Feeling Like I never had the band before....

I got my lap band in 2007. Got down to 165 and then got pregnant in 2009 and had a baby in Feb. 2010. Gained a horrible 50 pounds - post baby I was 205. I was breast feeding so no fill for almost a year but lost a few pounds. In Jan 2010 at 195 finally started the fill process but only went in for 2 small fills and managed to lose 15 pounds. Then last month I got my yearly EGD and last week just got my follow up fill to 6.5ccs in I think an 8cc band.

SO here is the issue. I am tight - but not TOO tight. Just unsually tight for me. I haven't had "optimal" restriction in years and I honestly can't even remember how to eat. I was dehydrated for a couple of days because I ate too much and didn't drink water. I wasn't "chew, chew, chewing". So here I am 4 and a half years out feeling like I am a newbie! Yesterday I ate about 1/2 cup at each meal and was shocked at the reality. Today I am sipping my water all day and had a protein shake for breakfast. No problems.

Any advice for how to get back on the wagon? I need to realign my thoughts to small portions and bites. I need to remember what and how I ate.

Maggie -

It helps me to weigh/measure my protein and veggies -- but to tell myself that if I eat that amount (slowly and with small bites) that if I really want more in 20 minutes, I can have more.

I usually get distracted doing something else, and don't need more --- and then I start to drink an hour after I ate.

I snack --- something small, like a piece of fruit or a piece of string cheese or a few nuts.

At night, I finish dinner and have one planned snack -- then, brush/floss/gargle and close the kitchen.
I read or watch TV or knit or take a bath --- anything to get me out of the kitchen.

If I make myself do that for 3 days, I find that my band is just fine --- tight enough to dim my appetite, but not too tight to allow me to eat healthy food.

I am always amazed at how LITTLE food it takes to satisfy my body once I have kicked out the crappy carbs and gotten back to eating protein/produce and healthy grains and dairy.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/lapband/4486519/Sample-dai ly-menu-Vitamins/#.TwJXvhoI-7w.mailto 

A young lady posted a sample menu for us newbees that may help you. You may want to look at it.