Russ

Thanks everyone! However,no one ever told me about any 1/2 cup rule. The OCC just told me to eat until I was feeling full. There was no set amount and that's why I eat until I feel OK. It is usually more than half a cup, that I do know, but as Dr. Acosta told me that I probably can eat more due to the band being too loose and not to worry about stretching my pouch. It would be different if I was eating less then all of a sudden was eating more but I could eat the same amounts all along since my fill so chances are my pouch is still the same size. I definitely am not eating anymore than I was before the fill.

Just an update: I phoned the OCC and talked to Dr. Acosta for about 15 mins and after that time it was concluded that I do indeed need another fill. He told me that sometimes the fat around the band disappears more rapidly than anticipated leaving it loose, thus the need for a fill. I am looking at getting it done here in Canada if the price isn't astronomical. I have emailed some Toronto clinics who may take Mexico-banded clients and hoping they do and charge less than the $1000 it costs me for the Mexico trip. At least now I know what is what and can go forward from here

Thanks for the replies everyone! Lisal, the amounts you described are nothing for me to eat. I wish I could struggle getting to the "something that's a carb" stage that you mentioned but I can eat all of that with relative ease. That's what's disappointing because I have exercised portion control from Day 1, and have portioned proteins, carbs, etc. at each meal. I chew everything at least 30 times and drink liquids only 45-60 mins after I am finished. When I do finish eating I am not really full but content. Full to me is when I cannot eat anymore whereas content is me choosing to not eat anymore. Dr. Ortiz told me not to challenge the band and try to see how little I can eat to be full. I have remembered that. The content feeling lasts about 2-3 hours most days. If I eat less than my one level plate, I will be hungry in less time and that's where I am having trouble. In my mind, I feel that I should be able to eat only half to three quarters of what I eat now and be full, not just content. Maybe I am expecting too much but I am able to eat the same amounts of food than before my first fill. It's like the fill didn't change anything, at least that's how it feels. That's why I need to know if I need another fill or is this normal for me? What is restriction supposed to feel like? I know if I eat too fast or swallow something a little too big, I get the discomfort and the occassional slime but that's the only time I know I have had a band placed inside me. I know everyone is different but I read here about people who eat so little compared to me and are losing. I'd love to be able to eat less and have to take 20 min to eat it instead of eating what I eat now which takes 5-10 mins! To address "allcdngirl", I am in Moncton NB and there is no one in these parts that does fills that I am aware. The closest fill site for me is in in the west but it's actually cheaper for me to go to the OCC than it is to go to the west coast of Canada/USA! I just wish that Dr. Acosta would reply to my emails as I would like his opinion on what I should do next but I may have to call him at the OCC to get answers! I only have 50 lbs to lose and I don't look fat but I want to get down to my ideal weight and keep it there. Here's a recent pic from Mexico and then what I want to look like again! You can see the difference in the face. There's a 45lb difference between the two! Click to enlarge:

I can seem to eat anything with no problems and usually eat 1 level plate of food. My big thing is that I haven't lost anything for a long time and only seem to feel restriction when I happen to eat too fast. Other than that, I can eat and drink as I did before my surgery! My brother had surgery with me on July 8th and he has lost about 30 lbs plus it takes him about 20 mins to eat any type of food whereas it takes me half that time, if not faster. I have only lost about 10 lbs post-op. Usually my plate will last 2.5 - 3 hours, sometimes a little longer, before I am ready to eat again. I don't know if I need another fill or what? I just had one Sept 4th in TJ and it costs me almost $1000 each time I go to the OCC from Canada so it is really hard on my wallet. Am I worrying about nothing or do I need another fill? I have emailed Dr. Acosta 2 times but no reply Is this normal to be not losing this soon after a fill or do I need to go back? I just don't know.......... :lb12:

I was banded on July 8th and will be back in TJ for my fill on Sept 4th. My brother will also be getting his fill with me as we had the surgery on the same day.