Can someone help me understand

[nomorejellybelly 77]

I am glad I found this posting. This is something I've been struggling with. I try hard to stick to 3/4 to 1 cup of food, sometimes I do a little more than that, but my PA said that it was ok to drink with meals. I don't eat more because I have a drink, it just helps me feel better. I don't have problems with my restriction. I can normally go 4 1/2 - 5 hrs before eating.

If you measure your food by weight, how much is ok to eat? Some things weigh more, but don't take as much room and some things are light weight and take up a whole cup and it's like maybe 4 pieces of broccoli for example.

[HeatherinCA 10]

Yea I didn't eat 1/4 cup.. maybe closer to 1/2-1 cup Just be careful and don't go crazy, and watch your calories, and start not drinking with meals.

I bought little ramikins to put my meals in, and baby forks and spoons that way I didn't feel so deprived.

[HeatherinCA 10]

I am glad I found this posting. This is something I've been struggling with. I try hard to stick to 3/4 to 1 cup of food, sometimes I do a little more than that, but my PA said that it was ok to drink with meals. I don't eat more because I have a drink, it just helps me feel better. I don't have problems with my restriction. I can normally go 4 1/2 - 5 hrs before eating.

If you measure your food by weight, how much is ok to eat? Some things weigh more, but don't take as much room and some things are light weight and take up a whole cup and it's like maybe 4 pieces of broccoli for example.

I wouldn't drink.. I guess you could, but it just washes the food down right? It isn't really about weight, it's about size, because your stomach is small.

[LosingItAll 49]

I was banded January 17, 2011 - one day before you and I am in the same boat. I have to wait until March 10 before my firs fill...so I know exactly how you feel. I am calorie counting (I try to stay under 1000 calories a day, with an upper limit of 1200). It is totally by will power at this point. I try to eat slowly and I always get 40-60 grams of Protein every day and I drink 60+ ounces of Water per day.

I normally do the premier brand Protein Shakes (in chocolate - available at Costco) in the morning, mixed with about 3 ounces of coffee and some ice - DELICIOUS (like a mocha frap at Starbucks); for lunch a can of healthy choice Soup or salad (under 300 calories). Then a small dinner. This combined with a sugar free popsicle for desert - delicious, filling and under 1000 calories.

I have lost 30 pounds since I was banded so far - I walk daily and go for bike rides with my kids a few times a week. I can't wait until Ihave restriction and don't feel as hungry, but I am pushing through. This website helps a lot - it motivates me. Also I watch Banded Wendy on YouTube - she has lot over 100 pounds and she is very straight forward, honest and motivational.

Good luck to you - You can do it!

[Native Girl 13]

Hi all I am glad a came to this forum. I had my surgery done on 1/31/2011 and I do not get my first fill until 3/9/11. I am really wanting a cup of coffee I have been with out for about a month and I am missing that one cup. Does anyone else out there miss that one cup of coffee. My swelling has went down and I an feeling a lot more hungrey, but I only eat a small amount and then I make sure to put the food away. I have been eating mush with Protein in it, Soups, yogurts, jell-o and popcicles. It does get hard when I travel to make sure that I can find something to keep me on track, I do make it to the fitness centers that the motels offer and I work out for about 30 minutes whether it is on the cycle or the tredmill but I push myself to do that. I am starting to get more hungrey.

Thank you

Native girl

[mommieburger 1]

I was banded on Dec 15 and had one fill. I don't have much restriction yet so this has been an uphill battle for me. What I did when I was hungry, was drink Snapple diet teas. For some reason they kept me "fuller" than other diet drinks and it was a treat to myself because they are a little pricey (almost $1 a bottle).

I keep reminding myself that a lot of my hunger is in my head--not my body. A 1/4 cup of food is too little for you to be eating 2 weeks out so I would increase that for sure, but stop and ask if you are physically hungry or if you just want to eat. I found that 80% of the time I just wanted to engage in the process of eating.

I restricted my calories to under 1000 to continue to lose weight and found my body just reduced it's metabolic rate to compensate. My dietician actually told me to eat MORE. Now I change it up so I "outwit" my body and get it to burn more fat. Until I get decent restriction, this tool isn't doing any more than I could have done on my own.

Remember, they didn't BAND your brain! <hugs>

[mommieburger 1]

I was 5 weeks out before my first fill. I gained a few pounds before that too. It was over Christmas and Cookies seemed to go down well after surgery. <g>

Having the same problem; I'm supposed to start my normal diet Monday and I've been so hungry lately I'm almost afraid to start on solids. I've gained back about 2 lbs which I know isn't much but since I don't my 1st fill until 2/22 I'm really worried. I've started going back to the gym which I hope helps. I've only felt "pouch full" once; most of the time I just stop myself after I've had my cup's worth. Is a month and a half before your 1st fill normal?

[54Shirley 105]

Do you have a book on calorie counting? You can look on line for one with restaurants for your purse, and one for the house. Dr. Phil has a good one "not a fan, But a very good book. Drug stores sell it or go on Amason if you want one. Or use your Internet too for calorie King. just type in the food and you can usually find what your looking for.

Since you can eat chicken, tuna, Soft Foods. Just use the calorie counter, measure out some food, and try to stay under 1200 calories a day.

Your Doctor should be happy with what you are doing. Keep track of your Protein too, try not to go over 60 if your a woman. Good Luck, and you will feel much better.

[Joyle265 0]

I had my surgery 4/8/09. My doctor allowed 1/2 cup of food for the first year and recently told me I could have up to 6 oz at a setting. I have a Protein Shake every morning after working out without fail (Optimum Nutrition 100% whey double chocolate is the best). When I would get hungry I would supplement with sugar free Jello or pudding or sugar free popsicles or no sugar added fudge sicles. I am not allowed to drink out of a straw (causes gas build up and drinking too quickly) or to drink any carbonated beverages. I am also not allowed to drink 1/2 hr before I eat or while I eat or 1/2 hr after I eat. I have tried to wash food down with liquid and that does not work, because my throat just fills up. I hit restriction at 6.6. You will hit restriction too. Just be patient.

[ElfiePoo 109]

Native,

I don't understand why you can't have your coffee. Post surgery I was never limited on any type of drink (other than carbonated).

.