First fill - not sure how I feel...

[needtorecover 574]

So I had my first fill at 2 cc's. This happened a week ago. The PA told me that I probably wouldn't feel different at all and would need a couple more fills before I noticed any restriction.

I have noticed a difference though... and I can't tell if it's like a placebo effect or if it's the band working. Was curious to know how others felt after their first fill or two.

I'm definitely hungry between meals (which, from my understanding, you shouldn't be) and am very eager to start in on my next meal when it's time. I eat Breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, and dinner. The thing is, I'm full after half a plate. I'm talking a regular sized plate, though, not a salad plate. It's pretty nice since I used to try to make myself stop halfway through a meal and would just get resentful because I'd really want to finish the whole thing but now I lose interest all together and am perfectly fine with putting the rest in the fridge for later.

When one hits the green zone, the restriction is more than this, yes? Are lap band patients supposed to be satisfied with half a salad plate's worth of food? Like a half cup?

Either way I'm really excited to eat half of what I'm used to eating. The pounds are dropping off and it doesn't even feel like I'm trying that hard. In the past I'd give it my all and not even lose a single ounce. Probably because for the first time in my life I'm capable of sustaining a habit of smaller portion sizes. Even if I'm not 100% there yet, I'm getting there - and I am so, so grateful for this surgery.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

It sounds as though the 2cc is having an effect. You surmise pretty accurately about the "green zone." As you go along you'll discover what work for you -- keeps you feeling mentally positive about your progress, gives you a rate of weight loss that pleases you, allows you to consume a healthy amount of Protein, et al. It's a good idea to discuss how far to go with adjustments with the person who does them for you.

There's no reason not to compare notes with others, but it's just comparing notes. The experience that others are having has nothing to do with yours and vice versa. We run the full range based on the natural course of adjustments and based on preference. Just two examples, I knew a banded man who'd never had an adjustment. His band worked for him from start to finish. Another chose to keep his band tight, caring only about rate of loss and not a fig about feeling sick from being too tight. In my unhumble opinion, he was nuts. I'm a believer in feeling good about the course of weight-loss events, not feeling sickish, uncomfortable round the clock, or feeling as though the band is a medieval device.

Edited February 15, 2016 by WLSResources/ClothingExch

[needtorecover 574]

Thanks, that is helpful! I'm glad this isn't in my head. I was kind of afraid that was what was going on because in my past efforts I'd swear whatever newfangled weight loss remedy I was using was working soooooooo well and then in a week, bam, I was back to my old ways. I hate false hope.

Certainly, I understand everyone's experiences will be different. I know my green will be different from someone else's green - I'm trying to avoid being foolish and asking for 2 more cc's if that will make me sick. I agree, having the band so tight it becomes punitive is not something I want. But I can understand why the man you're referencing would want that. Personally my goal is to live a balanced life.

I always told myself living life on a restricted diet is no way to live at all. I took that to the extreme, however, and lived high on the hog (literally) for too long. Rich foods are okay in moderation but I used them as my staples. Not good.

I'll talk to my doctor about my restriction and probably take it slow from here on out considering 2 cc's is at least doing something for me.