How long before I won't be able to eat everything in sight?

[Drashbaby 0]

Hi,

I had my lap band done 10/26/10. Easy surgery. Very little discomfort. I have played by the rules and ate only what was allowed in each time frame just as the surgeon and dietician instructed. I have had no complications. I had my first fill 12/02/10. It felt different to eat at first. I never got full. I have never had nausea or vomiting. I could eat all that I want, but I try to limit my diet to high Protein, low fat, low calorie foods. I do not drink anything but Water and some regular coffee.

Is it common, that before you hit your sweet spot, that the "Feeling full mechanism" doesn't kick in? I have lost 38 pounds. Most of that was within the first 6 weeks and by using judgement and restraint. I get afraid that the surgery won't work or that there is a flaw that will not allow it to work right. Any input will be appreciated. Take Care and have a Great day.

[Nicole74 4]

Hey...I was the same way....I didnt start to get any type of restriction or feeling full sooner until about my 3rd fill...and never had a "stuck" episode until my 4th fill and 5months out from surgery...I lost a good bit of weight at first too because I really stuck to the "rules" and basically just dieted. I did weight watchers and tracked for my food. I just tried to eat better and started exercising. for the first couple months I didnt even feel like I had the band and I remember getting very worried and frustrated at thinking this wasnt going to work for me. Once you start having restriction it does get easier. I still have my tough days...the longer you have the band the more you figure out what works and doesnt for you. you still have to have the self discipline..Im still not at my sweet spot becaue I can eat much more than the half cup and get hungry still a good bit but I can't eat near as much as I could before the band and I have learned how to eat with the band...hang in there and take it day by day..you will get to the point that you wont be able to eat as much...

[HeatherinCA 10]

Well, it'll never stop you from eating. You have to control it. You may not feel extremely full. It's a diet... It just keeps you from being hungry all the time. I think the question is are you HUNGRY, not am I full? You have to work on the mental battle.

I think some people want their band so tight that they physically can't eat much food. But that's not comfortable!

1-1/2 cups in the long term is your pouch size.

[honk 780]

I think I may be restriction. I believe I get the sensation of not being hungry anymore; and a few minutes later I get a full like sensation. I kind of wish I would get the full feeling so I would stop. So for me it's more stopping on my own. I have noticed over the last few days that I have been able to go longer without being hungry.

[patsal 1]

I think I may be restriction. I believe I get the sensation of not being hungry anymore; and a few minutes later I get a full like sensation. I kind of wish I would get the full feeling so I would stop. So for me it's more stopping on my own. I have noticed over the last few days that I have been able to go longer without being hungry.

It took me nearly a year to reach restriction. I am two weeks from my bandaversary and feel like I have real, honest restriction now--for the past two weeks. Finally, I have no desire to eat between meals, can eat very little at meals and am very satisfied. For the first time I am not thinking about food at all. For the past year it has been all me working to control calories and carbs and be certain to get enough Protein in. I lost 70 pounds over the past year and felt very discouraged as I watched the other Feb 2010 bandsters shrink away. I have decided my journey will take a lot longer than theirs and have become ok with the idea that I might need to take 2 years to lose the weight. I'm not worried about it taking me longer as long as it goes away and stays away.

[HeatherinCA 10]

I think I may be restriction. I believe I get the sensation of not being hungry anymore; and a few minutes later I get a full like sensation. I kind of wish I would get the full feeling so I would stop. So for me it's more stopping on my own. I have noticed over the last few days that I have been able to go longer without being hungry.

Right, It's not the same as pre op though. I still have to stop myself, but I'm never physically hungry, and my stomach isn't growling unless I wait too long to eat. But, I don't usually get really full. I still WANT food and I have make the decision to eat or not. I'm working on the mental battle.