Question:
Eating after a fill

I had another fill and dont know if it is working.I am nervous I am ay 3.9 in my 4.0 band.I can still eat 1 3/4 scrambled egg with a slice a cheese and slice of lean meat in it.Is this too much?I think it is.Please let me know.Sandy Hanson    — Sandy Hanson (posted on November 7, 2007)

November 7, 2007
Hmm...remember this is a tool. Are you remembering to eat slowly and chew thoroughly? Do you wait the 30 minutes before and after you eat to drink? You say you are nervous about this - do you think it could be nervous eating (I can see myself doing that!) Have you discussed this with your dietician and surgeon? I haven't had my surgery yet, but I think these are the things I would consider if I were in that position.
   — obeseforever

November 8, 2007
Hi Sandy. I agree with Kathleen's response (above). Your lap band is just a tool, not the final solution. What is of paramount importance is what's going on in YOUR HEAD, not your stomach. It matters NOT that we out here in OH-land think about whether YOU are eating too much. What really matters is what YOU think. So, if YOU think you are eating too much, then it is YOU who must take steps to eat less. Think of the lap band on your STOMACH as an aid to help remind your HEAD to do the right thing for yourself. [By the way, I'm not certain that not drinking 30 minutes prior to and after a meal applies to lap banders. Restricting fluid intake near mealtime *IS* a "requirement" for us folks with RNY surgery. Chewing thoroughly certainly applies to both but for RNY, eating FAST (but NOT GORGING WITH TOO MUCH!) is a benefit for RNYers because it makes the pouch stretch slightly before emptying, giving that feeling of fullness. Since the size of the lap banded stomach is not changed, as it is with RNY, you would have to eat significantly more to get that "I'm full now. Don't eat any more" feeling. This, of course, would not be good for losing weight.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 8, 2007
Hi Sandy...I was banded on 9/4/07...what you're eating is 4 oz. of food which should be fine...I was told to eat until I'm satisfied...think about what you were eating before the band and before your latest fill and you'll know whether or not you're restricted (which I'll bet you are)...I'm not a doctor but it sounds to me that that meal is fine...if you're concerned though, call your nutritionist or surgeon. :)
   — PurplePixie

November 8, 2007
I was banded in May 07. Am happily down 45 lbs. I have learned that it is not HOW much you can hold - it is to measure your portions. My doc says 3 oz protein and 1/2 cup vegestable is the MAX I should eat. However, he also told me to respect the band. I have found that if I eat slowly and really concentrate on eating, chewing, etc AND sit at the table, I can actually feel satisfied with 1/2 - 3/4 cup of anything. So don't think you need to eat until you feel full - it takes your stomach and your brain at least 15 minutes to catch up with each other. The less you eat and feel satisfied with, the faster the weight will come off. I has taken me over 5 months to come to this realization. I was eating until I was full feeling and know I know you don't have to, cuz if you wait a little while the fullness will come. Also, my doc says not to drink for 90 minutes at least after eating. Has been working well for me. Good luck!
   — beckiemclarty