I'm almost 3 weeks out now, and eating solids just fine. In fact, it's WAY too easy. I wouldn't even believe I was banded unless I had seen it on the xray! Anyone else like this in the beginning?? I'm finding it really hard to try to stick to the "3 meals a day" routine. I managed it yesterday. I had a protien shake for breakfast at 10am; at 2pm I had a couple hotdogs, no bun; then for dinner I had 4 small bbq patties, at 7pm. And that really stunk! All day I was fighting cravings, and for the most part I was "hungry". Not sure if I was really hungry or if it was just in my head.........Now today, I am just ravenouse! I had sausage links for breakfast, and am beating myself mentally to try to wait till lunch to eat again! Ugh, should I even fight myself over this until I have my first fill??? Because I really do not feel barely restricted at all! :ermm

You ARE barely restricted!

Eat more, Sweetie. Your band is wide open, and offering very little help at the moment.

Don't stuff yourself - go carefully (chew, chew, chew, eat slowly, listen to your new "full" signal) - but don't go hungry, either.

Once you start getting fills eating less won't be a struggle. Physically, anyway...

Thanks so much! Sometimes I forget the the purpose of the band IS to be able to deflate it and be almost "normal" again...

Yes, I was able to eat anything and everything after going on solid foods before my first fill at 4 weeks. I think I gained several pounds back that I'd lost on the liquid and mush stages. But after having my first fill (1.2cc) the skids have been put on my eating!! I have to eat very little, take very, very small bites, and chew, chew, chew, or it comes right back up. So, my advice is to enjoy eating right now, try not to overeat, and when you get a fill you'll be right back on track. I had no idea it would be so hard to eat regular food, but each day it gets a little easier. Good luck to you and hang in there!!

Wow, I was just reading posts, and I have been feeling that way too. I am starting my 4th week out tomorrow, and I feel like I am eating too much all the time, I am eating a lot less than I did before, but I keep having to remind myself too, that I am not restricted yet. I guess I am just ready for that 2 or 3 bite thing tooo soon........... hehe, cuz than I will know that band is working. Right now the gas is just awful, but I talked about that on another thread. Take care all, and just know there is someone out there to talk to or relate to in some way, and they could be going through the very same thing as you speak. Hugz to all.

Jodie