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Well, I'm not eating much of anything. I can only force down about 4 spoons of anything at one time and I know I'm not getting all my Protein in but I am trying. Let's see, yesterday I had a few spoons of grits for Breakfast, refrained Beans from the Mexican restaurant for lunch (I was with my mom and a friend and they were hungry), and then for dinner I had 2 jumbo shrimp that had been grilled. The shrimp didn't go down that great and felt like they were caught in my throat for a while. Today I had oatmeal, a few bites of baked potato topped with chili and cheese from McAlister's Deli and that's all because I was driving back to work in Texas from home. I think part of my problem is that I can't get in much food and I absolutely hate the Protein shakes.

It may be all the toxins coming out since we are not eating those greasy chocolaty foods....LOL yes I have had a few not many just 3 but they hurt and are annoyingly ugly

I had my 5th fill almost 3 weeks ago, and I think I have finally hit what some have called a sweet spot. (6.8cc on a 10cc band). I am definitely limited to around a cup of food at a meal. For lunch today I had the broth of an 8-oz cup of soup, and one ham/cheesse rollup, and I felt full. Of course these days I question whether I am full, or stuck, or not done, or what. If I get too hungry before eating, I seem to have more trouble with the meal than if I had a recent snack. Since this last fill, I have had more days with a PB than days without, so if this is a sweet spot, its not all pleasantville. If I am very very careful I can keep the food down. Sometimes it gets stuck and I try to keep it down, and then hiccups start, and if I bear with it, it will ease up in 1-2 hours. It is generally much more of a relief just to bring the food back up. Even with not keeping much food down, the weight has been reluctant to come off, but I think that's because my body now thinks it is starving and is protecting itself. But I am down overall about 9 lbs in that 3 weeks. So that part is good. I will keep with it, and see what I feel like by the 15th when I'm due for another fill again. Right now it seems like I'd pass on that! I hope the rest of your are hitting your stride and starting to reap the benefits of this tool.

:seeya: Hi, welcome to LBT! And , btw, Thank You for your service!:patriot: I am a stomach sleeper. I started sleeping on my stomach again about 10 days or so after surgery. You will hear many different ideas here about taking pills. My surgeon told me of a patient that had to have a stuck pill removed surgically. That was all I needed to hear. I have not taken a pill whole in over 2 years. After all, what is the point in chewing our food well if we can take a pill the size of an asprin, or as some say, an M&M. I take all my vits. in chewable, sublingual, or gummie form. The best thing you can do is talk about this with all your docs. Best of luck to you on your journey.

That's how I am as well,I can definately tell a difference depending on what I eat. I've also been told that there will be certain foods that I can tolerate in the mushy stage that I will not be able to tolerate once I have a fill.

I'm right with you! And 2 weeks after, it seems I don't even have to chew my food and my bites are markedly bigger (I realize it after of course and pray that I don't pay for it, but nothing happens). As Betsy mentioned, make sure you're choosing foods that aren't sliding through. Hopefully it gets you through to your next fill. Were you able to schedule it or do you have to wait a certain period of time? Good luck. It really does get easier!

I had my first fill on Tuesday. I was really looking forward to it and everything seemed fine until I started back on solid foods. Now I swear I'm able to eat more now than I did before the fill. I didn't expect that I'd be at my sweet spot right away - I realize it might take some time and many more fills, but I did not AT ALL expect to feel like I could eat even more. How is that even possible?

grits, yogurt, sugar free pudding, sugar free popsicles, puree vegetable beef or chicken noodle soup in your blender. You can puree pretty much anything, like spud mama says -- it may not always look good, but it tastes the same.

U can make any food into pureed--from what I'v learned on here. just add some liquid of choice--no Vodka lol--to make it the right consistency. There are lots of threads on this subject. sorry that's all i know for now. Good Luck and Congrats on being banded.

Just be careful with that pureed/blender stuff. I'm often surprised at some of the ingrededients that people have listed on their soft foods/mushie recipes. "If you can drink it through a straw" is one of the common quotes I see. Well... you can put a Snickers bar in a blender with a bit of milk and make it where it will fit through a straw.... but..... Makes me wonder sometimes :tt1: Good luck!!! Becky

I had surgery on Oct 4, 2011 and I have also experienced times when I can eat a lot more than before. it scares the sh** out of me too. I am so fearful that I will eat more and gain weight. Last night I went to the Red Lobster and had 1/2 cup of creamy potato and bacon soup, 1/2 grilled shrimp skewer, and 2 of there delicious cheddar bay biscuits! I so regretted it about 30 minutes later. Way too much food. I will always have to watch what I eat and be methodical about staying with small portion sizes. I have a lot of head hunger too which is totally frustrating for me.

You are doing some really good things- like working out and journaling. Can you keep the junk out of the house? Other family members may want it, but maybe they can enjoy treats outside the house, at least for now. I would focus on eating the right foods (low carb, low fat, yada yada) even if your portions are bigger than you would like. Portion control will be much easier once you have restriction. Keep us posted on how your doing. Good luck!

Thank you for responding. I'm hoping it does and that now I'm cleared for regular food, it should be easier to up the calories. A little planning last night has me at 680 for the day so far. I've been pleased with the weight loss so far so speeding it up would be a bonus!!

Olwen - Please don't equate being tight with the ability to lose weight. I did this and was miserable for about 6-7 weeks. My doc's office really cautions people on their forum to try and leave the band a little looser rather than too tight. I was reading some recent statistics yesterday concerning the band and noticed that between year 2 to 3 with the band the average slippage rate goes to 10%. That is a huge concern to me. I have been tight and have been where I am now and still been able to loose weight effectively. Just because I can eat more comfortably doesn't mean I can eat more in volume. But I sure have more of a variety of foods I can tolerate. It's really important to be able to get your fluids in daily. That was also an issue when I was tight. It was difficult to drink 64 oz in a day. Now, no problem. I can't chug it, but I can take 3-4 medium size gulps with no issues. I am just really concerned with those who choose to keep their band tight. Because it is a really slippery slope in terms of taking chances with a slippage. Good luck to you in your journey!

Well I went yesterday for my ten day post op and I was down 6 pounds since surgery on Nov 10th. He took the steri strips off and the incision sites look very good. I started my vitamins last night and he said I could start light cardio but not weights yet. I can't tell you how amazed I am at my whole body feeling better. I have lost around 44 pounds and the swelling in my knee has went down and they only time it hurts is when I get up after sleeping or sitting for a while. But once I get moving is feels good. Before I lost some of my weight my knee was constantly aching and swelled, who would of thought losing a little weight would make such a big difference? LOL... I go back on December 16th for another appointment and by then I will be on solid foods. I do not know if they will do a fill on that date he left that open to see how I am feeling with my hunger. But I do have to be on regular foods for at least a week before they will do a fill. Hubby's surgery is scheduled for January 4th and he is doing fantastic on his pre op diet. He has lost over his 10% and is going to try to lose as much as he can so surgery will go better for him. Well sorry so long. Have a great day all. Char

You guys, I am using the most remarkable tool to deal with the thinking, that led to the feelings, that led me to the fridge! In combination with the Band, it is power stuff! It is free, free, free! and seems almost ridiculously easy (but incredibly penetrating process; i encourage you not to dismiss it as silly - I did at first and then tried using it and WOW!), and everything you need to learn to do it is on food, for sure!) Email me and if I have some CDs available I will send em to you for free. I loved it so much I went to her School and now share this process for free to people in prisons, addiction treatment or anyone who just asks. I am not selling anything - just want to share with my BANDED BROTHERS AND SISTAHS what has helped me so much. IF YOU HAVE USED THE WORK OR ARE INTERESTED, OR WOULD LIKE SOME FREE SUPPORT IN LEARNING, contact me, visit my website at www.meetingyourmind.com, or POST IT HERE!

I had my surgery 4 days ago and I burp and pass gass a lot. The burping really hurts. A lot. very uncomfortable. Good Luck. Good to see your doing well. I was so hungry today I actually purchsed food. I was too scared to eat it and threw it away. Very scary. I hope I can do this.

Are you weighing yor Protein? If not I recommend getting a digital food scale (walmart, target); and measuring out 3 or 4 oz. Eat that first and then low fat/cal veggies until full. If you are not measuring you WILL eat too much protein. It took me 6 months of fills to get restriction (10.6 cc's). I am a slow loser even though I exercise 7 days a week (minumum 60 minutes) and eat very conservatively.

Hi! My name is Steffie in WA State. I am considering the lapband procedure. My husband is not sure of this idea but he is willing to go to a seminar with me. I would like to hear from you about the pros/cons. The joys/struggles. Was it worth it? How is it living with the food restrictions. Is it safe to have the procedure done in Mexico and what about aftercare in the States? That's a good start. I must say I admire those of you who have done this. Your experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.:help:

Just wanted to add...I went to the Dr. last friday and I did slip. He could tell by a fluoroscopy. I will have band removal and replacement in Oct. I am bummed but I am glad I am getting a replacement. I don't know how to be without my band. My band is empty now and I am hungry..so I can't imagine not having it..but I am eating right and trying to stay with soft foods. So kate get in and get things checked out. Let us know how youre doing.

Hi Shauna! Welcome! I'm 8 months out and could not be happier, feel better or be more certain that this was the best choice for me. I don't presume this is the optimal route for everyone. I have been incredibly fortunate that I had a very smooth recovery and steady loss since my surgery. In my mind, I am a slow loser, but that really is just in my mind. I've been averaging about 10lbs a month since surgery. I no longer turn to food every time I'm having a bad day or weak moment. Not to say I haven't thought about it, I just don't want to derail myself. I want to suck every ouce out of this honeymoon phase for as long as I can. It is not the easiest thing I've ever done (gaining the weight was) It took some restructuring, some patience and a lot of support from my family/friends and the good folks here at VST. They have been my greatest advocates, cheerleaders and butt kickers when called upon. I read everything I could get my hands on to prepare myself and feel I went into this fully prepared. I agree that making the decision was probably the hardest for me. Only in the sense that I had to be honest about my needing help to finally be successful. And committing to the life-long changes I needed to make. It's never fun thinking you can't do something on your own. But I keep reminding myself that the sleeve is only a tool. I AM doing the work. I'm making the choices, I alone am accountable for my success. Boy to I feel like a motivational speaker rep. . I decided to take this year for me.. Focus on me, my health and my commitment to this process. the first few months I purposfully avoided situations where it would be harder to stay the course. We all have those in our life that say "just one pices of cheesecake won't hurt"... Those tend to be those that can stop at one piece, in my experience. 8 months into it, I'm stronger than I thought and enjoy events /dinners out as much as I ever did. With my choices in place, and my home stocked with those good choices, I am finding this to be the "easiest" way I have lost weight. I am lucky that I do not feel hunger, though I expect it may return and I am ready for it. I know that if I am struggling I have this forum full of those that came before me that know exactly how I am feeling and can be of tremendous help. The restriction for me is key, I still portion my food, mostly just not to waste. I now have a blast running around with and after my young neice. Something that was much harder for me a year ago. No regrets at all, unless you cound wishing I had done it sooner a regret. I wish you as smooth a journey as I have been fortunate to have. Good luck!!

I can relate, I will see how much food they have on their plates and I think I used to eat that much, especially buffets, those are the worst, but now I grab a salad bowl and look for protein first, veggies and a little fruit. Everyday is a new day, new tempations and we have to remember why we got the lapband for better lives. The only time I will tell someone about my lapband is when someone asks me directly.

26 pounds down. Yay! I've got no issues other than I miss my drug of choice food. I still eat what I want but I miss I guess the ritual or the joy? I don't know.

I have been banded for less than 5 weeks and I had my first fill one week ago. I had 5 cc put in during surgery and I had .7 put in the band during the first fill. I am not sure if I am vomiting or Sliming but at every meal, I have a great deal of mucus bring my food up again and it looks like pure slime. I do not have the acid taste of throwing up but the food comes right back up again chewed. Someone help please!!! I have not lost any weight in over a month and I am not sure if I am actually vomiting at every meal and jeopardizing the band. Any advice would be appreciated.

Yuck! I have been banded since January 12, 2006 and had my first fill last Friday (March 17th.) Been able to eat as much and anything I want so far. Had some raw carrots this afternoon and felt just fine (chew, chew, chew.) Went out to eat and ate 4 (count 'em 4) tatertots and had the worst stomach ache. I sat there thinking it would pass but finally went into the public restroom (thank goodness it was a one-seater) and experienced my first episode of PB'ing. I had done lots of research on the lap band and read a lot about this aspect of being banded but didn't really understand it. Now I know... Yikes! The good news is that I feel much better now. The bad news is that I doubt I will ever be able to enjoy tater tots again. This is a valuable lesson for me. I am anxious to know if there are any other foods I need to watch out for. I avoid Pasta just because I have heard so much about problems with it. But the tater tot thing caught me completely off guard!