 11:30ish). I know this is not the 'ideal' per my surgeon, but this is what works for me and I am losing weight well.

The other thing I feel is key to my sweet spot is I still want to be able to eat in the morning and I still want to be able to eat most foods (including red meat occasionally). Right now, I feel I am there. I can eat just one small lamb chop if I chew it really well. Or, 2 oz of filet mignon. I can eat all fruits and vegies too as long as I chew them up really well. I can eat a really big salad which I love!

I have 7.0 is a 10cc band. I was overfilled at 7.5 and had to take 0.5cc out after my last fill (couldn't swallow my own saliva). Now that the swelling has gone down, I probably could go up to 7.25, but I choose not to. I would prefer to keep my band a little looser, use a little self control, and exercise more. I'm losing about 2 pounds per week now which I'm ecstatic with. And, I love that I have a reasonable amount of freedom w/my foods.

I know that it's a different amount for everyone. They added a cc to my band today so that now I'm at 6.5ccs in a Realize band. It feels different this time. Previously, right after my fills, I could still eat whatever, right after the fill. Today, after my fill, I felt full after a couple spoons of chili. I need to really start focusing on eating when I'm hungry and not just cause I think it's "time" that I eat. I just needed a little guidance as to what clues to look for when I'm getting close to my sweet spot. Is it like a light bulb moment? Do you just kind of "know"?

Yes, you will know when you get to it. You can tell from the way the food and water feel when going down. It won't take much to keep you full.

I know that it's a different amount for everyone. They added a cc to my band today so that now I'm at 6.5ccs in a Realize band. It feels different this time. Previously, right after my fills, I could still eat whatever, right after the fill. Today, after my fill, I felt full after a couple spoons of chili. I need to really start focusing on eating when I'm hungry and not just cause I think it's "time" that I eat. I just needed a little guidance as to what clues to look for when I'm getting close to my sweet spot. Is it like a light bulb moment? Do you just kind of "know"?

The real answer comes from knowing how long before you get hunger pains. The beauty of the band is that food stays longer hence no hunger pains. You should be able to eat a cup to 1-1/2 cups and stay full 3 1/2-4 hrs. Before you know it you will look up and 4 hours have passed and you felt no hunger....that is sweeet:tongue:

I think I knew when I left the docs office!! I confirmed it later, but I did know. He had me drink water constantly until I felt the difference. Then he stopped. I have 2.75 in a 4cc band. I have had two fills, and that is all. I do not want more, because like a lot of bandsters. I am an idiot. I push it at times... I love my band though!! Thank you Doctor Kuri!!!!