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For me, it was over in 10 seconds and I felt one minimal skin prick. Liquids for 24 hours, then a day of mushies, then on to regular food.

Follow your doctors or nutritionist outline for post-op diet. Most people are eating fairly firm full foods in 6 weeks post-op. It's typically 2 weeks liquid, 2 weeks mushy and 2 weeks soft.

I'd say that you will need to avoid boiled chicken for a while, if you're sure you chewed well, had small bites, didn't drink with the meal, and so on. Its not uncommon ... you just had a fill. Now that you've vomited your stomach and esophagus are probably irritated and I think most docs recommend just drinking fluids for a day, then back to mushies and soft food, and advance as tolerated. Try the chicken (it is a problem for some) again in a few months!

well my doc doesnt advocate the liquid diet after fills, he just says to be careful, so no, I didnt do a liquid diet at all after my recent .2ml unfill. But I found it to be like a fill. Small immediate effect,then about a week later, I noticed how much easier it was to eat, how much hungrier I was and how many more really healthy foods (as opposed to sliders) I could eat. None of which led to weight gain thank goodness. I dont know why I got so tight, one of those things I guess. PMT, plane flight etc all happening round the same time.

Do what works for you. I think the most they stress is getting in the Protein, at least 60 grams. However you can count that. I do a little of both - eating a balanced meal and tallying up my caloric intake. I don't do a food diary everyday. I sometimes take a typical day and enter it in to see how I did. It helps me make choices and know what I'm eating. I do try to get the protein in and try to judge how much I've eaten of it. I also try to eat my hard Proteins first and then if still hungry eat the other items on my plate. It works for me and I don't feel consumed with counting calories and deciding what to eat. Good luck to you.

I finished all the paperwork and have been excepted into a Bariatric Sugery Program in Maine. I haven't gotten my first appointment yet and am trying to be patient about it. I am seeing a dietician at my lipid Drs. office, but haven't done very well this past two weeks..:sad: I have had some really strange hunger pains since changing my reflux meds. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with things, making excuses as to why I didn't exercise everyday, mostly because my kids were gone and I didn't have anyone to motivate me. I have an appointment for a weigh in on Monday and am dreading it.On the other hand, I walked 1.5 miles in a parade for my daughters softball team after admitting that the only reason I didn't want to go was because I didn't want all those people I never see to see me. I admitted it to my friend and fellow coach and I think she was shocked. My other excuse was my still healing broken leg which is a valid complaint, but I survived it.:smile: I am getting some mixed reactions from people about the upcoming surgery. I have had very few reactions of "go for it" from the people closest to me. I know most of it from my family is just general concerns, but isn't that the whole point of the drastic life change?? I'm already seeing the effects of being overweight. I hate that look that people can't hide that says,, well why don't you just stop eating.. I think I have thought that before myself, but obviously if I could do it and stick to it I wouldn't still be fat right? I have started the conversation right off with " I am going to have the Lap Band Surgery,,, because I don't want to have a stroke or heart attack" It pissess me off that people have to be so judgemental before they even listen to what you have to say:cursing:. My other struggle is finding a support person who is supportive not a food police. Every non essential bite I take brings on guilt and self beatings, I don't need anymore of that verbally. I want someone to say, "you ready for that walk?" or hey I found a great place for salads!.. lol I do have one friend who wants to walk with me, but I can't talk to her about the surgery because she truly believes I can just do it all on my own. In a perfect world that might be true, but I really need some help. I had an appointment with shrink that I had made on my own to talk about anxiety attacks. She doesn't want to put me on meds which I am happy about, but wants me to see a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist to help me work through them and control them on my own. I am also trying some Omega-3's and multi B vitamin to see if it helps.. Its been a week and I feel a little less tense, but my kids were also gone for a week for the first time for more then 2 days ever so I didn't have that kind of stress to deal with. I am going to work harder this week to be better about the amount of food I am eating, and will not eat out at all if possible..

Do you have a 401k you can borrow against? A house? I know that increasing the debt-load is not a great idea for most people, but if the payments were low enough, some of it would be offset by your reduction in food budget. I know that for the last few years, I have budgeted $200/mo for lunch money. If I got a band, I could cut that in half easily - or even cut it out and bring lunches. In the end, that may be what I have to do. I am currently waiting for the State of CA to finish their independent medical review of my case, to see if the two denials from Blue Cross can be overturned... Good Luck!!!

Hang in there DOC. You'll get back tenfold what you are investing now. And it's hard, and it's a pain in the butt some days, and it DOES change your relationship with food in so many ways you could never anticipate. This will be YOUR journey. And you can do it. (((hugs))) and have hope. Know that whatever this band journey road ahead turns out to be, you will handle it, because you must. Most days it's because your band tells you "you must" and it's a good thing.

Hi. I am getting my first fill this Friday. Right now I am eating a lot less than usual but solid foods. Dinner salad is half eaten, 1/2+ chicken breast and some soft veggies. I probably could eat more, but I feel full so I stop. Had one issue with chicken, didn't chew enough. The stuck feeling took about 5 minutes to pass. Probably not the same feeling as a PB. Haven't had one of those yet. My question is, after my 4ml fill, how much will my eating differ from what I am doing now.

I first spoke with my Dr. On May 27th and I am scheduled for June 14th. I couldn't be happier it was scheduled so quickly. But if the timing is too quick for you, I am sure you could request a later date. I am also thrilled to be post op during the summer because I find it much easier to eat smaller quantities of food during the warmer months.

While an unfill seems like a very good idea, try some diferent foods - I've heard some people have problems with salads. (I haven't tried them yet.) I would try protein bars like the South Beach 10gram ones,, soft meats like turkey lunchmeat, sugar free pudding made with low fat milk. Meanwhile, I agree, pursue a little unfill. You sound too tight.

I'm not an alcoholic, but several of my OA friends that are also in AA have told me that they thought they could do OA using their AA meetings and sponsor, but found they really needed an OA sponsor and meetings to handle their food addiction. Good luck to you getting the support you need! Tricia

yes hot tea will help. I'm six months post op and have had my share of stuck episodes and puking. Never have had to make myself throw up, it just comes up either PB'ing or just plain throwing it all up. Anything warm or hot like that will relax the band. Also you need to take it easy with food intake for 24 hrs, usually liquids for 24 hrs or mushies/soft foods. Good luck and take it easy. Donna

The enzymes in the pineapple help break down the food. Although sometimes nothing works if its stuck bad enough.

Welcome Kara I don't blame you for being scared. I was, too. I am 15 days post op and am doing great. I know how daunting it is to think that you aren't going to eat any food for awhile. It's amazing that we can muster up the will power to do that. I wondered, if we have enough will power to do that, why do we need surgery to lose weight? I actually asked that question at a pre-op seminar and the Dr said "I couldn't have PAID you to come here and ask that - that is the BEST question anyone has EVER asked" and the answer is.....(drumroll) ..... we have the will power - we've lost weight on restricted diets before - we can do this - BUT - we cannot sustain that kind of will power for a lifetime. that is what the band will help you do. TIPS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH: Protein drinks will save your life. Some of the better ones are: Atkins, EAS Advantage, Muscle Milk. Drink one of those and you are not hungry for awhile. Truly not hungry. It's amazing. And SO healthy. My nails are growing, my hair is thicker. It's just great. They are about 1.75 each (4 pack for $6.50) better prices at costco, watch for sales etc). sugar free Jell-O is fun to eat but it won't do anything to help you if you are hungry. Sugar free popsicles - same thing. I admit, I haven't had dinner with my family in a month (my requirements were 14 days pre op and 14 days post op). That was hard. We didn't go out during that time if it involved a meal as so much of our social lives are wrapped around food. but, that's ok. it isn't for very long. If you are in the right mindset, and if you've come this far, you must be, you can go a bit farther and do this. Feel free to email me anytime. And good luck!!

Hello. Just poking around. I am not a Candide for AA or NA (never had that problem) BUT I do think I am a foodie, foodaholic? I am about 80 lbs overweight. I just like to eat. I like the taste, the smell of food. I never could understand how folks could forget to eat!? And God help me, come around 8 p.m. comes the withing hours hours. I just want to eat and I am not sure why. I have tried to eat healthily food as an alternative but I end up eating junk anyway. Hubby is not any help...:tt1:

I have a similar story - after my third fill, I had really great restriction that I was really happy with. The unfortunate side effect was some reflux. Like you, it was not horrible (certainly did not keep me up at night) and mostly occurrs after eating certain foods or drinks (not always - sometimes random as well) . It has definitely let up as my restriction has loosened up a bit. I would rather deal with a little reflux to get that restriction level back though. I also found OTC pepcid helped a lot. I'm curious if this can cause damage as well...

Today was my first day of food. I tabulated my calories and was at 599 calories. My target should be 800-1000 according to my doctor and nutritionist. I want to stick to a healthy diet, but wonder, should I use real mayo instead of ff? Should I not worry about sugar free drinks? (The drinks would still be healthy of course.) I just don't know! Today I had: 3 oz of tuna w/ mustard and ff mayo 2 Morning Star Chik Nuggets w/ mustard Steamed veggies (like 2 pieces of carrot and 2 pieces of zucchini) 1 Turkey Meatball 3 mini whole wheat crackers w/ egg salad and no... I didn't stick to the "try one food a day" thing.... Um, how do YOU get in 1000 calories??

Amy I am new to this was only banded on June 6, but from everything I have read on all the different message boards you seem to have gotten large fills. I'd say your overfilled. PB's stands for productive burping meaning when you burp up food and slime because your too tight, ate too fast or too much. I'd go back to your Doctor and show them your food diary and how you have been struggling, I understand being too tight for too long can also be dangerous in that it can cause slips and erosion can begin. Best of Luck Marilyn

I am still a newbie---only a little a week out of surgery--BUT I can tell you that recovery has been quite easy for me. Following the diet is a challenge---but I just take it day by day, and I know that I MUST follow the diet or I could injure myself---liquids for two weeks prior to surgery, liquids for ten days after surgery, then ten days of pureed foods, then finally onto solid foods. So good luck in your decision! I don't regret it

tempted to eat.......that is diet thinking. you are not on a diet. you making a change in your life. do not be afraid of food. just because whatever food is there, does not mean you have to eat it. (even if doritos calls my name). just hang in there. get out of the diet thinking and continue on your journey. you are doing so fantastic

Ok experienced Sleevers..... I have a few Questions.. 1) does your back and you feet really stop hurting after losing weight? 2) does exercising get easier because you actually feel lighter or is it mental motivation that gets you moving? 3) does the snoring stop? 4) does spicy foods (jalapenos, hot sauces, etc.) affect our tiny tummies?

I'm on mushies and made machaca for breakfast! It's shredded beef (left over from the crock pot) mixed with eggs and green chili sauce! Oh, and dont forget the cheese! I'm only able to eat about 4-5 small bites but it's loaded with Protein and it's so yummy! It's something I usually make for breakfast burritos but minus the tortilla! I also make enchilladas: left over shredded beef (2oz), cheese, enchillada sauce all blended together! It tastes just like my homemade enchilladas, again minus the tortilla!! (See a mexican theme here? My fav food!) There's a lot of other recipes out there that i've found on the eggface website! You might wanna check it out! http://www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ Let me know if you need any other recipes... I've got tons!!

I had my surgery Dec 4 and I started my full liquid diet 2 days ago. I have been doing everything they have said… eat slow, 500-700 cals, 65 or more grams of protein and 64 oz of fluid. The problem I am having is from the broth and other things I have been taking in, I have never felt "full" yet. Is this normal? Is/did anyone experience this too? Did it change when you switched to solids/mushy food?? Maybe I am over thinking it. Thanks for the help.

i hear you sharon......excellent weight loss for you. you are losing because you are adhering to the lifestyle, eating better food in smaller amounts and just doing it w/o excuses. be responsible for what you do or do not do. there is no cant.......there is only I WANT this..