Restriction or Diet?

[papajsk 4]

I was banded in early November 2012. I have only 2.5cc in my 10cc band. I have lost almost 40 pounds.

I have never had full restriction as some speak about on this forum and feel that I am dieting. I have to watch my intake since I have never really had full restriction.

To be realistic, I think that ultimately I will have to always watch my intake. If I continue down the path that I am on, I will continue to slowly lose weight.

I have my monthly appointment with my surgeon next month. I am going to ask his opinion but wonder if I should get a fill or continue to diet?

Thoughts?

[laureneastland 8]

It's all about hunger. Although you want to make healthy choices you got banded for a reason. My doc says that most people with a 10cc band reach where they want to between 7-8cc. I'm at 7.9cc now and feel like I could use a fill. As time passes, you'll get the feel for how it all works with your body. The goal is to remain satiated for longer periods of time. (and not snack out of bordom! I'm so guilty!). Even at a place of good restriction you can eat the wrong foods a little at the time and take in A LOT of calories! I just passed 1 year and have lost 42 of the 82 I need to lose. It was SO EASY at first....now I find I'm having to make an effort.

[2muchfun 8,927]

I don't think you want full restriction? No one would. Like Lauren said, you want to be satisfied with a cup of food per meal for up to 4 hours. If you're hungry(true hunger, not head hunger/cravings) shortly after a meal, you probably need a fill.

Most of us are on a "diet" of healthy food. The band only helps you feel satisfied for hours after a meal, it won't stop you from eating bad foods and you never said what you are eating that you feel like you don't have enough restriction? If you're eating slider foods you won't see the magic the band provides.

tmf

[catfish87 3,471]

I've been banded going on four years now. I got tired of dieting, so I got fills. I NEED the restriction to help me with Portion Control. I'm at a very happy point now as far as restriction goes. 8.8 in a 14cc band, although everyones number of CC's isn't really the issue. What it does for you is the real issue.

I CAN eat MOST foods. I don't eat some foods, such as soft bread, red meat that is tough, and pineapple, as they can be problematic for me.

What I do now, is try and make good food choices (most of the time), and let my band helps with the portion sizes. AND EXERCISE.

[2muchfun 8,927]

I've been banded going on four years now. I got tired of dieting, so I got fills. I NEED the restriction to help me with Portion Control. I'm at a very happy point now as far as restriction goes. 8.8 in a 14cc band, although everyones number of CC's isn't really the issue. What it does for you is the real issue.

I CAN eat MOST foods. I don't eat some foods, such as soft bread, red meat that is tough, and pineapple, as they can be problematic for me.

What I do now, is try and make good food choices (most of the time), and let my band helps with the portion sizes. AND EXERCISE.

Exercise is the key word for me Catfish. Seems like I maintain my weight loss through the Holidays and winter. But it's the exercise(biking) that speeds up my metabolism and weight loss. I'm so looking forward to this snow going away so I can get my regular rides in every day. It's the extra 800/day calorie loss that kicks in my program.

tmf

[catfish87 3,471]

Exercise is the key word for me Catfish. Seems like I maintain my weight loss through the Holidays and winter. But it's the exercise(biking) that speeds up my metabolism and weight loss. I'm so looking forward to this snow going away so I can get my regular rides in every day. It's the extra 800/day calorie loss that kicks in my program.

tmf

Definately speeds mine up too! I'm eating upwards of 2000 cal/day on average since the weather turned, and steadily losing. I am getting in about 3 or 4 days of cycling a week now. Still gets too dark to be cycling 2 hours outside after 12 hour day shifts....won't be long though til that changes too. Did you decide on that Garmin? I think T.Pops has the premo version of the one I got. LOVE it!

[2muchfun 8,927]

Catfish. No, I already have the Polar and I'm going to keep what I've got for the time being. Just bought a lot of this stuff and some of it is Xmas presents from the wife so it's too soon to can my current technology.