What is a good fill level SUPPOSED to feel like?

[rdowner 0]

I have a realize band. Lost 15 pounds immediately after surgery (great) then leveled off for several weeks. Got my first fill 3 weeks ago (3.5 cc's). Lost 5 pounds that first week (great), then have regained a couple and have leveled off again. The first 3 days after the fill a felt significant restriction, but since then only a little. A friend of mine that works for the realize band manufacturer says it takes a few days for things to 'settle' around your stomach, etc.

I was at a 4 course dinner the other night for a work event, and was surprised and disappointed that I could eat every bite.

I presume I need another fill? Is there some sweet-spot I am seeking between painful blockage and what I have now? I know I need to make healthy food choices and exercise, etc., but I am expecting the band to limit food portions when I do sit down for a healthy meal.

Sorry this is so long. Any insight is appreciated.

[Jachut 487]

Hmmmm, for me its more to do with putting a lot less on my plate and being satisfied with it (even if I could eat a bit more) rather than a lot on my plate and eating until I feel a stop signal.

That skill does come with time though. And you may very well need another fill since four courses is quite a bit. It can take a few days to settle as well, just see how you go and dont panic, you will get there.

[rdowner 0]

Thanks Jacqui. That is good advice: eating for a sense of satiety, not until it is impossible to eat more.

[DouglasK 1]

I'm similar to where you are. I just had my second fill, and have yet to experience significant restriction. I've had to watch myself from eating too much, not because of weight but mostly from fear of hurting myself or the band. I have several close friends who have been successful with their bands and they say it is usually the 3rd or maybe even the 4th fill before you will get significant restriction. I have been using this period to kind of have smaller portions of certain things I enjoy, like bread and beef, with the idea that after another fill or two I know longer will. I think you are fine, just be careful to not hurt yourself by over doing it. I over ate at one point and felt miserable afterwards More than likely you will begin to really notice a difference in quantity and what you can eat after another fill or two.

[J in Vermont 0]

I cant wait to get a fill. I feel like i can eat to pre-surgery levels. maybe a little less. I think i'm snacking less between meals is the only reason i have lost weight. My first fill is scheduled for Dec 16th

[laceylooloo 0]

I was the same as ur describing but as of 3 weeks ago i was determine to not fail this lapband so i starting dieting properly and following the lapbanding rules, and since i ve done that i feel my restriction and on christmas i tried pigging out basically and i couldnt the restriction was well and truly there

[Tess2352 0]

I have a realize band. Lost 15 pounds immediately after surgery (great) then leveled off for several weeks. Got my first fill 3 weeks ago (3.5 cc's). Lost 5 pounds that first week (great), then have regained a couple and have leveled off again. The first 3 days after the fill a felt significant restriction, but since then only a little. A friend of mine that works for the realize band manufacturer says it takes a few days for things to 'settle' around your stomach, etc.

I was at a 4 course dinner the other night for a work event, and was surprised and disappointed that I could eat every bite.

I presume I need another fill? Is there some sweet-spot I am seeking between painful blockage and what I have now? I know I need to make healthy food choices and exercise, etc., but I am expecting the band to limit food portions when I do sit down for a healthy meal.

Sorry this is so long. Any insight is appreciated.

I just had my first fill and I do feel a little hungry...but, they put in 4ccs, then pulled out about .2ccs because they show reflux on the flouroscope.

I wonder why you ate all the food? As my doctor said, the band is a tool, not a magic bullet. I never let myself eat more than 1/2 cup food - even though I probably could, because I know I may not feel full, but over-eating can be harmful. I hear lots of people talking about being able to eat lots of food w/o consequense...and I just wonder why they even try to do this. lol

[JanB23 23]

I just had my first fill and I do feel a little hungry...but, they put in 4ccs, then pulled out about .2ccs because they show reflux on the flouroscope.

I wonder why you ate all the food? As my doctor said, the band is a tool, not a magic bullet. I never let myself eat more than 1/2 cup food - even though I probably could, because I know I may not feel full, but over-eating can be harmful. I hear lots of people talking about being able to eat lots of food w/o consequense...and I just wonder why they even try to do this. lol

Because we don't have control over food, it controls us - hence the need for the band in the first place, to helps us stop when our brain wants us to keep eating.

[NYsLegend78 29]

I felt the same way after my 2nd fill I was able to eat more then usual but just had my 3rd fill on Thursday and that stopped I end up almost throwing up if I don't chew my food correctly

[stateofzen 46]

Because we don't have control over food, it controls us - hence the need for the band in the first place, to helps us stop when our brain wants us to keep eating.

I totally get where you're coming from here, but I think this is where the mental battle/mental changes come in. At least for me, coming to realize that food does NOT control me and I can, have, and will make better choices has been a significant part of the losing equation-- in fact, the most significant. The fact is, there are lots of ways to "get around" the band if we play mind tricks with ourselves. At least for me, as long as I tell myself I'm not in control. . . I won't be in control.

I *can* eat Pasta, bread, cake, etc. I *can* eat a plate full of food (not that I feel great after, that's for sure). But I don't *have* to and the band didn't make me realize that-- that was a mental battle we all have to work through ourselves. It's clearly the hardest part- my best wishes to everyone.