OK so the only time I feel any restriction is with my first meal. I have to eat that slow or i will slime a little. I haven't had a PB in months (not since I learned not to eat dry rubbery chicken) I can eat at a normal speed and normal amounts. I thought that I was supposed to only be able to eat small amounts. I am at 8.5 cc's and am afraid that I will never experience restriction. Do I really need a fill or is this all in my head. It seems to me that If I can gulp fluids and scarf most food (in the pm) then I need a fill. I don't want to be in PB land but just right under it. Am I there or should I hit pb land and then have them take out a smidge? Also I still feel port pain at times, not bad just a little annoying is this normal?

The idea of the band is not restriction, it is to lose weight. You've lost more than 50 pounds since April, which is well within the 1-2 pounds we are expected to lose.

Just becaues you can "gulp fluids and scarf most food" doesn't mean you should.

Excellent that you haven't had a PB in months, because the band is NOT surgically induced bulimia.

One thing also to keep in mind is the whole "normal portions." Bandsters often get a twisted view of what is "normal." We come to think that a saucer full of food is a huge amount of food, which it isn't.

I agree w/ vinesqueen about the "normal portions" concept. My doctor says that if you're eating healthy food then go ahead and eat until satisfied. So basically, I don't agree with the concept of bandsters only supposed to eat 1 cup or whatever at a time. Baloney...at least for me. It takes a lot more for me to feel satisfied and my doctor is fine with that.

Your description sound like you need a fill. When your restriction isn't right it becomes easy for old habits to start sneaking back like gulping and eating too fast. So, if you've got room in your band then talk to your doc and ask for a fill. Good luck!

Hi All,

What does it feel like to be "full"? I can eat 2-3 bites of protein and then it hurts really bad. Am I full or did I not chew it long enough? That is what I need to know?

Thanks for anyone's input!!

If 2 bites is hurting, then I'd guess you're either not chewing well enough, swallowing too much at once, need to try a different kind of Protein, or need to consider a slight unfill.

For me, hurt is an indicator that I've done a no-no.

Day to day we should be able to eat quality foods without pain.

Full for me feels like normal fullness, which I had to redefine after surgery. Before surgery, full = a little uncomfortable and no possible way I could eat one more bite. Now for me, full = no longer hungry.

One note, and this is purely MHO. That you've lost 50 lbs since April isn't necessarily an indicator that your weightloss is progressing "as it should".

In quotes because there's no real way to define it for individuals, though the medical average is 1 - 2 lbs per week.

For example, if you lost 50 lbs in your first month, but haven't lost anything in 6 months, yeah - you're still in the medical 1-2#/week guidelines - but maybe it's time to look at what you could be diong differently, which might include getting a fill.

Molly, I really think you need a fill. I have the VG and have been at 10.0 since my 9th week banded. Don't worry about the number -- worry about how you're feeling. I've seen you struggle to get to Twoterville and I think some of that struggle would leave for you if you got a little fill. The goal is to be at a place where you just don't think about food that much and the struggle isn't so fierce. When restriction is right, it's much easier to follow the "protein and produce" rule. Now, I'm firmly in the camp of "too tight is worse than too loose" but I'd shoot for Goldilocks if I were you -- look for the fill that is "just right."