How to tell if slippage

How can I tell if I have slippage or if I've stretched my pouch? I am 3 1/2 weeks out from lap band and I can eat way more than the cup of food I was told to eat. I am hungry all the time, there is nothing I cannot eat and it doesn't matter how big the bites are or how much I chew. There is just no restriction. I feel exactly the same as before surgery. I am really worried because I don't want to screw this opportunity up. I am finding it very hard to stick to the rules when I'm hungry and know I can eat anything. I have gained 5 lbs since surgery. Help. Please. Any advice is appreciated. The girls on my regular forum that I usually talk to are all doing so great. I am embarrassed for them to know. I am ashamed of myself.

3 1/2 weeks out I doubt that you have enough restriction.   It sounds like you need a fill.  They probably told you to eat a cup of food to get you prepared for what you should be eating once you get the right fill and restriction.  Once you get the right fil and restriction, it should be more like a 1/2 cup of food.  Don't stress, I'm five months out and going for my 4 fill next week.  I can eat more than a cup of food.  Everybody is different.  Plus I heard a slippage hurts.

why are you ashamed? You are going through something that you need help with there is no shame in that at all. We are all struggling with weight that's why we are here. I am newly banded so I'm still drinking my meals but I can sympathize with you. Once you are filled you will be able to tell the difference, and that's when it should count. I have learned a long time ago that weight loss is only about one thing...self control....ME...I need to stop, I need to not eat that double whopper and king size fires...me and no one else and definitely not the band because the band is just a tool that's all. Maybe you need to talk to a counselor I know I did before and still on going after my surgery....that helps a lot. Is there an emotional reason you are eating so much? Those are things you should be asking yourself and your surgeon, call the nurse explain to her what is going on maybe they have some suggestions, I think your too soon to have a fill but maybe your doc may consider it. Slow down this is not a fast process that's why we chose the band right?? I hope you feel better soon.

Jen

It'll get better I promise!  I was banded 4-3-08. I was so hungry the first 6 weeks.  I even called my doctor to tell him my band must be broken because I was feeling hungry all the time.  Oh the hunger pains.  I even used phentermine so I didnt have to feel the pain.  Phentermine is an appetitie suppressant that doesnt make you feel hungry.

 I  jealous of everyone claiming to have lost 20+ pounds in two weeks and I had only lost 6 pounds in 6 weeks...a freaking pound a week...not fair.  When I went for my first fill I was in tears, knowing that I had starved myself to even lose the 6 pounds and doubting the band would work for me.   The doctor saw my stress.  Per my doctor, I was going to lose weight at a slower rate because I was a smaller patient.  The doctor explained that those who lose 20+ pounds in the first few weeks is because they have a lot more weight to lose.  When I was banded, I only weighed 187 pounds.  I'm 50 pounds down...147.  I have about 20 to go and have stopped losing.  I go for my thirf fill next Thrusday.  Yes, 3 fills in 15 months is pretty impressive.  I took the advise of my doctor and did not have fills too close together.  He said because I did not have that much to lose, it would be easier for me to maintain a steady weight without gaining. Its nice knowing that in a few months I will be at my goal weight. 

In order not to feel the hunger pains, I ate a lot more protein.  It was like I was doing the atkins diet.  I didnt feel hunger pains on atkins.  But I thought, hey I didn't get surgery to be one a strict diet.  Let me tell you, I lost the most weight in one month while doing the atkins with my band.  Ive been reading a lot about how protein actually helps you lose the weight when you've had the band.  I can say it worked for me!!!! 

My doctor gave me some great advise that I will never ever forget.  He said, (1) dont compare yourself to others (2) dont give up (3) have faith and continue to work out, drink water, and eat healthy!   Since his advise, I do not compare myself to anyone and its made me work my band to my personal ability.

Hang in there and this is only the beginning!