So I am one week post op and I can pretty much eat anything (as long as I chew really well). I do not feel any restriction in my band and am not getting a "full" feeling when I eat. The problem is, it takes so long to eat a meal that I pretty much give up and quit. I have had two "stuck" issues and they were so awful that I am totally afraid to go through that again. I make sure to chew so much that I can't feel the food slide down my throat. I am pretty much hungry all the time but it seems to me that i'd rather feel the hunger pains and keep going through my day than stop and focus on a meal for FOREVER...... I am not even getting in the 1200 calories a day I should be getting. I guess I need to add a Protein shake daily but then again, it takes so long to drink it that I don't even care to. Anyone have suggestions to get this train moving along?? I guess as long as I am getting my multi-vitamin in, I should be okay.

Side note: myfitnesspal.com is a great app for keeping a food and exercise journal. And it's free!!

It sounds like you aren't getting enough Proteins in! Find a good Protein drink it will help with the hunger. I really ike GNCs Total Lean chocolate. It has 23 grams of protein and isn't thick like other brands. It is a little pricey though. I put it in a blender with ice and a 1/2 banana (or whatever fruit you like or not). Then I blend it up and pour it into a glass with a dollop of cool whip. This really keeps me full and it takes a while to drink it. Oddly enough I have found that Soups really satisfy me too-I know that doesn't make sense because they are 'sliders" but they do. I get a low calories New England Clam Chowder I love it.

I know getting stuck is horrible! Good for you for chewing! I got stuck twice while standing and eating-so that's a no-no because it's mindless eating and you are likely to pop a big piece of something into your mouth.

If you are eating solids I would suggest very moist foods. Bandsters can't seem to handle dry foods and they tend to get stuck faster.

If you do have a cheeseburger (whic I have had) make sure it's not dried out (overcooked) and try putting lots of condiments on it (BBQ saus=ce, ketcup, etc.) to keep it moist. I heard people say the Wendy's chile is a good option too.

You will figure out what works best for you and what fills you up. Just keep the proteins high, don't forget all the Water too!

Good luck to you!

That's some really great stuff!! I like the cool whip idea. It seems the protein shakes are a little thick so I am all about a thinner shake. I am trying to stay away from most meats for fear of careless swallowing. I had Wendy's chili last night and finally got that full feeling. The chili was pretty good, which surprised me! Thanks for the GREAT advice!!

When I get tired of chewing so much I eat chicken or ham salad. I use a light mayo and at this point I only puree some of it the rest I eat chunky, and chew.