I know this has been asked here before, but it's hard sometimes to figure out what a thread is about by the title.

As you've likely guessed, I am in that in between state. I had my first fill last week, but I don't feel any difference at all. I have 3.5 cc in a 10cc band. I am only five weeks post op, so I am not expecting miracles either I do miss the still-swollen restriction though - I lost 6 pounds in the first month and then bam! You can eat solids again! Now its a daily struggle to stay at that 1000 to 1200 calorie mark each day. I get hungry about an hour after I eat what feels like itty bitty meals lol. I have pretty good eating habits, low fat mostly, vegetarian, whole grain etc. But I am a volume eater and always have been. Too much good for you food is still too much!

So, how many fills did it take for each of you? I need inspiration here. At what point did you go, oh hey, I see how this thing works!

Christmas has me worried................................

I have had 3 fills, first fill at 6 weeks, one month before Christmas in 2010.(5cc) It lasted until May 2011, second fill he removed the 5cc's and put in 6.5 had to remove 1 cc 3 days later because I was dehydrated and could not pass any fluids at all. Then my weight stalled. I had lost good for the first 7 months, than I just sat there for another 7 months. I lost inches but the scale did not move at all. I had 5.5 cc removed at the end of Jan 2012 and 6 cc's put back in my band. It was tight, it took me 3 weeks before I was able to really eat solid food and enjoy it but I was determined to be in the green zone so I tiffed it out. The first 6 Months I was banded i went to see my WLS every 4 weeks at one year, I started seeing him every 3 months for 6 months than at 1 1/2 years it went to every 6 months and continues at that. I am always told to comeback in between if I need a fill. I did not really hit this mythical green zone until my 3rd fill, not sure it it was the fill or me finally getting my thought processes in check with what the band was suppose to do for me. At goal now, and have no idea what is in my band, I think 6cc;s but it still works and I have not had a fill since Jan. Now do I have occasional days when nothing satisfies me, yes, those are the days I stick to my plan, drink plenty of water. Feeling hungry is not fun and it creates another whole set of issues, head hunger. All I can say is that is does get better but there are still occasional days when I feel like I could eat everything in site, difference from old me. Old me would have ate everything in site, new me says, don't eat, I like the new me.

Yes, meat, fish, eggs. All the food you're eating is more like slider food. Aren't you allowed solid foods yet?

Oh I don't eat those foods (can't stand the yogurt). I was just wondering how the band discerned one from the other if it was just based on Protein content and not texture/density/chew factor.

...I did not really hit this mythical green zone until my 3rd fill, not sure it it was the fill or me finally getting my thought processes in check with what the band was suppose to do for me. At goal now, and have no idea what is in my band, I think 6cc;s but it still works and I have not had a fill since Jan. Now do I have occasional days when nothing satisfies me, yes, those are the days I stick to my plan, drink plenty of Water. Feeling hungry is not fun and it creates another whole set of issues, head hunger. All I can say is that is does get better but there are still occasional days when I feel like I could eat everything in site, difference from old me. Old me would have ate everything in site, new me says, don't eat, I like the new me.

Thank you, this is really helpful.

Oh I don't eat those foods (can't stand the yogurt). I was just wondering how the band discerned one from the other if it was just based on Protein content and not texture/density/chew factor.

It takes longer to digest solid foods than liquids. I never liked yogurt either until I tried Oikos Key Lime with pecans crushed on top,mmmmm, my new fave. Maybe you need to speak with a nutritionist so they can help you choose a plan that works around your diet?

Best wishes on your journey!

Oh, I am working with a nutritionist and she's very helpful. Like I said further up, I eat eggs, cheese, nuts etc. for my proteins -- and occasionally fish. That key lime yogurt sounds like something I could get into too! My question was more for educational reasons, so many people have said that I need to get more protein in, and I was trying to figure out if we actually meant protein or solids. I think we mean solids when we say proteins, as there seem to be all sorts of slider mushies that can also technically be called protein. In any event, I do think I need to try and find more of these (solids) and that can be a challenge as a vegetarian. I used to get all my protein from veggie sources, but that involved eating huge amounts of food on a regular basis. I think that is why I am having so much trouble with portions too. Sigh. I WILL get this

Actually, what's meant by proteins once you are on solid foods is SOLID proteins. For instance, Greek yogurt is a good snack between meals; however, during mealtime you should focus on solid proteins as those will keep you fuller longer (per my nutritionist). Some people think having a protein drink can replace having a meal. I know some people feel "tight" in the a.m. and prefer this as their morning "meal". I think if that works for them, it's great. You wouldn't want to do that for every meal thought. To really stay fuller longer, eggs, cheese, etc will keep you fuller and satiated longer. Since you mention being vegetarian (mostly), have you tried quinoa? It is packed with nutrients and protein. I have a recipe that my family loves made with vegetable broth, black beans, cilantro, etc. Just another thought....

Oh yes, I love quinoa! Will have to make that again. Thanks again for all the replies, food for thought ha ha.