On the May 4th update, many of us "Confessed" that we started solids early and I said that I was going to do a poll. So here it is - of course you can remain totally anonymous or talk about why you did or didn't start early.

I started early because

a) I was climbing the walls

I really needed to get my digestive system working

c) I felt that I was able to handle them

I dont want to say i "started" early cause it was really only a day or 2 before i was suposed to start solids. ( i had a baby shower to go to - didnt want to answer any nosy questions) but i did try the odd soft thing here and there in the pureed stage and chewed vigorously... mainly cause i was climbing the walls.. but also cause i felt i could be a bit bad without doing myself any harm

I was a good lil' bandster and did not start solids early. I truly followed the instructions to a "T". I wanted to start of on the right foot.

Starting early makes your stomach have to digest food around the sutures, which can lead to problems. Maybe they aren't noticeable for a very long time, but I don't want any complications. So, no, I followed my doctors orders and stayed on the liquid diet for 4 weeks.

I want this thing to work so much - so won't to do anything that could possibly screw it up.

I was self-pay, and the thought of ruining a $17,000 procedure for some food just didn't make sense to me. Of course, I played up the risk to myself, told myself that one bite would cause a slip. Sometimes I need scare tactics!

No, I honestly didnt need to. I wasnt hungry at all for months after the surgery.

SusanI admit I did start solids early. Once I was two weeks post-op and everything seemed to be going OK I started experimenting. The whole puree idea did not appeal to me. I made sure everything was cut small and well chewed but I can only live so long on liquids and I was on the optifast for four weeks pre-op so I was in need of solid food.Everything seems to be still OK, I'm going for my first fill on Thurs. Everyone is different though I did not have the post-op problems that many people do ( Thank God). How is everything going for you? You did not say if you started early or how it went.

Hi: I followed the instructions to the letter. Unfortunately, it is when I am on my own I screw up. Doddie

Hi Jim,

The post at the top is mine. I did start early and it seems to be fine. I have to admit I have other problems though which are driving me nuts. I became extremely constipated (still am)and ended up in emerg. Had a CT scan and it seems I was allergic to the contrast dye and now I am covered in hives and itching like crazy! LOL

I would not give up my band for anything though. I have my first fill June 18th and can't wait!!

YOU - are doing great by the way!

SusanI admit I did start solids early. Once I was two weeks post-op and everything seemed to be going OK I started experimenting. The whole puree idea did not appeal to me. I made sure everything was cut small and well chewed but I can only live so long on liquids and I was on the optifast for four weeks pre-op so I was in need of solid food.Everything seems to be still OK, I'm going for my first fill on Thurs. Everyone is different though I did not have the post-op problems that many people do ( Thank God). How is everything going for you? You did not say if you started early or how it went.

I too started early, by about 1 week. I was just tired of the puree stage, and was careful about the foods I chose. I don't think it has had a negative effect on my loss so far.

I too started early, by about 1 week. I was just tired of the puree stage, and was careful about the foods I chose. I don't think it has had a negative effect on my loss so far.

Just to clarify though.....it isn't about the "loss" it is about the "healing".

The liquid diet has nothing to do with weight loss. It has to do with a slipped band later on downt the road, even years from now. You stomach has to heal where the sutures are and it's not supposed to be digesting food while this is happening.

I stuck to the post-op diet completely because I was scared that if I didn't then I could cause myself problems. Also, I have it in my head that I got the band for a reason and if I am unwilling to do what I have to to work with the band then there was no point of my getting it. It takes will power to work with the band and I decided that I MUST cooperate from the pre-op Optifast onward... no exceptions. If I don't believe it completely then I will not succeed... I know me very well by now... if my heart AND mind is not in it 100% then I will 100% fail... and I have NO intention of failing!!

Lferland and the other stick to it guys you should be proud of yourselves. Your weight loss is fantastic for such a short time. I did eat solids early and just for susansilvers poll, I was at my first fill yesterday and all 5 of us there started solids early. Shame on us!!!

Lferland and the other stick to it guys you should be proud of yourselves. Your weight loss is fantastic for such a short time. I did eat solids early and just for susansilvers poll, I was at my first fill yesterday and all 5 of us there started solids early. Shame on us!!!

How was your fill Donna D? - Do you feel restriction now? I go on Monday and can hardly wait! I need some restriction here!!!!