I just can't seem to wrap my mind around how in the world we can consume only 1/2 cup of food at each meal (3 times a day), and still get enough calories, protein, etc.?

Does anyone have a typical menu for a day?

Breakfast: coffee

Lunch: 1/2 sandwich sometimes with the bread picked off.

Dinner: Piece of chicken, few bites of a side dish.

Dessert: Optional

I think I can eat more than 1/2 cup in one sitting but surprisingly I get so fill on so little it doesn't concern me.

And you'd be surpised how many calories you can squeeze into 1/2 cup. You'd be very surprised!

I know i'm eating more then a 1/2 cup each meal i'm going in for my second fill in two weeks. After the first fill i was good, kept within the 1/2 - 3/4 cup of total food per meal, including Protein shakes in between but the last ffew weeks, it feels like i just got band and no restriction.

example, last night i had 5 oz of monk fish, 2 tablespoons of white rice and about 5 bites of salad.

to me comparing what everyone else is eating that's alot.

feedback please:paranoid

don't worry camilla, I eat about the same amount as you do. As long as you are loosing weight, your ok.

If you feel satisfied after the meal then it means the band is working.

Thank you all for the response to my question. As the days go by and I add different foods back to my diet I am beginning to see that the calories really can add up.

Sill struggling with the protein, and may continue using the liquid substitutes for a while, my daugther (the dancer) even seems to like these drinks, and I have a heck of a time getting her to eat meat, cheese, and forget about ligumes!

Drink soymilk!!!!

Have never been a big milk drinker, but am using soy milk in my smoothie along with low-fat yogurt. My son and I have been experimenting with different fruits and flavors. I love the new sugar substitue "splenda"!

The amount of food I can eat depends my level of restriction and what the food is. I can almost always eat a cup or more of salad, but usually only about 3-4 ounces of fish or 3 ounces of very tender beef.

I also struggle with getting enough Protein and calories (my goal is 1200 a day w/ a minimum of 50 grams of protein) so I use www.fitday.com to keep track of things. It helps me a lot!

~Tonia

Don't stress about how much you are eating. That will vary on your level of restriction, the day of the week, and the type of food. Soft food you can eat more of than hard food. Some days you are more restricted than other days. As long as you are losing weight, (averaging 1-2 lbs per week), that is all that matters.

Mary in Sacramento

Remember that the 1/2 cup is after it is chewed, so to speak.

So, a cup of salad and 1/2 a chicken breast isn't outrageous.

I never realized that the 1/2 cup is chewed i always thought it was before

Got my second fill yesterday and you are right it depends on the stars and the moon alignment on how you feel each day.

Camilla

4/29/03

287/237

I'm the same as Camilla I thought it was 1/2 cup before aswell. Thanks for clarifying that. lol

That will make meal planning a lot easier. So 1 cup of food can really be mushed down into 1/2 cup? Amazing the things you learn on this board!

I guess its true, you do learn something new every day. I also thought it was before. lol

I have had 3 fills and I am definitly restricted. My problem is it hurts to eat. I know I am chewing and eating slowly but one or two bites and then I am in pain. I have the back ache and shoulder ache from the time after surgery. I can eat crayfish but chicken and beef kill me. i couldn't even eat a scrambled egg today. It even hurts to drink. I am one unhappy camper.

I think its ridiculous to be honst, I've always eaten more than that. I can eat about a cup, and I also eat more often than I used to since I need the energy.

I still need up to 2000 calories a day to maintain my weight at 150lb. So half a cup just wouldnt do it for me, and its why I'm thankful for a band, which can be adjusted, rather than a non adjustable surgery. I'd starve to death on such tiny portions.

I have had 3 fills and I am definitly restricted. My problem is it hurts to eat. I know I am chewing and eating slowly but one or two bites and then I am in pain. I have the back ache and shoulder ache from the time after surgery. I can eat crayfish but chicken and beef kill me. i couldn't even eat a scrambled egg today. It even hurts to drink. I am one unhappy camper.

Sounds like you need an unfill, it shoudlnt be like that. You're just too tight.