Today is day 13 post op and the last few days I could eat mushy things. I had a holiday party at work and everyone brought a dish or dessert.

I had 1/4 c or less of baked macaroni, 5 small bites of Pasta salad. I also tested and could eat a mini BBQ sausage after chewing it to mush. I don't feel as full but know that as each day passes, I'm healing and realizing less restriction only because the swelling is going down. I'm still only around 450-500 calories a day.

My next appointment is 1/22/14 for a questionable fill. Two days ago I would have said no way. I'm thinking by 1/22 I better get a little fill.

Can you explain in detail the green zone. I only filled out one paper that had foods in yellow, green, or red areas. Mine were all green first follow up.

Be careful of rushing your levels. Bread can make a lot of people get stuck. Please follow your surgeon's plan! Best wishes, getting through the holidays is tough. Visit us as often as needed for comfort and advise! Karen..aka..kll724

I've had no meats or bread since surgery. Other than yesterday, I have cream of wheat, yogurts, pudding, protein shakes, cottage cheese.

This is a time for listening to your body for those hunger signals and then noticing when you're nearing full without getting to full so you don't get a stuck episode. And a good time to practice eating very slowly and chewing everything to mush. You'll likely want/need a fill when you go in January. My surgeon's goal for me is a tennis ball sized meal then not hungry again for four to five hours. I was banded 11/5 and have had two fills but every one is different and medical professionals have differing protocols. Good luck in this phase of noticing everything -- that's the most important part. Listen to your body. Best wishes!

if i read your question correctly you are asking what we are talking about when we say green zone. this green zone is a place in which you are satiated with a small amount of food for 4-5 hours between meals. as you begin your journey you will begin to get small fills in your band at your doctors. you continue to get those fills until you reach the green zone. i hate using the word restricted but that is what is occuring. the amount of food the band allows you to eat is restricted it begins a process which you feel less hungry between meals. it takes your band and brain to be successful. eating small amount of food no matter if you feel full or not. that is your brain part. be satisfied with , like bandista said, a tennis ball size meal. good luck on your journey

for best results, best to follow your doctors post op guidelines....

esp since we are still healing.....that being said, go slow.....chew alot