calories

I started using "my fitness pal" to help me track my calories.  But i am now sure how many I should be eating when you have the band.
I am fairly new to this forum and searching for friends and help.  I keep bouncing between 35-40 lbs down, had my surgery last August and have 40 pounds to go yet.  I have only see the fill tech since my surgery, should I have seen my doctor.

I have to admit I haven't been making the best decisions lately and am trying to get back on program.  I have 5.2cc in the band but need to remember that it is a tool and now a cure.  I haven't felt that full feeling since I first got the band, hungry many times during the day.
So I guess my questions are:  How many calories?  Any secret to breaking this plateau? 

Thank you in advance for your help and friendship.

So here's what my doctor says...

If I eat what I'm supposed to eat...about 3 or 4 oz of dense protein (chicken, turkey, steam shrimp, etc) and about a half cup of steamed veges AND I don't feel true hunger pains for 3-4 hours, then I'm at optimum fill.  It doesn't mean I couldn't eat, I could eat a small chicken breast every 20-30 minites if I wanted to...I just don't feel physical hunger for 3-4 hours if I eat the right thing.

This is currently true for me.  If I eat the right thing and don't drink for at least 45 minutes after I eat, I am unaware of physical hunger for 3 or 4 hours.

However, if I eat the wrong this **** cream, soft starchy stuff, etc), the top of my little pouch doesn't get the stretch it needs to send my brain the "we won't be hungry for 3-4 hours" signal, and I get physically hungry again very soon.

"Dieting" is still hard going...it just not nearly as hard as it was before being banded.

I say try the test for a few meals and keep a record of when you feel your first signs of true hunger after you've eaten an "appropriate" meal...then decide if you need to see the doc.

Great suggestions Tarris.  I just bought a pretty journal so I can track.  A friend of mine once said " starve to lose, diet to maintain", but with the band it sure makes it easier.  I will tune in more to what my body is telling me.
Thanks again.

What Tarris said (good words)... plus personal experience...

I can sympathize with you about not making the best decisions.  I had surgery a little over 4 years ago.  Lost a lot of weight, didn't really have to work too hard at it for 2+ years.  Then, bad habits crept back in because I let the band do most of the work and 40 of the 100 lbs lost came back.  Dr. has been on me pretty bad for the last year as weight gain was increasing quickly.  Fills were not the problem, eating habits and (lack of) exercise were, it was as simple as that.

Dr. had been on me to use a food journal since I never have since surgery.  I started using My Fitness Pal recently since I can track on my iphone.   I rejoined the gym (5x week), got back in to correct eating habits, and within a month have lost 22 lbs.   I gave up all simple carbs, breads, cookies, etc. eating only lean proteins, some fats, berries, and veggies.   Calorie intake bounces between 800 and 1200 daily - which is approved by Dr. because my food choices are healthy - most of the time.

I am my own worst enemy when it comes to weight management.  For me, its not as much about calorie counting as it is accountability.  My Dr.'s approach is that, with correct restriction, if I make healthy eating choices then calories will take care of themselves.  MFP is my "conscience."

Feel free to PM me if you want to know more.

I would like to know more

Hagarfan -- I sent you a PM.

I want to know more too! How do you do the pm? I have never used it on here. Thanks Renea

Hit the contact button under my post.