I am wondering how the old timers decide they've had enough food at one meal. I went out to dinner and had a cup of chili and some green salad, and found I stopped eating when I got the throat feeling telling me not to eat more. I am wondering if people go by this signal to stop their meal, or if they weigh out/eat a small amount and call it good, whether or not they get their full signal.

I'm not an old timer, as I've only been banded 4 months, however I too get that tight feeling in my throat. Almost like a lump in it. I often will start burping or hiccuping, too. For me, that is my cue that I am done eating.

I do measure out my food, too. If I'm done with a cup of food, or say a Lean Cuisine portion sized meal, I stop eating regardless of whether or not I get my full signal. After a couple of minutes of stopping, I always end up noticing I feel full anyway.

I've never weight/measure portions. When I eat, I eat slowly and really try to listen to my body telling me it is SATISFIED. Not full. If I eat until I am in discomfort, I have eaten too much. If there is pain, then I am most likely stuck. If I feel any pain I stop eating, because if I am stuck putting more food on top of it just makes it worse. If I stop at the first sign of pain, it will often go down and I can finish my meal.

I eat until I am no longer hungry. It takes time to develop the skill, but I did not want to "diet" for the rest of my life, and weight/measuring portions is dieting to me.

If I eat slowly, I experience a gentle hiccup which is my stop signal.

Thanks for asking this question because I have wondered the same. I feel like I get that tightness in my throat and that is when I'm sure I'm done. Although I don't like that feeling so I've been trying to gauge what amt gets me right before that point. That tightness makes me want to burp too.

Last night was the first time I actually got the tightness/warning signal. I have actually enjoyed that specific meal a few times post-banding (this was the first since a 2cc fill) and I've eaten more at the other meals, although my new "More" is about 1/3-1/2 less than what I would have eaten in the past.

I have also found that another subconscious signal for me is when I take a deep breath towards the end of a meal.

Last night was the first time I actually got the tightness/warning signal. I have actually enjoyed that specific meal a few times post-banding (this was the first since a 2cc fill) and I've eaten more at the other meals, although my new "More" is about 1/3-1/2 less than what I would have eaten in the past.

I have also found that another subconscious signal for me is when I take a deep breath towards the end of a meal.

well, the pain in my left shoulderblade that was present after surgery with gas has now taken on the role of telling me when ive had enough... and would you believe, when im hungry?? it will be interesting to see if it reacts the same way after a fill?