what is a normal chew?

[options123 3]

I have been having issues with feeling something in my throat after I eat. It could be I'm eating too much and if so that is scary. I never get through 1/2 cup of food. I am 4 weeks out. I never vomited, it could be I'm eating too fast. So today I drank something warm before eating my oatmeal. I may have gotten through 5 tiny spoons. For lunch I had less than 1/4 of baked fish. I took out my stop watch and took tiny bites and chewed till it disappeared then swallowed. Then I waited literally 3 minutes before I started again. Is this normal? How would I ever be able to get to the amount of intake I need by doing this. It took forever to eat that small amount. I have no fills. Please advise how u guys chew and take bites and will this ever change. This seems impossible to do all day everyday. PLEASE GIVE ME EXAMPLES OF WHAT NORMAL IS. I KNOW NOONE WIYH A BAND I CAN ASK THIS QUESTION.

[TKW 501]

hmmmm... strange. I wonder if they dr left some Fluid in your band after surgery.

[options123 3]

I asked that question the day of the surgery and at a check up regarding this issue He said no there is no Fluid in the band. The band was checked under an xray and he said it was a perfect placement and let me take the photo. I tell u I am getting annoyed with this band.

[Humming Bird 275]

Normal for me is taking very small bites and making sure the food is well chewed, not chewing so much it turns to liquid mush or I get grossed out, just well chewed. Some foods give me trouble no matter how much I chew, so I don't eat them. Examples of those would be steak, pork, most bread, Pasta, eggs. I eat oatmeal often and don't worry about over-chewing it. I make 1/2 a portion and it is just the right size (quaker quick oats/ not little instant packets).

At 4 weeks post-op and with no fill, I would think you should not be having trouble like you are.

[54Shirley 105]

I'm almost 5 yrs. out, so I have a idea on this. I chew until it is all mush stage, and the piece that I cut up, is about the size of a dime. For sure take your time. It gives it a chance to empty from the pouch into the stomach, so you can eat a little more.

Also sounds like you have a fill in there. So eating less is not uncommon, as your stomach shrinks, but the band is still the size that fit your stomach before. (I HOPE YOU FOLLOW THAT.) you will see your band will take on more food. That's how you know it's shrinking. So if you keep your eye on the clock, and see how many hrs. it takes you to be physically hungry, and do this for a couple of days. You will be able to predict when you will be hungry say every 4 hrs... If you get down to you can eat anything every 2 hrs. It's time for a fill.

This is a idea on how to keep in touch with your body, with this band.

I hope some of this was informative to you.

If you ever feel hung up or stuck. Take a glass of warm Water, and drink it slowly (DO NOT USE COLD !) It will close the muscles up.

This should push it threw the pouch and into the stomach. It's uncomfortable., but it will either go Down or Up. But this will get rid of it.

You may drink 2 glasses of Water. You will know when you are clear. Just keep Drinking.

Shirley.

[options123 3]

Thanks guys @54shirley that helps. He did tell me I am at zero fill but he could bring me to the negative on my band. I will revisit this at my appointment Tuesday.