Able to eat large amounts

Linda3106 · 04-04-2006, 08:29 PM

I am 5 weeks post op, and was upgraded straight from thick soups and mashed potatoes to solid foods. I have had no prolems tolerating anything, and in fact can eat large amounts of food. I am afraid that something is wrong, because I am not BPing up anything. I saw something about 2 band sizes. Is there such a thing? I haven't had a fill as yet, and hope this will stop the large inake. I know this is only a tool, and have to have the willpower to stop when physically full, but clearly am not there. Will the fills change this alot? :help:

duyesaka · 04-04-2006, 10:39 PM

Dear Linda,
The process with the band is individual and it takes a lot of patience and know how. The eating, from the different stages and fills takes time. Some get restriciton from the swelling in the beginning after the surgery. After 6 weeks or so, some get fills and then depending on their Dr. get more fills some slowly(me) and then finally restriction. I was banded in Nov. after 5th fill finally really feel it. I have been told it takes 1 yr. -18 months to really not realize you have a band. You are so conditioned to eating different foods and amounts and chewing. You are at the very early stage. I was told to stay with the foods, lots of the protein( it satisfies you)...chew 20-25 minutes( I hate to ) you will know what it feels like when you go by the rules and be patient. I do food records and have had to stay at 1000 cals. I exercise 3-5 days a week.
Your fills are yet to come and you and only you will know when it is right. Your Dr. will guide you and this forum can really help with others and their experiences.
Good luck, you just got through the first psrt, and ask your Dr. what band, it does not matter, we are just "banded". You will be a pro after time. But time is what we must be ready for, it took us a long time to get where we are at. Believe me I am the worst.....
Debra

NJChick · 04-05-2006, 11:48 AM

Yes, fills do change the amount you can eat...at least for me it did.
I am going for my third fill on Friday. I'm waiting to hit my sweet spot as so many call it (sounds kinky if you ask me lol). I can still eat a decent amount.

Hang in there...

SusanP · 04-05-2006, 11:54 AM

Hi there! When I went for my first fill, the nurse was explaining that until the first fill we are basically "wide open" as she called it. She said she could eat a hamburger, no problem until the 1st fill. I experienced restriction without my first fill and couldn't eat. I got my first fill in January and felt really restricted until this week. Now I am hungry!!! Strange!!!

Iziksmom · 04-05-2006, 12:15 PM

I am 9 weeks post op and feel like I have no restriction. I am losing steadily so when I went in for my first fill at 6 weeks, my doctor said that I didn't need one because I was losing so well. He said that a fill at that time wouldn't accomplish anything. Well, I'm still losing but I'm starting to feel more hungry between meals. I still eat only between 1000-1200 calories, but I couldn't tell you if I had a band or not. I don't feel like there is any restriction. I haven't tried any bread though. I think I marked bread off my list as soon as I had surgery because so many people said they couldn't eat it. I don't miss it so I'm not gonna try it. But back to eating large amounts, I can eat 4-5 oz. of meat at one sitting plus a cup of vegetables. I'm still staying in my range of calories for the day so I don't know if I'm doing right or wrong. I go back for another visit April 18. I guess as long as I'm losing, I should be glad I'm not pbing or having any trouble. (I am exercising pretty regularly too). I think this is something that will vary depending on each person. Good luck with your journey!!:)

Iziksmom · 04-05-2006, 12:19 PM

And oh, I forgot to say that I am religiously documenting what I eat. I love the fitday.com program and it really keeps my focus where I need it to be by tracking my food. It shows my breakdown of protein, carbs and fat. If you need a tracker, check it out.

susie1977 · 04-05-2006, 02:38 PM

Hey all,
I feel strange in saying I can eat large amounts. I do feel restrictions with certain foods I have had 5 fills. I started doing alot of excerise and after I am done an hour later I am starving. I cannot seem to stay at 1200 calories no matter how hard I try. I not it's a process. I sit and listen to people say they lose 30 pounds in a month I have only lost 33 in 6 months.
I'll keep plugging away.

Susie

puddin · 04-05-2006, 10:58 PM

Linda

I was EXACTLY the same way. I didn't feel any pain from eating too fast until fill #3. Before being filled I could probably eat as much as before the band. I was just too scared to so I ate about 3/4 of what I'd eaten before the band. I had the same concerns. I'm sure you'll be okay!

And Susie, girl I feel your pain. It's taken me a ton of fills to feel real restriction. Once I got it, though, the weight loss really started to take off. I had probably only lost 35 pounds in 5.5 months, and then the next month I lost like 10 pounds and then month later I lost another 10. I've lost about 55 pounds in almost 7 months. Yes, that's not as fast as some, but it's also taken me longer to get the same restriction as others. I bet you turn out to be the same way. If you continue exercising and eating good foods I think you'll do just fine!

Marilyn · 04-06-2006, 08:46 AM

I can identify with Linda. I am at the mushie stage now but seems to be able to eat large amount of food without really feel full. DH always comment that I shouldn't be eating that much.:(

While looking forward for my first fill, i hope that I did not stretch my stomach too much. Worry....sigh

NaturalBeauty · 04-07-2006, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linda3106

I am 5 weeks post op, and was upgraded straight from thick soups and mashed potatoes to solid foods. I have had no prolems tolerating anything, and in fact can eat large amounts of food. I am afraid that something is wrong, because I am not BPing up anything. I saw something about 2 band sizes. Is there such a thing? I haven't had a fill as yet, and hope this will stop the large inake. I know this is only a tool, and have to have the willpower to stop when physically full, but clearly am not there. Will the fills change this alot? :help:

Linda, I do believe the size of the band does make a different. I believe their are 3 sizes with the Vanguard being the largest. With the Vanguard (which I have) it does take more fills to get the proper restriction. I haven't heard of anyone yet who has not needed quite a number of fills with this size band. I am now at 8.1 ccs in my band that will hold up to 10 ccs, which I think is a lot but I only started feeling lasting restriction after my last fill.

Yes, I've lost weight but it's has not been without struggles and work on my part. I do believe you have to really be mindful and research this band because it will not do all the work without your help. You have allowed yourself time to heal and now you should be ready for a fill (depending on your doctor) but do try to stay within the guidelines of your doctor, it will be worth it at the end of the journey.

Best wishes and keep coming to boards, they offer so much help. I've been a silent reader for a while now, I've just come out of my shell.

Hopes place · 04-10-2006, 04:37 PM

Hi Susan,
I have been looking for someone else who was banded by Dr. Spiegel. When were you banded? Could you PM me to talk about something? Thanks, Pam