i think I know but i may be wrong

Hi

Sorry I can't really answer your question. I've been banded for 2 months and had three fills and I'm still waiting....

When you have a band with restriction you can feel your pouch fill with food quickly. When I didn't have restriction I could sometimes feel the food go through my stoma into the larger stomach (especially cold foods or drinks).

When you first get banded (after the swelling goes down from surgery but before you get your first fill) the food goes right on through to the larger stomach and you don't "feel restriction".

For some bandsters, it takes 2 or 3 fills before they feel restriction. Some people (like myself) get restriction after their first fill, and some people have restriction even without a fill.

Does that make sense? I hope I'm interpreting your question correctly, I'm so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open.

For me it is just the slightest little brup after a small amount of food. I know I have lost restriction when it takes longer and I can eat more than what I have put on my small saucer.

I can "test" my restriction by eating a large spoonful of yogurt, not a tablespoon...but heaping, and I'll swallow it with very little squishing in my mouth. If I "feel" it kind of stop at the band before it goes down, I know I'm restricted. If it hurts, I'm too tight. If it just goes on down and I feel nothing, I'm too loose.

Restriction has to do with how much pressure it takes your stomach to push the food past the band. If your stomach has to work so hard it pushes the food back up into the esophogus, it hurts! and it's not healthy. Eating shouldn't hurt. But good restriction will keep you not too hungry, able to make it to the next meal or healthy snack without grazing, and unable to eat tons at a sitting. I get a little burp during a meal, it's time to slow down and wrap it up. My meal is done! And I feel satisfied. Wow!

After you get the proper amount of restriction, you will feel a full sensation in the middle of your chest, not in your stomach. That is where I feel full. Do not eat anymore after you get this sensation as you can cause the pouch to get too full then and possibly stretch and prolapse or slip if done too often. It is amazing the small amount of food you will experience this with.

Hope this helps.