dar36

My personal opinion....stay local. If you ever have a problem you will have your doctor close. I have had an issue before and could not imagine what I would have done if I didn't have my doctor within an hour away. This is a serious surgery. Keep your support team close to you. Again, this is just my opinion but please consider all the factors before making this decision. My best to you.

I had always wondered why it was more difficult for me to eat in the morning too. My doctor said this was normal. He said to drink something hot in the morning and then eat something a little later.

Glad to hear I am not the only one. I appreciate everyone's feedback. I will try the icecubes when I can't get anything down...sometimes I can't even get the liquid down. This week...I am fine. I am really glad I asked this question. I haven't been on this board in a long time and I am glad I came back. It's really nice to connect with people again.

I experience some of the same things. There are some days that everything is difficult to go down and it causes a lot of discomfort. Then there are other days that I do not have as much of an issue. I have had three fills and it is taking me some time to listen to my body and respond accordingly. There are times I cannot eat hardly anything in the morning and then at night I can eat a resonable meal. My goal has been to ensure that I am getting the appropriate amount of Protein. So on the days that I am struggling to keep food down, I will have some Protein drinks. I have also learned that some of my issues are attributed to trying to break 30 years of eating fast and not chewing my food. I have recently switched to using baby utensils and make myself put my fork or spoon down after every bite. Chew , chew, chew! I learned these things the hard way after much discomfort. I am doing much better now finally. When solid food is giving me a problem, I turn to homemade broth with pureed vegetables and very soft lowfat cheeses, refried Beans, and milk. I also try to stay has hydrated as possible by constantly drinking Water.

Everything you are experiencing is normal. I had my surgery four months ago and can tell you that this is a very emotional experience. I am still learning about myself and learning how to listen to my body. You will go through many phases. This is a long journey and quite a ride. I can also tell you that I have NEVER for one moment regretted the decision. I have not mourned anything from the past and neither will you as you see such positive changes in every aspect of your life. You will start to fill your time and your life with other very meaningful things rather than food. You will feel so good. I promise.

Nate, I can't speak for others, but the reason I count calories is that, at least in the beginning of this journey, I had very little Fluid in my band. I was able to eat as much as an unbanded person. I did the calorie count to help me. I was never ever given a range to achieve by my doctor. He only said 3oz of Protein, 1/2 cup of veggies. Keep the Protein lean as possible. No butter or sauce on the veggies. No liquid calories. Try to avoid high glycemic carbs (white bread, white rice, potatoes, corn, etc.)
NOW, 21 months out, I am beginning to get to the point that I can only eat between 1/2 to 1 cup of food per meal, and I'm beginning to see that I could ease up on the calorie count as I can't eat too much volume. Yes, it's taken me this long to get here. I don't like having a very tight band.
Everyone is different and what works for one person, might not work for another. Since watching calories works for me.. I'm running with it. I don't beat myself up if I go over or under.. just try to do better. Glad that you are having success with your method. Hurray for all of us who are losing.