I had lap band surgery on 3/12/12. At first I felt like I had some restriction. I lost 20lbs. Towards the 6 week mark I was able to eat bigger portions and I felt like I didn't have any fill at all. I went to the doc and received a 4cc fill in a 14cc band. The first day I noticed restriction, when I got full I wasn't able to swallow anymore. But that is the only time I felt restricted. I did the 10 day special foods diet as instructed. From that point on I have started to feel like I haven't any restriction again. I am eating larger portions and I stop when I am full. I also notice that without the feeling of restriction I am wanting to eat bad foods I don't usually eat. I have lost 5lbs. I didn't know if feeling this way was normal or not. Any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated!

" I also notice that without the feeling of restriction I am wanting to eat bad foods I don't usually eat."

This sounds like head hunger, to me. Just because you have the band, doesn't mean that you want to stop eating the bad stuff. Well, you probably do WANT to stop eating it, but the band won't stop you from eating it.

The restriction you felt immediately post surgery was your body healing and it is normal for you to be able to eat larger portions again when you get back on to solids.

Try not to eat until you are full - work out your soft stop signals. Might be a burp, sigh or an ache in your shoulder. Eating past that signal is over eating.

It can also take several fills to achieve restriction or satiety so don't be surprised if you need more fills.

Good luck.