Question for Experienced bandsters....

socalgal3 · November 20, 2006

Was there a time in your weight loss journey that it all seemed to "click"? I mean, I am 5 months out and I still watch what I eat, log calories, etc. Granted, I have no fill at this time. But, do you eventually get used to the band, the portions, the foods to avoid, or is it a constant thought? I am hoping to stop obsessing over food and weight, but that has yet to happen or even decrease for that matter!:help:

Kat817 · November 20, 2006

I'm not far ahead of you, only a couple of months...but I did find a difference with my last fill. I had one fill at about 7 weeks out, and it made some difference, tho not a lot. Then 5 weeks later I had another fill, bringing my total fill at this time to 1.75cc.'s. I had very good restriction at that time. It has all but eliminated my hunger, I cannot remember really being hungry since the last fill. I fill up very quickly. I have had a few problems when I have not chewed properly, but that's about it. Once I wasn't hungry, I quit thinking about food the same way. Then I could make wise choices, and make them on MY time, not my stomachs time. Before, I was always hungry so always thinking about food...and would get so hungry I just started eating anything and everything in sight. I don't ever do that anymore...I know when I need to eat, so I do, but I choose better foods, because I know that is what I should do!!! Now I still get head hunger, and cravings for things, even tho I am not actually hungry. And I eat the things I want. I know better---but Istill do it!! I am getting better, but I want this to be a way of life, and I do not want to be on a diet the rest of my life...so I try to keep the "all things in moderation" in mind.

Maybe when you do go for a refill, if you can gt to a good restriction without it being over full---then you can quit stressing or obssessing over food. It is VERY easy to do!!! I did too, prior to the last fill.

Good Luck!!!

Kat

losingjusme · November 20, 2006

Kat,

that is so good to hear. i cannot wait until i am as restricted as you are.

thanks for your insight.

Jachut · November 20, 2006

Hmm, I will say that these days, the smaller portion thing is automatic. I no longer serve myself too much food, and the small amount doesnt look weird on the plate to me.

But I will always always have to work at not eating when I'm not hungry. Hunger is the least of reasons to eat, lol. I do eat just because its there, and I dont think that will go away.

cinward2001 · November 20, 2006

Yes and no. I've been banded 10 months, and have plenty of restriction. I don't really obsess about wanting foods any more, but I DO have to think about what I'm eating and when I'm eating it. "When" I'm eating it because I have a tendency to skip meals. "What" I'm eating because I really have to stop and think about how the band feels at that particular time. How tight it feels determines what I can and can't eat. Even when I am eating, I have to be very mindful of the size of bites and how quickly I'm eating.

Even though it feels pretty "routine" right now, I don't think that living with the band will ever be automatic for me. But then, that's a good thing...because NOT thinking about what I'm eating is what got me fat in the first place.

Cindy