Help!

 I almost am starting to feel like I COULD eat a whole plate of food...I dont of course but I have no restriction...I am hungry alot sooner now. No foods bother me at all...I have only had one fill....Im down about 34 lbs since the day of surgery....Is this all normal...I had surgery Jan 21st 2011...any advice?

 That's the hardest time, in my opinion, for a bandster... we call it 'bandster hell.' 

I can tell you what I did during that time... I controlled myself on the days that I could and I ate big portions on the days that I couldn't control myself. But I made sure that the big portions were full of healthy foods... if I was going to eat a plate... it would be a plate of chicken and brussel sprouts or broccoli with low-fat cheese.

You can do it! Hold strong! Nothing tastes as good as looking sexy feels! Haha :)  

Totally normal!  Well except for the weight loss- that's better than normal!!

Many people need several fills to get to the right level and even when you do get there, as you lose weight you will need another fill because the fat round the stomach, under the band, shrinks just like all other fat does and so the band feels looser.

Kate

 34 lbs while in Banster Hell!!! you are a fantastic dieter!!!  wow!!!

It is sooo hard when you don't have proper restriction.  I feel for you, this part is horrible!  Once you get restriction it is so easy!

Hi Renee!  How much of a fill did you get??  I have had two fills, 3 cc and 1/2 cc and my band is a bit loose, but I sort of prefer it that way.  Usually the guideline for Realize bands is no fill at surgery and 3-5 cc for a first fill...
Time to call for that second fill, but don't be overzealous!
Nice job with the weight loss so far!

Yes...It may be time for a second fill...I was doing great with it loose....I always make sure I watch what Im eating now so that helps and have been working out which was something I never did before....Thanks all!

Renee,

before I would consider a fill you just said you are exercising more have you tried to increase your calories and see if that helps ?

With all my exercising I was starting to get a little hungry to but I upped my calories plus I was on a weight loss stall . I was only eating around 1000 calories per day and I upped mine to about 1300 per day and that makes a huge difference.

I was told to start eating snacks and I'm not much of a snack eater but to get my calories up I  had to start doing that .

It really helped me now I can go even longer without being physically hungry and its really helping on the weight loss :o)

Just a suggestion since you said you started to exercise you might not be getting enough calories in :o)

Don't feel bad,I have the same problem and you do better then me,I had only 1 fill next week the 6th I get my 2nd fill and hopefully I will feel some restriction.I gained weight.I can eat anything.

Same thing here Renee!  My portion size is slowly increasing daily until HOPEFULLY my first fill next Friday.  I'm down 28 pounds but nothing in a week.  I just restrained myself from getting in the car today and going for the world's best egg rolls!!  I actually think I could eat them!  I need to be locked up for my own good.  I'm now going to eat some oatmeal to try and fill up.  Good luck to us both!!  Karol

Well -- I got fills with about every 10 - 15 pounds of weight loss.

If you have lost 34 pounds, your band is probably not tight enough --- as you lose weight and inches on the outside, you are shrinking on the inside, too.

What does your surgeon recommend regarding a small fill?

The band, when properly filled is supposed to 'dim your appetite' --- no restrict you from eating.

So, if your appetite is increased and tempting you to eat  more than you should, it is probably time to consider a small fill.