The definition of restriction?

To those people who reach restriction, what is the definition of restriction? What is it like?

By restriction do you mean the green zone? If so to me it means I have to take very small bites of food, wait a minute at least between bites otherwise I get stuck. I don't wake up hungry and eat my first meal of the day between 10 am and 11 am. I don't get hungry again for at least five to six hours. I'm satisfied on just over half a cup of food per meal. I no longer get that urge to snack at night either. I do from time to time still get a chocolate craving and when I do I eat my chocolate.

My hunger is finally in control with the amount of restriction I have. That's what restriction/ greenzone is to me.

My problem is I get hungry 3-4 hours after meal, and I can eat fast with now problem.

There is nothing wrong with getting hungry 3 - 4 hours after a meal. If you do then eat a healthy snack.

How much fill do you have you may need a bit more. Is it real hunger or head hunger? What happens if you do not eat... For me restriction is not thinking about food for 5 to 6 hours . Eating just a little and feeling full . Being to full is not being able to swallow food lots of reflux and PB ing for me restriction and to full is a matter of a little bit of fluid . Everyone is different. And remember just because you can eat it doesn't mean you do eat it.

Ditto to what elcee said, 3 to 4 hours is probably more the norm between meals.

An indication also for needing a bit of a top up is waking up hungry.

Some days I feel Im in the green...because I can wait till 10 am to eat....and then there are time I am like wow..i forgot to eat ( that always sounded so lame to me when Id hear skinny ppl say it) Other days I know im not in the green all I can think about is food....and watch the clock for lunch time...I have forced myself not to eat snacks at times I use to...because I know thats head hunger or habits....so I wait a hr....do something and if Im still hungry a hr after that I do get a cheese stick or a yogurt......I want to be in the green all the time !!!

I have no fill, but yet I feel restriction. I am satisfied between 3-4 hours after a meal. To me, I like the restriction I get from my band. I mean, before the band I would eat an hour after every meal.....

There are a lucky few that can get restriction without a fill. Restriction, also, can be different than green zone. I, also, do not go 5-6 hours between meals, 4 is almost my max, but, if busy, I could probably forget to eat all day. Being satisfied and restriction, I think are 2 different things. For instance, I have had restriction so intense I couldn't get anything down. Green zone is being satisfied with 3-4 oz of protein, and a 1/4-1/2 cup veggies and maybe, at times, a carb. Best wishes for all to green zone satisfaction!!! Karen

Thanks all for your comment and sharing your experience. This definitely help understand the restriction and the green zone better. For people who didn't participate; please share your experience as it will be very helpful.

Thanks again

I have read some of these posts.The recommended amount of protein intake can do wonders for your hunger control and metabolism

You know after 19 months I look at restriction a little differently from months back. The band isn't here to punish us. I'm learning that this tool helps us not feel as hungry after our advised amount of nutritious food. However we are all human and I still enjoy not so nutritious food!!!! to me restriction to me is the feeling of not being hungry between meals. The feeling if restriction is also the feeling of satisfaction after a one cup serving size. It should not be choking or PBing ( but it happens for many reasons). I just have to remember to slow my eating down, smaller bites, and more chewing. Hope this helps:)

Yes! To add, make sure you really keep that protein up and that water!!!! I just had a full yesterday so just full liquids are satisfying me right now. Not really hungry. The one thing I don't want is...to not be able to eat:)

How many fills did you have until you felt the band was really helping you control your hunger? And how long after surgery did you wait to get a fill?

I'm getting banded in Mexico Friday, first fill is six weeks out - is that about right? And how often do you wait between fills?

How many fills did you have until you felt the band was really helping you control your hunger? And how long after surgery did you wait to get a fill?

I'm getting banded in Mexico Friday, first fill is six weeks out - is that about right? And how often do you wait between fills?

I had my first fill a month after my surgery (3 ccs). My second fill is next Friday (2 months after surgery). That said, everyone is a little different depending on your situation and your doctor.