Analogies & Experiences

Having too loose of a band, or, how I know I need a fill right away:

• This feels much like driving with a very loose parking break on:  You feel something kinda dragging on you, but you can pretty much drive as fast as you want.
• You over-plan eating and ruminate about the next meal.  Thoughts of food dominate your consciousness.
• You feel like you need to satisfy your hunger as soon as you feel it.
• Letting your hunger build also makes your anxiety build.
• Easy to eat over 2000 Kcals a day.

The green zone, sweet spot, or perfect fill level

• Weirdly satisfied with about 1/4 or 1/2 of what you'd normally eat.  (This is still novel and on occasion, I still over-fill my plate.
• Little rumination about food between meal times.
• No physical need and less emotional need to graze and snack.
• 1200 - 1500 Kcals feel about right.  It might be difficult to eat too much over 2000 Kcals.
• Feel like bowling with bumpers:  You still have to throw the ball straight to get a strike, but the bumpers will prevent you from rolling a gutter ball (or totally blowing it by over-eating).

Band too-tight

• Hurts to drink water.
• Takes an hour or more to finish 20 ounces of protein drink
• Hard to get 900 - 1000 Kcals
• Feel like there's a parking boot on your car.  You're not going anywhere and if you try to drive, you're going to damage your car.