"Sweet Spot" with the Band - I'm a Bobster

How do you know when you've hitten the "sweet spot" with your band?  I am a BOBster I have my RNY in 2002 and my lapband in June. I am 5 mos out and down 41lbs. I've had 5 fills totaling about 8cc (2cc @ surgery, 2cc in July, 1cc in August, 1cc in Sept, 1.5 cc in October) in my large band (14cc).  I've lost 5lbs since my last fill on October 28th, and I have been consistentally losing 5lbs per month, except the between the Sept-October fills where I gained a 1lb.  The reason this is crossingmy mond is bc I have another appt on Dec 5th and the one on Dec 30th. I got laid off last month and I'm using cobra and I've already hit my deductible so I want to get the most out of it this year bc they are free where next year, I have to start all over again.  

Just very curious..
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 We don't all have the same definition! And it is not a static thing but changeable.

I feel my band is working at  the optimal level when at a meal which starts with dense protein, I can eat a small but sensible amount and then, if I wait a few minutes, I will feel satisfied. After that, I will not feel a physical need for food for several hours. 

The band does not stop me eating. I stop myself.

If there is a sweet spot, that's mine.

Kate

 Hi Kate, I do agree with you that it is not static.  It changes from day to day based on the food, time of day and also the density of the food. I am fullest on meat and protein. Also, lately, when I am hungry, I literally have hunger pains, which remind me of the ulcer I had post-surgery and as soon as I eat, they disappear. Generally, I am need/chose to eat every 4-5 hrs.

I don't know that I have a 'sweet spot' -- but I have a range of comfort, where my band is not too tight and not too open.

For me, that means that if I eat the foods my surgeon recommends (protein/produce/whole grains/low-fat dairy) --- that I can eat about 1,200 calories a day and be completely satisfied without thinking of food constantly.

If I eat 1,200 calories of carb-y foods, I am constantly hungry and thinking about food.

So -- to judge how well my band is working, I do at least 3 days of really good bandster eating --- and I make sure that I can go for 3 - 5 hours between meals without being physically hungry.
If I can -- then I don't need another fill.

If I eat my high protein diet for 3 days and am hungry alot, I go in for a little fill.

For me, I don't worry about a 'spot' because it can change from day to day or meal to meal.

 I do eat carbs, but, carbs that are already in foods. I haven't had a slice of bread or a bagel since surgery which is huge for me as I live in NYC, land of the bagel and smear.  I used to have a bagel everyday which probably is how I re-gained half of the 130lbs lost from the RNY.  I am really curious more so for financial reasons. I lost my job and I'm paying $600/mo for COBRA and I've hit my deductible and as such, my fills are free.  I have a follow-up appt next week where she may opt to fill me and then another on Dec 30th.  As of Jan 1, I will have to not only pay the $600./mo for Cobra but also hit my annual deductible.  Im just trying to think of this from a financial perspective. I mean, losing 5lbs a month is fine and I am thrilled with that, just wasnt sure if I should have more done.  I guess the best person to discuss this is with my dr.

Yep -- it is a hard decision -- I understand about wanting to take advantage of that deductible already being paid ---- but if you get too tight and have to go back in in a few weeks to have some taken out, you will have to pay (physically and financially).


What I was trying to say earlier is that if you eat really true 'bandster' eating for a few days, are you hungry between meals or less than about 4 hours --- then it is probably time for a small fill

I needed a small fill for every 15 pounds I lost or so -- while I was losing, and then a small fill again about 3 weeks ago because I was feeling hungry between meals and thinking about food alot.
the extra fill 'takes the edge off' for me.

There are many of us who never reached a sweet spot. I never did, I'd only know if I overdid with my food, then I'd get sick. Never did have a spot where I felt like if I take another bite it's all over with. That's one of many reasons the band didn't work for me.

For me, the sweet spot is when I can eat what I need to eat but I can't eat what I'm not supposed to eat.  Tight enough to tell me when to stop but not so tight that I have reflux or pb on a regular basis.
I'm kind of in the same spot.  I am plenty tight right now but I'm really trying to drop some LBs now so that if I need a fill before the end of the year, I can get one.

You will know when you hit the sweet spot, you will get that  moment and feel like you've eaten Thanksgiving dinner on about 1/2 of 1 cup of food. If you are already feeling restriction, you may want to ease up on your sweet spot by asking for small adjustments to avoid getting too tight. Good luck