downhomechik

I've heard lots of tips....I try to practice these...I only got stuck two times and that was due to NOT chewing enough before swallowing....and then my chest was ON FIRE and I thought I was having a heart attack....so the incentive to not repeat that is definitely innate in me.

• set fork down after EVERY bite
  
• Count chews (I usually chew 30-40 times to get it mushy...and I imagine trying to put the food through a funnel...it has to be that small and I do not swallow until its that's small.)
  
• Strike up a conversation with whomever you are eating with...how's the beans? is that the way you like them best? etc...idle chit chat
  
• Then I take another bite, chew, talk....repeat
  
• I also measure my food out up to 1 cup (I have a visual problem and I still want to eat even when I'm full) I've been overfull which is very uncomfortable too so limit myself.
  

I struggle with protein intake as well... you aren't along. My band, stomach always makes noise and I was told that noises were not unusual. I have much more gas than I ever had & assume this is part of life with the band as well. As far as your port discomfort, when I exercise or walk a lot I do experience discomfort. Is yours close to the surface? Mine is. I tend to rub it and just live with it. Maybe others have some more to share on this.

Kime-lou,

Good for you! I'm almost 3 weeks post-op and so far so good for me too! I'll take one pound a week if that's all I get because nothing worked before! I get my first fill on Aug 20. Surgery was July 5. I have to wait so long because I'm traveling abroad and Dr. says it would be best to wait to till until I return so I'm home, nearby in case I experience any issues with my first fill. I wish I'd done this years ago as well! Keep up the good work Kime-lou!

I had a problem with any powdered form of protein. They all seemed to have an after taste? I like EAS drinks and they are cheap but only if really cold; prefer the vanilla but the strawberry is not bad.

Thanks so much for sharing D! I'm due for surgery July 5 and I only have a week off so I'm really hoping I can get moving around and back to work by day7!