So It's almost been 1 year for me being banded, and I am only down about 45 lbs. I guess that's ok since I didn't gain 45 lbs, but I had hoped to be at a better number by my 1 year date.

That being said..... does anyone who has been banded for awhile go through an "eating routine" every time that you get ready to eat? It's crazy and SUCH A CHORE TO EAT sometimes! Everytime I go to eat, I start with a few bites, chew it up real good and slow, and then I have to wait for about 10-15 minutes(sometimes longer) to eat any more. I have to wait then until I get the hiccups and then I am ready to eat. sometimes, I am so hungry and start to eat without waiting/pausing (like mentioned above), and I usually end up bringing it right back up. But even if that happens, then I am ready to eat after I throw up those few bites! It's so wierd. It takes me FOREVER to eat a meal, because of having to wait! But then what's really crazy is that I can then eat a ton of food! I even cook dinner really early just to give myself at least an hour or hour 1/2 to eat, and after I wait, I am able to eat almost an entire plate full of food like it's no problem, and go back for seconds afterwards if I wanted to. Just wondering if eating is such a chore and a routine for everyone else? I also wanted to mention, how hard is it to find something to eat during the day for some of you? I eat salad and Soup, pretty much every day because I can't really handle bread at all, so sandwhiches are out. sad face. Although sanwhiches are probably not what I should be eating anyway, I sure do miss them sometimes! so does this sound like what anyone else deals with at all? Just wondering!

hi there. I have been banded for 10 months now and have lost about 45 pounds also.

now the eating thing sounds very familar to me. the doctors tell me all the time WATER,WATER,WATER.......i have an issue with water..i hate it .i know that is why my food always gets stuck. so try to drink more water

I was like that for the first year or so, not quite as bad, but its common. Its known as first bite syndrome. For many, it does pass over time. Try a hot drink before you eat, that can help.

My surgeon tells us that we should never take more than 45 mins to eat a meal. If we are, then we are aeting too much. Sorry for to contradict others. He told my daughter that that was part of the reason she was loosing so slowly. Good luck, Karen

My surgeon said that a meal should last 20 minutes. After 20 minutes of actively eating, we should stop. If you are hungry after waiting 30 minutes, then drinking a full glass of Water, have a healthy snack and start thinking about coming in for a fill.

Are you eating Proteins first, then non-starchy veggies, followed by any starches you may have room for? Are you taking tiny bites (about the size of a pencil eraser)? Remember, it's not about how much you can eat, it's about how little you can eat to be satisfied.

Maybe you are getting worked up about food and stressing you at meal time. I definately push the Water before a meal. (Not right before but within an hour) I find that if I do not drink then my pipes are a little dry. I am still a work in progress and still have a way to go but I can share my experience.

If I am eating chicken it has to be dark meat or some kind of sauce-for me that is low calerie ranch typically. I always eat my Protein first and wait between bites. I chew-chew-chew. Really a lot of time I just get bored chewing and find that I am done before my plate it empty.

Soup is an easy food for me but the ones I like are cream of something and within and hour or two I am hungry again.

It is interesting that when you get the hiccups then you can eat. When I get the hiccups it is a clear sign to STOP you have eaten too much. It is my bodys way of getting food moving. If I throw up I dont eat again for a while. I dont care if I am hungry or not. I dont like that feeling and dont want to risk it happening again. Luckily it hasnt happened in months for me.

It is a journey and slow and steady weight loss means your body has time to adjust. I wouldnt focus on the number even though we all do at some point but focus on how you feel.

Even in the beginning I didnt take longer than 30 minutes to eat.

I agree with Doodlebugsmom!