Question:
Daily Meal Amounts?

I had Lap Band surgery, and I think I don't have enough restriction? I don't know how much I should be eating at meals, but I'm not getting full very quickly. (not a "stuffed" feeling, I stop when I'm just satisfied). I feel like I can eat normal amounts like everyone else. This isn't right, is it? Can anyone tell me what the typical amount is?    — ctsmith3 (posted on August 31, 2009)

August 31, 2009
I just asked the same question so I'm curious to see what kind of replies you get here. When were you banded? My surgery was on the 11th of August. Thanks.
   — BDizzle

September 1, 2009
I was banded on the 19th of August.
   — ctsmith3

September 1, 2009
Have you been back to your surgeon for a "fill" lately? If you just had the surgery, you'll get your first "fill" several weeks after your surgery. You should be seeing your surgeon once a month during the first year post-op for a check-up on your progress and a "fill" if necessary. You should be hungry 3-4 times a day, be able to eat small meals and be satisfied, and be loosing weight. You should consider joining a WLS support group, if you're not in one already. You'll get the answer to your questions, as well as important health, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle advice. You'll be in a supportive environment with others who are going through the same challenges and successes as you are. There you will find WLS patients who have recently had the surgery, those who have had it within the last year, and those who are further along. Their experiences and advice can be invaluable. Whenever you are having problems, call your surgeon's office, explain the signs/symptoms to the nurse, and set up an appointment with the surgeon if necessary. Good Luck! KimM
   — KimM

September 5, 2009
Boy can I relate!!! I was banded on MAY 1st this year and I struggled alot with these same feelings you are having. My surgeon decided it best to give me the LARGER BAND b/c of the size of my stomach once in the surgery process. From the time I left the hospital post-op I had this feeling that this was never going to work right, that I was never going to get the tight restriction that I NEEDED to make myself NOT be able to eat. I have a big problem with self control when it comes to eating: when to say "No, I'm not really hungry" or "okay I'm satisfied now so walk away and QUIT taking more bites! Well sure enough I guess I set myself up for disappointment b/c I came home from hospital and had very little to no restriction meaning I could "chug" a glass of any liquid the 1st day home. I went for 1st fill 4 weeks out and told my surgeon my frustrations. He assured me that I would at some point have that restriction I had longed for and been so excited for pre-op. He said that sometimes for different ppl it just takes longer to get there. After 1st fill still nothing.... 3weeks later another fill, restriction was somewhat there but I knew for myself wasnt enough... 4 weeks later another fill, and by this point I was pretty much crying in my surgeons office telling him how disappointed I was with my results thus far and explaining to him my hopelessness. He consistently everytime I was in there reassured me that I WAS Going to get to my "green zone" that I needed to be patient. Moreso he explained that it would not be beneficial to me whatsoever to go in there and fill my band way up b/c chances were that I would go home and be way too tight, causing possible risks. Finally on August 18th he tried a different method of giving me my fill. He injected the needle into my port then had me sit up w/ needle still in place. He filled my band completely up then had me drink some water. Of course the water just sat there and didnt go down b/c I was completly tight. he slowly withdrew the fluid from my band and stopped when I felt the water go down. Praise God! I now how restriction!!! It has really helped. I now dont feel hungry all the time, when I do eat now I get satisfied quickly. Although, training my "head hunger" is still a daily chore, the band does not solve that problem!!! So, all that being said, I hope my experience helps. Remember: do not get discouraged like I did, its not worth it! It just takes some of us longer than others to get that restriction we need. Talk to your surgeon, explain your expectations and frustrations. Good luck to you on your journey. I have lost 40lbs. and so will YOU!!!
   — ashley32n