I'm a meat person and love steak. The first year of being banded steak was evil for me and I got stuck with it no matter how small the piece or how well I chewed. The 2nd year I was able to eat it with little problem. Now, I'm back to having stuck episodes with it again. The really strange thing is that I can eat pork and other meats with out any problems. What the heck? Anyone else experience this? Jake

Hi Jake, Yes I have similiar problem with steak. Some days are better than others. I have been banded for over 2 years now. I generally find this for me with most meats just depends whats going on in my life at the time eg stress. Roast meat with gravy is fine but steak I find hard to breakdown. I still love it & will try but normally have to have just a small amount. It is weird how you don't have problems with pork & other meats. Have you recently had a fill since the food is getting stuck again? Julie

I don't sit down and eat a big ol steak.usually a 6oz with veggies no bread or potatoes.I get most of my protein from shakes and supplements

hi Jake

i am only 5 months post op and so far i have had little trouble with (steak)

and i am one who has to have it burnt/run over done....i cut into very tiny pieces and (i dip mine in ketchup) and chew the hell out of it..from what i have read on this forum, making it moist or (as nulie mentioned, gravy) perhaps that will work for you. all the best

Try and marinade to help with the tenderness. My mom uses Lawry's and lets it sit over night. Then before you grill or cook in the oven let it sit on the counter for about 15 min to warm, this way when the cold meat hits the hot air it won't seize and become tough.

Also, coating the meat and this works with any meat, with olive oil before cooking helps to seal the natural juices in. I often coat chicken and steak in a little olive oil and place it on a broiler pan and bake it. This always helps it come out tender and juicy.

The only steak I'll eat since being banded is filet mignon and I won't cook it any more done than medium. Then I still have to take little tiny baby bites and chew, chew, chew.

I find I need even smaller bites of steak depending on the cut. I have more problems with hamburger. I guess I think it is already ground up and don't chew it enough. I have most of my problems with pulled pork.

Thank you all for the responses. I appreciate all of you and this site! As life goes on I tend to forget the issues and problems with the band and this site reminds me when I have spaced out the small details. I've been so caught up with work and the stress that I forgot that stress will do weird things to the band. The weather has been colder and that also plays a role, which I also forgot about. I also forgot about marinating the meat. The Lowry's salt and olive oil coating I will also give a try. Filet mignon, oh man, I have not had it for awhile! I know what I'm going to have very soon, or shall I say, try to.

Carolinagirl, I envy that you can tolerate steak. My first year I would only dream of fully enjoying a medium rare steak and was stubborn about trying it every so often, but, had the same results every time. I recall being stuck for 3-5 days at a time before it would finally go down. :-(

Again, Thank you all. jake

I find I need even smaller bites of steak depending on the cut. I have more problems with hamburger. I guess I think it is already ground up and don't chew it enough. I have most of my problems with pulled pork.

Pork is what i have the most problems with.