What is your definition of restriction? I feel like I don't have much restriction because I'm still hungry. However, when I eat I feel like I get stuck quite often even if I feel I have been chewing things until they can no longer be chewed. Most of the time it's just an uncomfortable feeling, no PBing. But it hurts. I am wondering if I'm missing the signs of restriction and letting my head dictate what my hunger level is. Thoughts? How does restriction feel to you? Thanks!

restriction for me is just havin the ability to get full quickly. I dont have issues with getting food stuck.

This is a hard one. I had a small unfill a while back because I thought I was a tad overrestricted - stuff was hurting, but I wasnt pbing and sliming all the time. In hindsight, even nearly 3 years into my journey, I think I was failing to eat slowly and carefully enough for my restriction level.

good restriction to me has very little to do with only fitting in half a cup of food and not being able to eat bread. Its a point at which you're not hungry all the time and you're losing weight with the amount you're eating - even if that's six cups of food! Or maintaining easily as my case was.

I think for a lot of people though, that point doesnt come until you've reached a point where you have to eat a lot more carefully! But its a fine line between whether its making your life a misery or not - I was getting nervous about eating out and in front of everyone and I'm not really prepared to go that far. I want a normal life.

Its individual really. But I think people worry about not having reached their 'sweet spot' because their restriction doesnt match what they read on here and that's utter nonsense, many are at personal sweet spots and dont even realise it.

Ooookay...I agree with Jacqui. LOL

I don't think good restriction is based on a number, either. It's whatever it takes for you to eat healthy and lose weight at a healthy pace.

It's a very personalized experience - the band. You have to decide what you're comfortable with and what works for you and your lifestyle. Me, I eat alone most of the time, so don't mind eating at a snail's pace. I get filled up with about a quarter to a third of what I used to be able to eat pre-band. No idea if it's a cup, half cup... It also depends on what food I'm eating.

But I do stay satiated for probably at least 4 hours most of the time or longer. Sometimes have to remind myself to eat.

The three things my doctor looks for when deciding if I need a fill is:

1.) You are not overeating

2.) You are staying satisfied until your next meal

3.) You are losing weight

Feeling restriction through pain, PB'ing or feeling too full are things you want to avoid while achieving the above things. If you are eating right and still feeling discomfort then you are too tight.

Edited November 10, 200817 yr by Jodi_620

I knew I was at perfect restriction when I realized that I don't feel hunger pangs. I remind myself to eat. I can only eat about 1/2 a cup at a time if I eat very slowly. I hate protein shakes and I don't usually drink them so I have to work extra hard to get enough food in to make my protein goal. I am fine with that... Nothing like having to eat when dieting before I had to tell myself not to eat :thumbup: