I have a Large 10 cc band, and I am at 4.5 cc full. I feel as though I dont have enough restriction. I can guzzle 8 oz of liquid with no issue, also can eat lot more than 8 oz at a time. I dont have a chew alot nor do I have to wait to drink. I never have been stuck or pb (not that Im complaining) but being a food addict, I thought the band would assist with the self control, I so lack. So I was wondering, what amount is your ideal fill?

I have a Large 10 cc band, and I am at 4.5 cc full. I feel as though I dont have enough restriction. I can guzzle 8 oz of liquid with no issue, also can eat lot more than 8 oz at a time. I dont have a chew alot nor do I have to wait to drink. I never have been stuck or pb (not that Im complaining) but being a food addict, I thought the band would assist with the self control, I so lack. So I was wondering, what amount is your ideal fill?

Ok a few things before I start. The band is a tool. The band doesn't work for you, you work for the band so some self control needs to be taken in order to be successful. Even without full restriction you should only be eating bandster size portions. As far as drinking is concerned you are not supposed to drink right after a meal because it can push your food right through your band. It can also stretch out your pouch. The top portion of your stomach (the pouch above the band) is the only part of your stomach that will send a signal to your brain that you are full. That connection takes about 20 minutes. You have to eat slowly and take responsibility as to how much you eat. Have you tried the 5 day pouch test? It is possible that you have stretched your pouch out already..

Day 1 & 2-The first two days are all liquids. You can have as many low-carb Protein shakes as you like to satisfy hunger or cravings. In addition drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of Water each day. The purpose of all liquids is to break any snacking, grazing or processed carbohydrate habits. In addition the liquids will work to cleanse your system and prepare you for the following three days. Try to reduce your caffeine intake as well, but do not stop caffeine cold turkey or you will feel sick and frustrated potentially losing the desire to continue with the pouch test. It is very important to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day. This will prevent dehydration, will help curb cravings and will flush your body of toxins and fat. Sufficient water intake improves kidney function and cell processes.

Day 3: Soft proteins- The next three days you get to eat as much as you want as often as you want! But there's a catch: it has to be solid protein and you only get 15 minutes each time you sit down to eat. No drinking 30 minutes before or after meals and no drinking with your food. A dry pouchwill hold your soft protein longer helping your to feel full and fed longer. Protein Recommendations: canned fish ( tuna or salmon) mixed with lemon and seasoned with salt and pepper, eggs cooked as desired seasoned with salt pepper and/or salsa, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy), baked or grilled, and lightly seasoned. This starts your program with "soft" protein. Measure your portion (1 cup volume or 4-6 ounces weight) and eat only until you feel full, not overfull. Remember, no water for 30 minutes before or after you meal, and no fluids with your meal. We are going back to the beginning and fluids will prevent you from feeling the pouch. If you need to add a moist condiment ( Miracle Whip or mayonnaise) to the canned fish I understand, but keep it to a minimum so the meat is not too moist. One reason we lose the sense of tightness in our pouch is that we eat "slider foods" -foods that are too moist and do not stay in the pouch very long, they slide right through the stoma. Cottage cheese is a good protein and you can include it on Day 3. To firm it up a bit you could add a chopped hard cooked egg to your cottage cheese. And yes, during the liquid phase chicken boullion with added protein is great.

Day 4 Firm Protein- Protein Recommendations: ground meat (beef, turkey, lamb) cooked dry and lightly seasoned, shellfish, scallops, lobster steamed and seasoned only with lemon, salmon or halibut steaks, grilled and lightly seasoned. By now you should be experiencing that familiar tightness that will reassure you that your pouch is working. Remember to drink plenty of water between meals. Take some time to meditate and rediscover the wonder of your pouch. Often we don't like that uncomfortable tightness of the pouch, which is why we gradually move toward slider foods that don't make us uncomfortable. It is always my preference to eat moist protein so I don't get uncomfortable, but doing so allows me to consume more than I should. Rediscovering the pouch with this 5-day plan reminds me of how the tool really works. I hope by now you are rediscovering your tool and enjoying the hope and excitement because your pouch still works.

Day 5 Solid Protein- Remember to chew chew chew. Measure your portion (4-6 ounces) and eat only until you feel your pouch tighten. Remember, only 15 minutes per meal, so you'll have to work fast to chew your food completely. By now you should be out of any carb cycle you were in and perhaps you have lost a pound or two. You will have new confidence in your pouch and your ability to work the tool for your health and emotional well being. Don't go hungry! Remember, you can eat as often as you want as long as it is solid protein, consumed without liquids and measured in 4-6 ounce portions.

Good luck

I have an 11 cc band and am now filled to 7cc. My NP says most who have my band begin to hit the green zone at anywhere from 7.5 - 9cc. Everyone is different. Some reach it much earlier. The focus needs to be on what works for you.

Pamela is right about drinking after eating. I, personally, wait a full hour.

As for being able to eat more and expecting the band to control how much you eat - there seems to be a lot of confusion about that issue so you are not alone. I got a lot of help understanding this very issue on a list called SmartBandsters@yahoo.com and now feel more comfortable with what the band can and cannot do. I am grateful for the experienced "bandsters" there who help me think in constructive ways and when I felt discouraged, understand what was going on in my body as well as my thinking.

One of the biggies for me, regarding the fact I could eat more than what I was told to eat, was, "Just because you can doesn't mean you should!" Pretty elementary, huh? But I needed to hear it. I struggled with how many calories to eat in a day vs how big a portion per meal and so on. This group and it's archives really helped a lot.

The band has a super neat function if you follow all the guidelines. You will begin to realize you simply don't feel hungry. Seriously! That doesn't mean you can't eat, it means you physically don't feel hungry. I used to think about food all the time. Now I get annoyed that I have to think about food (Plan my meals). The reason is if the food is not washed down and simply allowed to empty into your stomach in it's own time (and you take your time to eat!) it stimulates nerves in your esophagus that dictate hunger to your brain - turning off the hunger switch! For REAL!

All this to say: The sooner you get back on track eating the way you were instructed to - 1 to 1&1/2 cups per meal, eat your Protein 1st, veggies if there's room - the sooner you will find that 'switch'. It makes life sooo much easier.

As those who have struggled with food for a long time, we are experts at getting around the "rules" for good health. My way didn't work - in a BIG way. I've chosen to do it the lapband way - and it's working!!!

Hope this helps <3

Excellent Post Pamella ! That was right on the money. Very easily broke down for step after step.

I have a 4cc Band.

I have 2. 25 cc's in the Band.

When your Band is filled enough you will experience less Hunger.

In the meantime, you have to make adjustments so that you don't go over a set calorie amount.

This will allow you to lose weight, and you are learning control.

Go to myfitnesspal.com It's free ! You wil be able to view other peoples Diary, (SEE WHAT THEY ARE EATING) and put a plan together for you to follow.

Now when you are filled, and can no longer eat the same way, you can adjust your calorie intake to suit yourself.

But Pamella gave you allot of different things to eat, and she's on target.

This is another tool to help you work for your tool. the right way.

Take a look ! what do you have to lose but weight !