I'm four weeks post banding and have run into something unexpected. Although my restriction is pretty much gone in terms of swelling, most every food I want to eat tastes and makes me feel awful. Not nauseous or uncomfortable, just unappealing in a weird sort of way. The best I can describe it is that they just seem wrong to eat. The things I'm talking about are:

• most meat except very dry, non-greasy Jerky
  
• any Pasta
  
• any bread
  
• most any other carb
  

The only things I enjoy at all are Soups, yogurt, Protein drinks, nuts, raw vegetables and Skinny Cow ice cream treats (I've had two). I tried a taco salad last night, ate two bites and gave it away. It made me feel so strange I wasn't at all hungry once done with it.

Is this common? If so, does it go away or is this my life from now on?

Ted - I was banded 12/21. Same things are happening to me. Used to live chili...not so much anymore. Two weeks ago I couldn't get enough tuna...I made some Sunday and it smelled and tasted kind of unappetizing. Anything too sweet...blah. However I've eaten more pork (chops, tenderloin, etc) in the past two weeks than I have in my entire lifetime. Mutant taste buds.

I think that's good news! Eat your protein first, low glycemic veggies second and you will do great. "Restriction" affects all of us differently. I had this feeling too, early pre-op. Just go with it, but measure your food to ensure you're getting the nutrients you need. I think I was only getting in 500-700 calories in per day and splitting that into 4-5 small meals per day. That was doable. As I became used to the band, I gradually increased calories to 900-1200 per day. Now I eat 3 times per day and have an occasional high protein snack if dinner will be later.

Just wait till you step on the scale!