I had a "duhhhh" moment today. I have been struggling with eating three or four bites and feeling full. To some that might not sound like a problem, but for me .... The first problem is that I know that I am not getting enough nourishment in those few bites so I finish my meal -- my meal is generally between 250-325 calories. The second problem is that because I feel soooo full and awful, I don't want to eat the right foods (would rather eat sliders - but I don't want the repercussions of eating sliders). I have also been having problems keeping the food down.

It wasn't until today driving home from work that I realized that there are numerous people on Lapbandtalk that can help me figure this out. So, please tell me, how do you eat very little and still have enough energy/nourishment to get through the work day? I am so exhausted when I get home I fall asleep, but wake up a few hours later and ... you guessed it ... I can't get back to sleep! What to do, what to do??

All responses are appreciated.

Fran

What about protein shakes? My doctor requires 80 grams of protein a day, 40 by food and 40 by supplement. I drink two or three protein shakes during the day and my energy level is great. Granted I am still relativly new at this (banded one month ago today) but they have really helped me stay on track.

It sounds like you need a small unfill..If you can't keep food down then I'd go to see your doctor.

Hi:

When I was first able to eat solids I could only eat 3 or 4 bites too. I figured out that if I ate slower I could eat more. So, follow the bandster rules and chew like crazy and put your fork down between bites.

Best wishes to you. I love my band.

Sue

It sounds to me like either you are not eating slowly enough or you need a small unfill. Also if you leave eating until you are really hungry you tend to start eating faster than you should which then backfires in the way you have described. Don't let yourself get too hungry before your meal.

I agree with the others about a small unfill. You should be able to eat more than that and not have so much trouble. If you are already taking small bites, chewing thoroughly and waiting a little bit between bites, and still have problems, then look into getting a small unfill. Unfills are not a bad thing. They don't necessarily make you eat more, but can eliminate things like acid reflux and sliming or pbing too often and food goes down easier. Just a thought.

Protein shakes and a multi-vitamin perked up my energy just fine! Before I started drinking my shakes and taking my vitamin, I felt just as crappy as you do right now.

Thanks to all for your replies.

It's true, I possibly need a small unfill. You know what's holding me back ... that the doc will take out too much and I will be able to eat too much. But I have been thinking about a small unfill for a while, trying to figure out if I am too tight. Also, I do wait until I am too hungry and, as a result, I eat too fast. So, first I will try not letting myself get too hungry, eating slower and chewing better. If that doesn't work ... it's off to the doc for an unfill.

I appreciate your help.

I was too tight, they took out one-tenth of a CC (.1) and I was perfect. I am a firm believer that being too tight causes 90% of the problems people have with their bands.

When I am have let myself get too hungry, I drink a Protein drink and wait 10 min to eat. This takes the edge off my hunger and allows me to have the self control to eat slowly and is only an extra 110 calories.