Too tight versus too loose

November 10, 2003

I have 2.0 cc in my band. I was at 2.2 and felt too loose, so I went up to 2.7. I was PBing all the time. I got really sick. That is why they took me back down to 2.0cc. I am gaining weight (mostly because I am making horrible food choices, chips and candy and whatever). I just don' t know if I should get another fill or not. I don't want to be sick, but I don't want to be gaining weight either. And, I know I need to start making better food choices. Thanks!

donali · November 10, 2003

Hi -

Well, unfortunately, the band cannot make your food choices for you. Getting a tighter fill is not going to help you with your food choices, either. The less nutritious stuff tends to be the kind of stuff that easily slips through.

The only way you can determine if you need a fill or not is to eat solid nutritious food on a regular basis, look at your calorie intake vs. your weight loss, and evaluate based on your hunger level whether you need a tighter fill to bring your caloric intake inline with your goal weight (or higher) calorie requirements without suffering hunger less than 3 hours after a meal.

Congratulations on resolving your PB problem by relaxing your fill. That is an important step in taking care of your health, and the health of your band.

Right now the more important issue is why you are choosing less nutritious foods - do you feel they are "off limits", and this is your way to rebel? Is this your compensation for a deep-rooted resentment at being forced by the band to reduce the quantity of food you can eat at one time? Are you under unusual stress? Relationship problems, moving, changing jobs, financial worries with the holidays coming up? Are you hungry, angry, lonely, tired? (HALT)

My guess is that at least one, more likely multiple of the above challenges of everyday life is affecting you at the moment. Please take some time to really think about what is going on in your life, and how you feel about it. Usually when you recognize and address the real issues, the need for food compensation is relieved, and you feel comfortable making healthier choices without depriving yourself.

Once you are doing that, you will have better information on which to base your decision about whether or not you need a fill.

Wishing you all the best -

Divebadger · November 14, 2003

Making bad food choices is all up to you, but don't fear the fills. Just because you had to be taken back doesn't mean you have to not get another fill...your body will adjust. I had 1.75 cc's and then went to 2.25cc's and had a terrible time. Doc took out .25 cc's and on my last fill, I was really nervous because of what had previously taken place. He put me back at 2.25 cc's and it has gone really well. BUT, each fill requires better and better food choices. You have to be super careful because you can't just continue eating as if it were before the fill. Small bites, quality solids and really small portions is what will get you through the tougher fills...if not, then it's time for a de-fill. Good luck....and don't forget, you didn't go and have major surgery to lose weight in order to eat chips and candy, although don't beat yourself up for eating those things every now and again. Just try to get back on track and then get yourself a fill. Take care.