RobinLB

This thread is encouraging. I was banded 2/7/11 and lost 11 lbs in the first couple of weeks. I've plateaued but I've also been hungry and can eat pretty much as I did pre-banding. I just didn't have restriction. 4 days ago, I had my long waited for 1st fill 4.4 cc's, but still not enough restriction that's going to show much weight loss. I'm so bummed out about the 8 wk waiting period before fills. It's going to be at least the better part of a 1/2 year or more before I start having any kind of weight loss that will be noticable to others. I really didn't picture having to wait so long for results, but at least after reading this thread, I'm feeling less discouraged.

I have been using Portion Control, ie 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 3 oz chicken, etc, but I can easily drink with meals, even gulp down a beverage. Don't have to take smaller than normal bites, and although I'm chewing more than before, there have been many times I've been distracted and feel that particular swallow could have been a problem. Is this all normal? Will it be necessary to do all those things correctly after first fill?

thsisme - well said! What I neglected to ad in my first post are my biggest concerns: not knowing exactly what is a 'small' bite although I've been given the analogy of the size of an eraser on a pencil. That does help. What amount is a 'sip'? How am I going to deal without being able to gulp when I'm SO thirsty? I've never been able to get a good analogy from anyone what it feels like when food gets stuck, other than its 'comfortable' or 'it really hurts'. I've got my ammunition (Papaya enzymes and meat tenderizer) ready though. I already assume my skin will sag and have no illusions about a 'beautiful' body, except in the spiritual sense. I'm extremely happy that I won't be taking up so much space everywhere I go, no issues with airline seats or even my discomfort in them, and trying to pack my arms in to no intrude on the next person's space. I want to know what it is to not be winded going up stairs, to not panic when I approach a turnstyle, to not have to pay an additional $5-10 to get clothes in my size from a catalog, often needing help to get a seatbelt closed when insomeone else's car, wondering before I sit on a chair if it will support my weight or how am I going to be able to get up and out of a couch without looking pitiful. And with any luck, be down enough to be able to qualify for an individual medical insurance plan with premiums less than what I'm paying on my current small group plan (I'm self-employed). Regardless of the bumps in the road, look how our lives will become easier, less stressful and fearful, and I'm sure there's a lot more I haven't remembered to add to the list above. BTW, I know a lot of people consider getting obesity surgery a private matter and struggle with who to tell, who not, etc. Everyone's different, but I don't relate with this at all. What's the big deal about it? (no pun intended, LOL) When appropriate, I always mention it. People seem to be very interested in that. If anything, it's an ice breaker, LOL. Someone else mentioned she doesn't want other people watching what she eats and and ready to judge. People who 'watch' will do that even in you're on Weight Watcher, and you know they've always been watching you being their superior selves. "Look at her, that's her 2nd dinner roll". With people like that, just pull a chair up to where they're sitting, the more in their space as possible, the better, and comment on everything they're eating with each bite. "You shouldn't be eating that fried shrimp! Do you NOT care about your cardiac health? (and then rattle off some statistics about mortality rates related to eating fried or unhealthy food. You have children you need to be there for!! Then do it again with the next bite they eat of anything where there's a health risk (which is almost everything!). Do some slow moving your head back and forth, with a superior, there's nothing that can be done for this person expression on your face). You get the picture. Letting people get away with stuff like that is giving them permission to do it in the first place. There has to be an uncomfortable/annoying/embarrassing/mortifying consequence or it will continue. Mortifying is always good. Ok, now you know I'm a Scorpio (vengeful), LOL. But incredibly kind also. And modest!