I believe the only thing that is scariest the most is chewing. All I hear is you have to chew, chew, chew, and chew. How hard it is to adjust to chewing slowly when you have been gulping your food down for 35 years? I am not sharing my lapband with just normal friends, but I do go out to eat with a lot of friends and I know they will probably ask me why am I chewing so slow. I guess I am worrying what other people will have to say which is totally not important at this point. But just wanted to see what you guys think.

Pattigirl I didn't mean to leave you out of the mix, your suggestions are awesome!

What are "slider" foods? I've read that a few times but wasn't sure what that was? My guess is they are foods that aren't good for you and go down easily???

I don't know. just trying to get all the lingo down.

What is the actual size of a bite after being banded? Is it as small as a pea?

I was instructed to get a set of baby spoon and fork, the kind you use on infants. Whatever fits on that is acceptable. Just don't try to heap it high ???‰

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If you dont have one at home...Rent or borrow one and watch a toddler eat.... Thats about the same sized bites you should be taking. My 16 mth old granddaughter and I eat about the same bites... which makes sense since we have the same sized stomach.

Carrie' date=' I knew there was a reason I like you.. we have a Water addiction!! LOLOLOL

OMG, I feel for you! I like a big baby cried for weeks I couldn't gulp my water or drink as much of it. (only in the beginning). Poor Missy (Mis73) I put her through hell with my whining and my poor husband. I will tell you what I was told; Drink all day long, but sip. NOOO gulping! You will go back to normal, trust me on this!!! I just had to learn to be patient with my new stomache. Now I drink my water like normal, wheeeeew![/quote']

Glad to hear this PG! This is my biggest problem, even what I think is a sip is to big.

I got baby spoons for beginning my mushies. Think I should be using them for water.lol

Glad to hear this PG! This is my biggest problem, even what I think is a sip is to big.

I got baby spoons for beginning my mushies. Think I should be using them for Water.lol

hey maddy

i think those spoons come with instructions..........

I wonder the same thing... Also' date=' I wonder about drinking... I drink Water in HUGE gulps... I drink alot of water... Can i keep doing that? Does gulping a drink hurt? How does all that work..

I am being banded on Nov 6th... I am also 35. We should be friends. Keep each other motivated. Check on each others progress.

-Carrie[/quote']

I think just like with straws if you gulp down your drinks you risk taking in extra air with it. Besides right after surgery you're gonna be so swollen and your throat might bother you from the breathing tube they use that sips will be all you want to take. Once the actual surgery affect wear off, I was told to make sure I limit my intake it any one time to a cup over an hours time. I have increased that to as much as 10oz but that's it. So basically I try to get in a cup of Fluid every hour. I was also told to stop drinking 30 mins before meals and 30 mins after.

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heed the warning of taking small tiny bites and chewing well as I am still learning!!! I am 4 months post op and Carolinagirl and Missy have both listened to me not to mention Floridays too, all of these women have given me great advice. I have been stuck on several occassions and it's not fun nor pretty. It's rather gross and can be very painful depending on what you ate. I don't know what it is but I guess I am more mindful in a restaurant because it has never happened out always at home, thank God! I too am a Water junkie but I sip all day long. Good luck, you can do it!

Donna

My mom was staying with me for a while when she was going through her divorce and I remember her in the bathroom gaging trying to get the food to come up. I totally don't want to experience that.

Pattigirl I didn't mean to leave you out of the mix, your suggestions are awesome!

Ohhh ty, I don't consider myself a pro at all because I still have a lot to learn. Remember I have not even had a fill yet, that will be another dilema I am sure! I can only offer my 'early' experiences and encouragement. Or maybe some things I have read from our bandster friends who have been through this almost a year or more... Thank you for thinking of me

I have a 3 year old son and the horrible habit of multi-tasking. I take care of him while I'm eating dinner at the same time. If the phone rings, I forget to finish chewing before swallowing and I'm stuck. For me, it's not the size of the bite that goes into the mouth, it's how well I chew it before letting any go down. I have to admit that I do better eating by myself than in groups because there is the temptation to swallow before I'm ready in order to respond tom someone else in conversation.

As far as drinking goes, I drink large quantities at a time with no problem though not with meals. Word of advice, if you're stuck, don't try to drink anything... it will probably only make matters worse.

Glad to hear this PG! This is my biggest problem, even what I think is a sip is to big.

I got baby spoons for beginning my mushies. Think I should be using them for Water.lol

Maddy!!! omg how are you doing there girlfriend?? How are you feeling??? Welcome aboard to the 'other' side, LOLOL

I think we need a water intervention, haaahaaaaaaaaa

Maddy!!! omg how are you doing there girlfriend?? How are you feeling??? Welcome aboard to the 'other' side' date=' LOLOL

I think we need a Water intervention, haaahaaaaaaaaa[/quote']

I'm doing really well now I have my sipping under control. LOL

My name is Maddy and I'm addicted to gulping water.....

Give me the 12 step program PG?

**thoughts/opinions** i am keep to myself mad and pg

I think the chewing is more important than the size of the bite.

I do a working lunch once a week. If we do Mexican...I order a taco and eat filling

only, other wise I get a cup of soup. I talk so much I don't think anyone notices

what I eat. We have all had "stucks"...sometimes I am physically sick for hours afterward.

CAUTION: My husband had a "stuck" and could not keep anything down for 3 days (over

a weekend)...by the time he got to the dr. he had lost 9 pounds. The dr. pulled out

all fluid and had him drink a glass of water..while the fill syringe was in, and

then put the fluid back in. It was determined that whatever it

was...was not going down. CHEW..CHEW. CHEW.....

I'm doing really well now I have my sipping under control. LOL

My name is Maddy and I'm addicted to gulping Water.....

Give me the 12 step program PG?

You could of imgained my surgeons face when I said to him I have a problem with my drinking, baaaaaaaaaaaa!

I am very happy to hear you are doing well