I had my first fill on Friday afternoon( 3cc in a 9cc band.)

I had no swelling from the full and it wasn't painful much.

Now I'm stuck trying to figure out if I have any restriction. I can drink( even gulp!) just like pre-fill. I did realize that I can NOT eat and talk on the phone at the same time because I when I did I felt a slight pressure( from not chewing properly.)

Can anyone tell me how I will know if I am at the "sweet spot"?

The sweet spot for many of us is when you can eat one cup of food and feel satisfied for 4-5 hours. The sweet spot or green zone is elusive and transparent. I had it for many months and didn't know it. I caved to my head hunger/cravings since I wasn't able to tell the difference. Feeling full is not the same as being in the green zone. That just means you ate too much. Hopefully it's more apparent to you.

tmf

The sweet spot for many of us is when you can eat one cup of food and feel satisfied for 4-5 hours. The sweet spot or green zone is elusive and transparent. I had it for many months and didn't know it. I caved to my head hunger/cravings since I wasn't able to tell the difference. Feeling full is not the same as being in the green zone. That just means you ate too much. Hopefully it's more apparent to you.

tmf

Thank you for responding! May I ask you a dumb question? Do you weigh a cup of food or use a measuring cup?

I'm planning to test myself right now.

Its unlikely after 1 fill you will any restriction at all, some people take 4 to 5 fills to find the right fill amount, some take longer others a shorter time, but in general terms 1 fill hardly notices on most people

Its unlikely after 1 fill you will any restriction at all' date=' some people take 4 to 5 fills to find the right fill amount, some take longer others a shorter time, but in general terms 1 fill hardly notices on most people [/quote']

I was hoping that since my band is only 9cc that 3cc would be more noticeable. I guess I am pathologically optimistic! Lol

Kool, I don't measure at all. I think early on I did but after some time you know how much you're eating and once your band is adjusted properly the band will help you make that decision.

But, to answer your question, a measuring cup is the amount you are too eat. Some things like salads will be more than one cup and I wouldn't be concerned over a pile of spinach, cucumbers, lettuce etc. Just try to keep the Protein and carbs within one measuring cup. jmo

tmf

Kool, I don't measure at all. I think early on I did but after some time you know how much you're eating and once your band is adjusted properly the band will help you make that decision.

But, to answer your question, a measuring cup is the amount you are too eat. Some things like salads will be more than one cup and I wouldn't be concerned over a pile of spinach, cucumbers, lettuce etc. Just try to keep the Protein and carbs within one measuring cup. jmo

tmf

Oh Yes...that should be a template! "after some time you know how much you're eating and once your band is adjusted PROPERLY, the band will help you make that decision."So true!

Thank you for responding! May I ask you a dumb question? Do you weigh a cup of food or use a measuring cup?

I'm planning to test myself right now.

Not a dumb question at all...it is by measurement, not weight. Use a regular measuring cup first few times and that will help get your visual conception of how much it is. Use a deck of playing cards as a size for your Protein. You will know the difference between hunger and head hunger if you take a minute before eating something. That has always been my real challenge determining between the two. Choices, choices, choices.

Sent from Angel's iPad using LapBandTalk

Not a dumb question at all...it is by measurement' date=' not weight. Use a regular measuring cup first few times and that will help get your visual conception of how much it is. Use a deck of playing cards as a size for your Protein. You will know the difference between hunger and head hunger if you take a minute before eating something. That has always been my real challenge determining between the two. Choices, choices, choices.

Sent from Angel's iPad using LapBandTalk[/quote']

I used a measuring cup and was surprised how much food there was. I ate at 2pm and at 5 I was somewhat hungry. I ate a small piece of cheese and that took care of it. I lost 30lbs without any fill so I'm hopeful that the green zone isn't far away!

I appreciate the help!

You need to have the band close to half full before you are close to green zone. When you hit 4.5 to 5.5 you might be in the zone. It's different for everybody.

Best wishes

Its unlikely after 1 fill you will any restriction at all' date=' some people take 4 to 5 fills to find the right fill amount, some take longer others a shorter time, but in general terms 1 fill hardly notices on most people [/quote']

Everyone is different. So base your need to fill on how you feel after eating 1 to 1 1/2 cups of food, mostly dense Protein. Not full, but satisfied and not "needing" to eat for 4-5 hours.

I have had only one fill in the 15 months I have been banded.

We are all different. The head hunger is the hardest to control.