how can I tell when I am full??

[B-52 7,113]

Funny this post appeared. I was thinking about this all day and came up with some interesting conclusions.

There are 2 very different things going on when you have the proper amount of restriction - "Green Zone"

First, I came to the realization that I am feeling full / satisfied 24 hrs a day. I really don't feel like eating all that much. food does not interest me like it used to do.

The band is doing it's job and telling my brain I'm Full. (I think)

It's very hard to explain because it is not the type of full feeling one would expect, but the mental aspect is there just the same if you calm down and listen to it.

And yet, I still eat. Why? Is it because I have been programmed my whole life that I MUST eat 3 squares a day, and it's dinner time and I must eat? Or is it something deeper, in spite of my brain

telling me I'm satisfied, my body is screaming somewhere deep down inside for needed nutrition? Contrary to what my brain / senses feel?

After having only my Protein shake for Breakfast, I have on a few occasions, while out doing some day long activities, not eaten anything else for the whole day and was not bothered by it at all! Believe me that would never, and could not happen 9 months ago.

Today I had lunch in the cafeteria at the hospital I was working at and had a taco salad bowl. I sat there and picked at it like a child not being excused from the table until he finishes his peas.

I was just not interested, even though the only other thing I ate was my shake at 5:30am . I wasn't hungry and yet I went to the cafeteria just the same.

Then there is the mental hunger. You see a large piece of chocolate cake and you just have to have it even though you really don't.

But that's when the tight band restriction saves me. Two bites at most and the warning signals go up and I'm finished.

I'm learning more and more living with the band every day and I have to pay more attention to what is truly happening.