I am wondering if anyone out there has the same problem as me: I can eat anything without any problems, I have a 14 cc band which has 12.5 cc of fluid in it I was banded on 9/17/07 and have lost 42 lbs. but I eat way too large a portions at one time. I guess I thought after being banded I would get sick or feel horrible if I ate over the recommended amount. any body elese have the same problems??:thumbup::confused::tt2:

hello and know that you are not alone --yes I am one to relate to your story. I too have had the band done and have only lost 39 lbs since Aug 07. However I have had 3 fills and have learned that I should of had them more often. I learned in the beginning that this is not the miracle cure so I take every day as it comes. My band is about half full after the last fill (5-21) and I have noticed a big difference. I am still struggling to get some foods down and now my husband is concerned. This doesn't seem to be the way it all worked in the beginning. I have been leaning to soups and soft foods only to find myself craving things that wouldn't be on my eat list. You have to learn your body and the way it responds to food. Only you will know when you have had enough. They give you guide lines of how much to eat and you need to stick to them. Measure your food and when you have eaten the measured amount --- walk away from the table, if you are still hungry try a drink, then you will know if it is hunger or your mind needs to be reset. I have not been eating enough foods is what the nutritionist says-- so it not how much you eat it's what your body is needing. Are you having enough protien shakes, bars, or what ever it is you like. I have been eating the bars and enjoy them so much more than the shakes. You will find what works for you when you make your mind up that this is what you need and not your want. the wieght loss miracle is in you-- not in the band, the band is only a tool to help you along. Don't give up on your self and keep up the good work. You are 42 lbs. lighter than before you started. The slower it comes off the longer it will stay off. be blessed and have a wonderful week

I have a 4 CC band that's been at 4.4 and I was still able to eat. Here's what I finally noticed.

1. I was drinking with my meal. Seriously. Do not drink 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after.

2. Do not eat more than 15 minutes. I was eating an hour at a time, getting pizza, bread, chicken down. I can eat anything I want. When I stop at 15 minutes, I am full. Period!

3. Sugar of any kind will spark your hunger. White flour, potatoes will also do that. 4 ounces of chicken and vegetables should more than fill you.

4. Finally, chew. Very. Slowly.

if you're doing all these, and not snacking, and not eating ice cream/liquid calories, you might have stretched your pouch. Fortunately, going back to this regimen will shrink it again. Hang in there! You can always start back over!! Check out my blog, I just came out of a 4 week food eat-o-rama which has been non existent for me since I got the band 3.5 years ago!