I read that many bandsters use the band to regulate what and how much they eat much more than I do. Some can't eat or drink until 2 or 3 in the afternoon, some can only eat a few tbsp at a time and seem to just puke all the time. Others feel that the band is not 'working' if they are able to eat a piece of pie or other junky items (Chinese, pizza, hoagies, etc). Some of us like the feeling of being tight and go for a fill when this feeling subsides, while others find that this tight feeling is problematic. From what I observe, those who want the band to be instrumental in regulating what they eat and how much they eat-- in addition to keeping them full for at least 4 hours-- are the ones who really desire the feeling of being tight. I have never really felt tight, and I am happy with that.
The one category of person I did not address is she who overtly circumvents and challenges the band at every possible instance, the person who thinks, 'let me buy those two foot-long hot dogs and cheese fries and see if I can get all of it in AND THEN wash it down with a milkshake'. We have all learned that we need to work with the band and be reasonable, and eating huge quantities of junk is by no means reasonable.
So I guess my question is this: What did you expect from the band prior to surgery, and what do you expect now that you deal with the band on a daily basis? Do you find that your expectations were reasonable from the start, or have you modified them along the way as you have experienced life with the band?
NB- thanks to Jacquie for giving me info on a website to create side by side photos. This makes a true comparison SO much easier.
5 comments:
Yay for side by side photos! I did think the band would help me eat a lot less before I got banded. My expectations changed however. If I eat slowly enough, I can eat anything. And I like it that way. I eat way more than 3 bites of anything but it keeps me satisfied for hours so I'm OK with it.
I love the comparison photos Nora! You can definitely see your progress!! WAY TO GO, GIRL!!! And thanks for this thoughtful post about different styles of banded-ness and attitudes about tightness and food. Different expectations and comfort zones. I've been pondering this a lot too, in this "waiting for a surgery date" place I'm in. My goal is to have just a bit (not much!) more restriction with the band in than without it. I don't think I need much...just some heightened awareness to be careful with food. I hope I'll feel an added determination NOT TO FAIL and not to stop until I get there. And I hope it'll be a great "fallback" to know I can go tighter if I feel I'm overeating on a regular basis. I def. don't want to have trouble swallowing liquids or be throwing up like a bulimic...that whole scenario really scares me. I don't even like the word "PB" because it seems to make vomiting out to be acceptable and almost cute. ?? Anyway, you're a great role model for me. Rock on mama!
Everything looks skinny-er but look at your legs!! Beautiful!
The reason I chose the band was to be able to eat everything I wanted to to limit me as far as portion control. I always had a problem with saying no. Although I do still try everything there are just things that just don't work for me at the moment. Might be a little too tight but I more then that I think I am just sick.
I will always have a love for food. Good food. Not just junk. I never want that to go away!
Pre-op I figured the band would help control how much I could eat at a sitting. One slice of pizza rather than 4 at a sitting.
Now, yes, the band does control my portions to a degree, but I do the measuring and know how much I'm eating. I believe getting the band made me more aware of what I'm putting in my body.
I thought it would keep me from eating. However, I have kept mine loose (3 cc in a 10 cc band so far) so I am in control. It still helps keep me feel full but I can eat virtually anything. I moderate myself. I am still losing so it is working right now.
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