If you feel restricted, but can eat more than a cup of food?

I don't want to be too tight> Please help. I have only lost 20 lbs in

3 months.

I have never let a specific measurement of food determine whether or not I need a fill. You see a lot of half cup that, quarter cup this, 2 oz there... whatever. That's one thing, if anything, I've learned is utterly unreliable because... if Jane can be full on 1/4 cup of food, has nothing to do with Jack or Julie or Joe.

Here are things I "listen to" if I'm considering a fill:

Can I eat my food without stopping, or do I need to take a few (or many) minutes between bites?

Do I get a sensation of pressure when I eat, or does it go right down?

Can I drink more than a sip, without discomfort, immediately after meals?

Am I hungry between meals?

Can I eat foods easily that used to cause me trouble?

Am I eating more than I was a few weeks ago? (NOT Am I eating more than 2 oz)

Etc.

I agree with Wheetsin. In my opinion it comes down to whether or not you are losing. If you can eat 1 cup of food and still lose you are lucky and shouldn't get a fill. If not, then you should get a fill. Just be prepared to only consume 1/2 to 3/4 cup after a good fill. Make sure you get plenty of protein. Protein shakes are vital for me as they give me 30 grams a day. I hope this helps you. Good luck.

ADM07, thanks for starting this thread. I was just about to post to see if what's going on with me is normal or indicative of a fill...

Wheetsin - thanks for the checklist! I'm scheduled for my first fill on Dec 12th, I'll be nearly at 7 weeks by then.

I have been very good with portion size eating 1/2 - 3/4 cups of food at a time and working at staying between 600-800 calories and 60-80 grams of Protein per day. I've also started excercising. Weight loss has been slow and steady, just about 2 pounds per week for the last 3 weeks or so.

My main thing is that i'm hungry between meals, so I eat about every 2-3 hours, I keep thinking that with a fill I'll be able to eat fewer times per day and stay fuller longer.

Thanks to all the seasoned bandsters for your advise to us newbies getting fills.

If you feel restricted, but can eat more than a cup of food?

I don't want to be too tight> Please help. I have only lost 20 lbs in

3 months.

I HAVE LOST 16LBS SINCE SURGERY AND 5 OF THOSE POUNDS WAS BEFORE SURGERY. IT IS A SLOW PROCESS. AND LET ME TELL YOU I AM TO HARD ON MYSELF BECAUSE I AM ALWAYS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT AM I DOING WRONG, BUT I NOT DOING ANYTHING WRONG, I EAT MY PROTEIN FIRST,I DON'T DRINK BEFORE AND AFTER MEALS,ETC. SO NOW I NEED TO BE PATIENT. JUST GET A FILL WHEN YOUR NOT LOSING ANYTHING. AND REMEMBER IT'S NOT "ONLY" 20LBS, IT'S 20LBS YOU WORKED HARD FOR!:clap2:

Wheetsin - that is a great list - thanks.

I have to say - it is all very mysterious to me! :eek:

It may be just me, but I consider 20lb in 3 months, good healthy sensible weight loss.