Hi all. I just had my second fill. I didn't feel anything at all after my first fill and could eat the same amount of food pre-band. After this second fill, I can still eat as much as I want, but can no longer eat/drink at the same time. I have my next fill scheduled for next Thursday.

I guess my question is for those that have found their 'sweet spot.' What does restriction feel like? What is the average bites per meal you are eating? Any words of advice?

Different for different people. Some can take a few bites and fill competely full and satisfied. For me I just cannot eat anymore, but I'm still hungry. My mind is starting to get adjusted, but I will admit, it was very frustrating at first. Also, the biggest thing is not drinking before and after eating. If I drink during meals, I can eat ALOT more.

I got my second fill two weeks ago and it is a big difference. My first fill I could still eat whatever i wanted with a few times maybe things got stuck for a second or two. With this fill I have a Protein drink for Breakfast. For lunch and dinner I have a few ounces of protein maybe two and a TBS of veggies and I cannot eat anymore. I know if I take one more bite I will get sick or be in alot of pain and have to get sick to relieve it. Then after I eat I am full for a few hours. For me it has stopped me from over eating, even in the afternoon I have my 12 almonds for snack I am full and satisfied. I was lucky my doctor is aggressive with fills so in two fills I have 9.4cc in a 14 band. But reading these forums every one here sometimes it takes three or four. Dont get discouraged, when you get there you will know and it will work.

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I didn't have any restriction until the third fill and for me, at first it felt like I had two stomachs. The one below would grumble like it was hungry, but it didn't hurt. The one above was satisfied.

Then I think the one below just sort of shrank up a bit and then never grumbled and always felt satisfied on , just to give you an example.. a small chili from wendy's.. or a can of tuna (the good kind - Bumblebee lemon pepper). Or half a chicken breast with a scoop of blackeyed peas.

Also, when you have decent restriction you aren't running all over the kitchen looking for your next snack. food isn't your top priority anymore. This is how it was for me anyway when I had that sweet spot. But, again, it is different for everybody.

Coolcrystal

That is a good point I told my friend that it is weird now because I used to be looking for something to eat all day and spent a lot of time preparing food to eat. Now I am satisfied and do not even thing about what I am going to eat next. When it is time to eat I eat I am satisfied and I move on. It is a big difference. Sometimes I am bored because I have so much time freed up from not eating as much. It sounds weird buit it si true. I spent alot of my day eating!

That was a good point.

Rae

For me restriction feels like an intense pressure in my upper chest, almost as though somone is pressing down real hard on it. In most cases i stop eating before that pain hits as it is not a pleasant thing. If im eating and i get that painfull sensation i know not to take one more bite.

Coolcrystal

That is a good point I told my friend that it is weird now because I used to be looking for something to eat all day and spent a lot of time preparing food to eat. Now I am satisfied and do not even thing about what I am going to eat next. When it is time to eat I eat I am satisfied and I move on. It is a big difference. Sometimes I am bored because I have so much time freed up from not eating as much. It sounds weird buit it si true. I spent alot of my day eating!

That was a good point.

Rae

Yep.. in the morning I was already thinking about my dinner.. and the excitement of what was it going to be.. mcdonalds, or chinese buffet!! I probably spent 80% of my time thinking about food or the pre-dinner dinner I would eat before my husband got home. That's right. I can admit it now.. but not before. I would get home an hour before my husband every day and be hungry so I would eat a sandwhich and chips and then when he would get home I'd eat again with him!! the first dinner didn't even count in my head. It's nice just having one dinner now. lol. But, freeing up that "food" time is what opened up "me" time and working out time.

I get full sooner and stay full longer.

I am wondering too what restriction really is.... I have not had a problem with anything I have eaten. I just don't like to eat bread, it feels unconfortable for me. I just don't want to snack, I can eat a bowl of cheerois in the morning, protein shake for lunch and tuna salad or stir fry for dinner and be ok for the day. I don't feel like I have found my sweet spot.

You took the words right outta my mouth!

I think it probably is different for everyone but I think for me I am just no longer hungry. I went to my moms today and she made some roast and potatos (for lunch??) and I had just a few bites maybe 5 to 6 bites of food and I was no longer hungry. Now for me I always push a little more in just to keep me full longer. It keeps me satisfied for longer periods too. Before I had restriction I was so focused on what I should eat that it consumed me. Now I eat whatever everyone else is having but much less. I LOVE MY BAND!!

<<I had just a few bites maybe 5 to 6 bites of food and I was no longer hungry.>>

I guess this is what is frustrating me most. I keep thinking I'll feel full, or that if I eat more than I should, it would come back up. But none of that is happening. I'm trying to eat in moderation, but that doesn't mean I couldn't eat the same quantity as pre-band. I'm very discouraged right now. :tt2:

Edited February 19, 200917 yr by OverBeingFat

It took me quite a few fills before I felt that way though. Just give it time don't get frustrated, not yet. I remember thinking why did I even get this done when I can eat just as much as everyone else but trust me, it changes. It WILL!! You doing great keep it up!

I finally know what restriction feels like. I had my 3rd fill on monday for a total of 5cc. I am unable to eat as much as before. I feel fuller longer. I am still trying to train myself to slow down and chew,chew chew. Because now if I don't the restriction will make me feel bad. Bloated/over full. Uncomfortable.

Thanks to everyone that replied. I went to my first support group meeting last night and there were several people there who said it took at least three fills. I just started to think maybe I made a mistake by getting the band instead of the bypass.

Also, we went over my food journal. When I've done Atkins in the past, I used to find my net carbs. They told me they think that may be part of my issue, that instead I should be counting total carbs and keep it under 30 a day.

Restriction for me means free lunch on Saturday at Whole Foods(Health food store) they give those little two ounce samples of really great food.Today I had crawfish etouffee, mategra slaw ,a cube of cheese,and a bite of Italian sausage in Marinara and was full.