dits4golf

U R right about dry powder being hard to swallow. Good thing is convenience. Take it with u to restaurants, etc.

Been thru that & after 17 mos. have lost 80# & very happy. I'll be happy to help. Do I qualify?

Works for me & suggested by my surgeon. Before trying anything, one should consult one's surgeon for advice.

Ask your surgeon about using meat tenderizer to relieve getting 'stuck.'

Who's your surgeon?

If ever you get food 'stuck' ( i.e. chicken breast, some veggies, etc. ), a quick fix is to swollow a tsp. of meat tenderizer. Yup, it tastes awful, but does the trick. Have fun, 'cause it's worth it.

Do what your body tells u 2 do. I 'cheated' a bit with semi solids & had no problems. Been 17 mos & lost 80#. Taking it very slow & not getting discouraged with SLOW weight loss. I firmly believe losing weight slowly is the way to success. Best of luck & hang in there.

Try sipping a hot liquid ( coffee; tea; etc.) a few mins. before eating or taking morning vitamins. Will help.

You must force yourself to drink water, water, water. I use powdered Crystal light. Makes it tasty.

Have surgery only if u r serious about losing weight. Surgery is not the magic pill. U'll still have to work at it.

Sip something hot ( coffee?) before taking pills.

U will lose most during 1st 6 mos., then slows down 2 a crawl. Just hang in there. Suggest fitday.com to track cals, lbs, etc. It's free.

6 mos., then expect 1-2 # per week.

Dr. Jessee, St. Pete & Tampa. Very advanced methods, caring staff. Great nutritionist ( Pat ) on staff too.

Yup 60-70 g / day. Carbs. should be less than protein.

I usually feel uncomfortable for 2 days after a fill. Nothing serious, but just a bit uncomfortable. Go back to softer meals ( eggs, etc. ) if there is a concern. Another trick: drink something hot ( coffee, tea, etc.) about 15 mins. before meal, stay away from chicken, pork, other dry meats. Meat loaf is never a problem.

Having had a successful banding 16 mos. ago, I think I have found a few 'tricks' to get thru that initial 'stuck' feeling when starting a meal. Have something hot ( i.e. coffee, tea, etc. ) to drink about 15 minutes before your meal. That seems to relax the muscles around the band a bit and makes those first few bites tolerable. If you feel the 'slimming' effect, stop eating immediately, get up and walk a few steps. You'll soon feel the onset of 'sliming' long before it gets to the point of vomiting. When you get the first indication of discomfort, back away for a few minutes & the sensation will ebb. Also, you must control when it's time for a 'fill.' Only you know how you feel, not your doctor. Just say no. I've lost 80 # in 16 mos & very happy I went through all the discomforts. You will be happy to. Just hang in there.