I'm 16 days post-op, I haven't had any problems drinking everything goes down so easily. I was told I could start eating soft foods last Wednesday and progress to solids by Sept 9th when I get my first fill. Eating tuna has been a breeze, I sampled a piece of beef at a wine tasting that went down great. Had cheese enchilada's with friends at a restaurant, no problem.

Well needless to say I have been feeling like I have no restrictions at all, I'm invincible, can eat just like before. Oh, so not true, I was out shopping and grabbed a grilled chicken sandwich brought it home took a bite swallowed, took another bite still good, third bite stuck, OMG ran to the bathroom but didn't throw it up, it never came up but slowly went down, I drank Water after and seemed to be fine. Decided to go back to cream Soup for dinner went down good, had company and started drinking wine, way more than I should have, but was okay. This morning had my coffee, fine, then my Protein Shake wouldn't go down I was also swallowing a Vitamin at the same time, I had to wait until it slowly went down and sipped the rest. Now I took a big swallow of water and it got stuck and was hurting for a minute. Right now my throat and chest are hurting, not real bad just uncomfortable. Have I irritated my stomach, hot liquids are going down easily but not cold or room temp? I'm going to do liquids all day today. What have I done to myself?

shely, its good that you feel so good, but remember that the band is there in conjunction with diet changes to help you lose weight. From what i heard and talked to my surgeon about , is the fact that the person has to say no to the food not the band. Maybe try to stay away from foods that might be a trouble "zone"

We were banded on the same day and yesterday I think I was over confident. I also didn't think I had any restriction. But I must because I didn't really feel very good with what I ate. Negative reinforcement is a very good thing for me. Today I've backed off and will see how that goes. So far so good. Hot Soups always feel better for me than the cold. They're just more soothing.

Hope you feel better

Stephanie

Very typical for hot liquids to go down easily- they loosen the band. You may be having difficulty when you eat too fast or don't chew enough. Hang it there! It just gets better and better.

If all is OK hot liquids can relax the band in the mornings but after you get stuck and it swells hot liquids will increase the swelling. Try sipping ice water...but wait a while so there will be room in the pouch and the water itself doesn't make it balloon a bit.

If it was chicken breast meat, it could be off your menu permanently. It can be very hard for bandsters to eat. I avoid it entirely now. It just isn't worth the risk of getting stuck.

Chicken and beef can be very hard for us to eat. Also, when eaten in sandwich form, I tend to take bites that are too big. At this point, I'd suggest eating with knife and fork and cutting the meat into pencil eraser sized pieces.

I often find after a stuck episode that my stomach will be irritated for a few days. I'll go back to liquids or mushies until things feel better.

Many bandsters are tighter in the mornings. Which could explain the problems with the shake and Vitamin.

Hey Shely,Your problem brings back old memories.I don't live to far from you. Longview,Texas. I am almost 4 and 1/2 years along with my band. Had it done in Houston.We are very close in the weight we need and needed to lose. I had surgery in April and had reached goal right after Christmas. It is nothing but a learning process and eating healthy.You really have to work with the band.I go ten pounds over and then back down. I know exactly what to do to get back down. I have had a fairly great banded life,after I figured out my band will not hold but 1 and 1/2 cc of fill. If I can be of any other help to you please let me know. Will be more than happy to ans. any questions you have and to help you reach your goal. Good luck.

Sallyjo

Its all a learning process. Don't feel bad. Another thing that may have made you tighter is the alcohol. It dehydrates and my band tends to be tighter when I'm dehydrated. So, as much as possible drink cold water. The other poster that says warm/hot liquids can worsen the swelling is right. I got too tight after a fill and drank warm broth thinking it would help and it pretty much closed me entirely up for a few hours. My doctor told me afterwards to only drink cold liquids if I ever feel that tight again.

I'm 9 days out (banded 7/30/10)... and I'm starving!! I have another 5 days of full liquid (no puddings, no cream of wheat, no cream soups...!). Full liquid my behind! Hmm.... do I sound HUNGRY? I'm not sure the doc really put my band in! (kidding.... sort of) How the heck is that woman having a chicken freaking sandwich after 2 weeks? ?! :wink2:

*but seeing posts from those 1, 3, 4 years from surgery with no big complications and success is so reasuring! Thank you! I think most people only come to LBT when they are having problems? I've started to worry this is a big mistake. I'm holding my decision for another month or two now!

My Doc doesn't allow full foods for 30 days. Liqids 2 weeks, mushy 2 weeks then full diet.