I was banded on 6/15/10. I followed the liquid diet for 10 days post op. It was fine at first but then I started to get really hungry. I had severe hunger pains. On day 9 and 10 I cheated and moved myself to the pureed food stage. When I told my Dr. at my post op appointment he said to me why didn't you move yourself to the next stage. (The dietician was very adamant about not doing this) I told him I did with some mashed potatoes and some applesauce but I still didn't fill full at all. What he said next was so surprising to me! He told me to eat regular food b/c I didn't have any restriction yet just to be careful and chew chew chew. I think if the dietician knew this she would have a fit. I did what he said and I have been able to eat anything! I'm eating like i did presurgery but trying to watch and make healthier choices. I lost 10 pounds on the liquid diet and now I am just maintaining. Just wondering if I’m hindering myself or hurting my band placement. I do fill some things getting stuck if I don't chew enough or swallow a large piece but after a minute it makes it way down. I’ve also had a few sodas and they don't seem to bother me either, no bloating or anything. Has anyone else gone through this? Did your doctor tell you to eat normally? Starting to think I won’t ever fill full with less food and worrying that I’m stretching out my stomach or something. I have not vomited, been ill, felt no adverse effects just mentally driving myself crazy. I don't get my first fill until july 19th.

Dear teach-welcome to lapband life. What you're going through is normal and happens to almost all of us (EXCEPT...a lot of us have doctor who didn't move us up to a different stage). The first couple months of banded life are a bear because you have no restriction and are expecting huge changes...they ain't there yet! DO-follow your doctors orders...if he says eat regular foods, then by all means eat them, just follow the rules. Small bites, chew chew chew, no drinking, you know the drill. You will get restriction, it does take time...it's hard but be patient and follow the rules. If you're following the rules and allowing your body to heal then chances of stretching, slipping, whatever are slim to none. However...did your doc approve sodas? Just because you can drink them (for now) doesn't mean you should. Follow your docs rules, they're for your safety and for your best outcome. And yes, the first few months of banded life are a whole heck of a lot like a diet and involve a lot of willpower, but it does get better! Good luck!

I was banded 6-23-2010 and I only stayed on liquids for 4 days and then did mushies for 2 days and then regular foods and I have had no side effects. I too lost 10 lbs and have just been maintaining. My doctor just advised to take small bites and chew chew chew. My first fill appt is 7-21 so I am hoping to get some restriction and see this weight start to come off so I feel like this wasnt all for nothing!!!!!

Be patient with yourself, start following the surgeon's advice. Eat real food, not much of it. Don't drink your calories, soda won't do anything good for you!

I was a very slow starter, but I found my groove and have been losing steadily once I had the proper amount of restriction.

CMNSTRD this is exatly how I feel! Keep wondering if this all was for nothing. I wish this part of the process was explained a little more in depth during the pre op discussions. I have an appointmnet with a personal trainer on Monday to start an exercise program. Hopefully that will help to start moving the scale.

I was banded 6-23-2010 and I only stayed on liquids for 4 days and then did mushies for 2 days and then regular foods and I have had no side effects. I too lost 10 lbs and have just been maintaining. My doctor just advised to take small bites and chew chew chew. My first fill appt is 7-21 so I am hoping to get some restriction and see this weight start to come off so I feel like this wasnt all for nothing!!!!!

I'm so glad to read your comments I was banded on 6/25 and have lost 10 pds. Have gone to regular food per Drs orders. Still working on nothing to drink with meals, small bites, & chew chew chew! Several times this week, I've eaten something that would not go down anwas going to choke to death - had to come back up. But I think I "forgot" small bites. I want get my 1st fill until first of August by that time I probably will have gain my 10lbs. Right now I'm very disappointed - I'm trying not to but I thought I would start losing from get go. Atleast, there are several of us in the same boat makes me feel better. Still hanging in there. Waiting for the pounds to start coming off.

Here is my opinion...I would cut out the soda immediately..for one it is wasted calories and two the carbonation just bloats your stoma and allows you to eat more. Here is my story...as soon as I was off of mushies I started eating regular foods just smaller portions and made good choices (with my dr's approval). After the first fill I got some restriction so my portions got a little smaller. This continued to happen and the next month another fill and so forth. I took the word diet out of my vocabulary and use a change of lifestyle. I eat everyday foods but in very small portions (typical dinner...chicken cordon blue, scallop potatoes and green beens). I no longer have desires to eat sweets..if I am craving a cookie..then I have 1..not a whole sleeve of them. If I must have chips..I eat 4 or 5 but not a whole bag. I never drink with my meals. I have a 3 yr old son so there are snacks in the house at all times..we have SF popsicles..that is our favorite. Keep things on hand that are good for you. Everyone in my house eats the same thing. Anyway my point is..if you control your portions, eat until you are SATISFIED..not necessarily full..eating everyday foods will work. I have lost 103 lbs in 7 1/2 months. Keep a positive attitude, believe in yourself and you can do it!