I'm a bit confused. Following a fill or anytime really, should I only be consuming 4oz? Including my shake I have at breakfast? I have been doing fluids since Fridays fill and I'm hungry every 2 hours and that is drinking more than 4 oz.

It depends on what your surgeon's orders are.

My last fill I was given clears for two days, creamy Soups for three days, mushies for one day then regular diet.

Prior to that my fill orders were liquids the rest of that day and regular foods the next.

As to your regular diet, it also depends. I was not given limits by my surgeon, other than eat 3 meals a day, planned & healthy foods between if I am hungry, quit eating when I am no longer hungry.

Others here have must stricter orders from their surgeons.

You should be drinking more than 4oz for sure- my doc. says at least 64 oz. a day.

I have read on here that many are told 4oz of food at a meal, or 1/2 c of food. I have always eaten more than that and lost weight very successfully. I would eat 4oz of lean meat and about 1/2 c veggies for most lunches and dinners. A protien shake for breakfast. Good luck!

After the initial 1 month of liquids and mushies, my surgeon recommends 3 small meals a day consisting of Protein, vegetables, and a small serving of carbs twice a day. (ie; 1/2 of a potato, 1/2 an ear of corn, 1/2 cup of rice, Pasta, or noodles or 1/4 cup of granola, grapenuts and muesli/rolled oats) He also recommends 2 servings of fruit and dairy a day and suggests we have those as a snack if we need one between meals.

I've found I'm only able to eat about 1 cup of food per meal (consisting of my protein and veggies only) and that keeps me satisfied about 3 hours between meals. I don't even bother putting the carbs on my plate at this point (other than what is in my veggies) because I'm not able to get to them before I'm full.

It seems every Dr. has their own preferred diet for their patients so I'd check with yours to see what he wants you to be doing.

Good luck!

Sounds like you are confusing volume vs weight. My doctor says that at perfect restriction you should be satisfied at 4 oz (weight) total per meal and not be hungry for 5 hours. Since I am not a rescriction that is not enough for me. After my fills I do 24 hours full liquids and then 24 hours mushies. Full liquids I do 8 oz of soup (like tomato not broth) and a while later a protein shake (at least 8 oz). When I move to mushies I have for breakfast 6 oz greek yoghurt (thicker than regular yogurt) with 1/4 scoop protein powder, for lunch/dinner I have canned chicken made with laughing cow cheese 3 oz, and half sweet potato. When you are on liquids or mushies I would try spacing out your food so that you eat every couple hours. Yes you might have more than 3 cups a soup that day but if they are low fat/cal (100 cal.) what's the big deal?

When I was at full restriction, I would eat 4 oz of meat (by weight) plus a 1/2 cup of veggies, and 1/4 cup of starch for each meal.

Liquids go through the band and are not in any danger of stretching your pouch (which I believe is the main reason to limit your meal sizes) so you can have more at one time. I usually had a cup of liquid (8 fl. oz) at a time during any liquid stage. I could have as many cups as I wanted during the day as long as my calories stayed in line.

If the literature says '4 oz', it should mean by weight. If they're talking volume, it should read '4 fl oz'.

The realize band literature says '4 oz'. My doctor says 3-4 oz of Protein, 1/2 cup vegies and 1/4 cup starch...obviously more than 4 oz and 4 fl oz (which is 1/2 cup).

I just use common sense. I don't want my band so tight that I can only eat 1/2 cup of food at a meal or keep me from eating things like broccoli or salad (which it will do if I get that tight).

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This is from LAP-BAND.com:

The LAP-BAND® System creates a small stomach pouch that can hold about one-quarter cup (approx. 2 oz) of food. Eating more can stretch the stomach, canceling the effect of your procedure.

Dietary Guidelines After LAP-BAND Surgery

Portion size is a major factor in your success with the LAP-BAND System. However, the types of foods you eat can affect your weight loss as well. A healthy diet will have items from each of the following food groups. Quantities and suggested foods are listed in each group. Always talk to your doctor or dietician about your particular dietary needs.

Good Choices

Fruit and vegetables:

• 1 to 2 servings of fresh fruit daily
  
• 2 to 3 servings of fresh vegetables daily
  

Whole grains:

• 1 small portion of cornflakes for breakfast, or
  
• 1 to 2 slices of toasted whole wheat or rye bread each day.
  
  • If you find you have trouble with bread blocking your stomach opening, substitute other whole grains such as refined, cooked or ready-to-eat Cereal, oatmeal, cream of wheat, or grits.
    

Protein:

• 2 to 4 oz of meat, fish or poultry, or one egg for additional Protein
  
  • Remove all visible fat from the meat. Remove skin from poultry/fish. And cook with little/no fat — grill, steam, microwave, or boil.
    

Dairy:

• 2 cups of low-fat milk or yogurt, or 1 oz low-fat cheese (max.)
  
  • Since milk and yogurt are calories in liquid form, you might think they should be avoided. However, the Calcium and protein they have makes them an important part of a healthy daily diet.
    

Fats:

• 3 to 4 teaspoons of margarine, butter or oil per day (max)
  
• Low-fat salad dressings and mayonnaise (in moderation)
  

Drinks:

• Unlimited zero- or low-calorie liquids per day, including:
  
  • Non-carbonated beverages Tea or coffee (black) with low-calorie sweetener
    
  • Clear soup and broths
    
  • Water
    

Not-so-good choices

Proceed with caution:

Some foods may cause problems as they may block or have difficulty passing your stomach opening. Introduce these types of foods to your diet slowly, one at a time, to see if they are tolerated. Remember: always be careful and chew these foods well before swallowing.

• Dry meat
  
• Peanut Butter
  
• Shrimp
  
• Untoasted or doughy bread
  
• Pasta or rice
  
• Fibrous vegetables (e.g., corn, celery and asparagus)
  
• Dried fruit
  
• Coconut
  
• Popcorn
  
• Citrus fruits
  
• Nuts
  

Steer clear:

Some foods contain too many calories and too little nutritional value to be of any use to you with the LAP-BAND System. Avoid foods high in sugar or fat, including:

• Syrups, jams, honey
  
• Candy, pies, cakes, biscuits
  
• chips, dips
  
• High-calorie soft drinks
  

Some doctors suggest patients avoid carbonated drinks, as they may contribute to enlargement of the stomach pouch. Alcohol should also be consumed in moderation (one glass of wine or less per day).

My docs have their "rules class" which everyone MUST attend before you get a fill. They also quiz you over them. They want 4 oz per meal. 3 oz protein and 1 oz carbs in the form of veggies. 60 grams of protein per day. No fluids with calories. No drinking 15 mins before a meal and 1 1/2 hr after a meal.