I've searched the forum and read a lot of posts about sliming. Most descriptions sound like an extreme amount of mucus. I just get thick saliva I guess after I eat solid food. Is this sliming? I haven't had my first fill yet and I have no idea if my doctor primed my band.

It could very well be sliming. It takes many months to learn how to slow down our habitual gobbling of food. It takes months to learn how to eat small bites and chew food to a mush. You could be suffering from eating too fast, too big and not chewing enough.

Or, you may have plication or a very tight initial band that is causing food to back up into your esophagus. This is what causes the sliming/excess phlegm/saliva.

Yes, it sounds like it. If you are regurgitating thick saliva after eating you might try eating slower and chewing your food thirty times. Wait between bites. Some foods are more prone to moving through the band slower than others.

Could I have messed up my band if I've been sliming? I definitely chew well but I can't seem to get away from the habit of drinking while I eat. My mouth feels gross if that makes sense

You could have damaged your pouch but highly unlikely. You're going to have to master the not drinking while eating rule or you're not going to be very successful.

Did your surgeon approve you to eat solid foods yet? Most of us were told no solid food till at least the 30 day mark?

I've been on mushies. I don't eat a lot of variety. Just things on my list such as crab and cottage cheese. I start solids Monday. That will be my 30 days.