I found that the last week I started to "test" my band. I could go into a whole psychological analysis of why I did this (another post) but that's another time.

I did things like snack at night, drank too much wine, ate fast etc. just to see what happens. And you know what? I did all the things that come with that like feel nauseous, run to the bathroom at work afraid of throwing up, and actually had some food come back up. I'm like a teenager testing my parents.

Hopefully I'm past my rebellious stage! Anyone else find themselves doing this?

I wonder how many of us test the band after the mushy stage, I didn't drink alchohol or go too far overboard but I did let myself enjoy a family gathering on the 13th, but I'm back on the wagon now. Try not to eat so much it makes you throw up, my Dr. said it can cause a slip in the newly banded.

I'm ashamed to admit that, after a year, I seem to test my band a lot. I don't have a lot of fluid in mine and I never know what kind of mood she's in. It always seems I take that first bite too fast or too big, then I'm like Oh! Guess I shouldn't have done that. I apparently have a thick skull. Lol.

This made me laugh -- the rebellious teenager inside. Along with the toddler, the old lady, etc. -- fricken committee up there sometimes!

I haven't been on the boards lately since my family and I traveled for Christmas, but I am so happy to see this thread, breifs. I just had my 2nd fill yesterday and I still don't really feel it, so I find that I am almost testing it on purpose. I have only had the teeny tiniest stuck episode that only lasted a few seconds, but I've had no nausea, no PB's, nothing. I do feel full faster than otherwise, but I feel like that is the only way I know that I have the band. Anyway, I know that isn't exactly the same, but I like knowing others are being a bit rebellious as well!! :-)

I recall the first cruise we went on after I was firmly in the green zone with the band.

I was worried about all the food that was offered, 23 hrs a day....

Finally I said the heck with it...I'm going to "Put the band to the test", and went on the cruise throwing caution to the wind.

What I found was the band does not change...it is the same no matter where I am, whether it be at home, work, a party, or on a cruise.Does not matter how much food, or how good it is, offered at a buffet. Does not matter how much I put on my tray...

I also still maintained my workout schedule every morning, drank Water non stop. And since we were so active doing other things all day long, I came home weighing a few pounds lighter than before.

I would not recommend putting the band to the test for people just starting out...You first have to insure you are properly adjusted, understand how to "Listen" to your band, and are living comfortably in that "Groove"...you need to adhere to the rules, and learn which ones apply more than others.

Once you have that down, which could take months to a year, then life can throw anything at you...stress, grief, vacations...you name it. day to day living...and you'll be ready.

It's a new life!!