My name is Kim and I was just banded on November 9, 2006. My starting weight was 306.4 pounds. I am now down to 285.0. Today I am actually starting on soft solids. I have really had a hard time since my surgery. The pains I have had have been awful but each day brings a little more relief and I have gotten past the point of questioning why I decided to do this. My doctors name is Dr.Felix Spiegal. He is a very nice doctor and his staff is very nice the only thing that I don't like about him or his office is that although they are there for you when you need them I always feel rushed when I try and talk to someone. I don't like feeling rushed when I have a question about my band. So I am hoping that I will get a better response by joining this online support group. I think my main problem right now is telling if I am hungry or full. How do I know?? :help:

Hi Kim, welcome to LBT. This is indeed a supportive group we have here. I think the best thing to do is to read everything you can on this site and join up with the November bandsters thread and you'll find people around the same stage that you're at. The veteran bandsters are all very generous with their support and advice as well.

For me, I had to kind of relearn how to identify when I was satiated, because I formerly ate all the time regardless of whether I was full or empty. So I've been sticking to band rules, only eating about 3/4 of a cup of food and no drinking with the meals.

Keep posting, we're glad you're here.

Welcome Misty and Happy Thanksgiving. I think when I first started on mushies and solids I just took very little and ate it that. Then worked up to the 3/4 of a cup they recommend. I figured I could always eat more a little later rather than eat too much at once and regret it. Believe me the first time you overfill yourself you're going to know where full is.

As far as hungry vs full.....you definately will need to tune into your body. Head hunger can play terrible games with you. I actually waited quite often to feel those hunger pains before I ate because I just wasn't sure but, that was before my first fill. Now I can tell the difference. Try drinking some Water and if you don't think you're actually hungry and it will help pass some time until you actually are.

Good luck and best wishes with your banding