Hi

I was banded 7 weeks ago. I went for my first fill 2 days ago but they said I didn't need a fill and also advised the surgeon filled it a little during surgery. So all that is fine but my problem is I can't slow down! I feel as though I have no control and once I start eating I tell myself it will be fine. I often have to drink Fluid to wash the food down as it gets lodged. Not fully stuck, that has just happened once but like I say, it often gets lodged and I wash it down.

Am I doing myself much damage? After 7 weeks surely I should of learned how to slow down! Weight loss is going wonderfully and I only have to eat very little but my technique leaves a lot to be desired!

Is anyone in the same boat?

how long did it take you personally to master eating slowly?

Well... It's going on 8+ years and I am still learning to be MINDFUL when I eat. Slow down, put the fork down, take about 20 minutes to eat.

I personally , was told to not drink with meals, so I am compliant, and wait about 1/2 hour after to have any liquid...

Sounds like you are off to a nice start

Best of luck and keep posting...

From personal experience I find when something gets stuck the worst thing that I can do is try to wash it down. This will cause me to throw up. I always was the first one to finish my meal. You have to slow down and take small bites. Chew your food than chew some more. I also find that I can't eat red meat. I can eat hamburgers and meat loaf. Everyone has to discover what they can tolerate and what they can't. Best wishes.

Unfortunately WE do have to learn to eat a LOT more slowly & chew any bite of food till it's like mush , I am 3 years out & I still have to chew like that , even when I eat something soft like yogurt , I have to let it sit until it's consistency of liquid until I can take another bite & if there is fruit added or granola , I still have to eat that way & if I eat at a restaurant , I have to put my fork, knife & spoon which ever it is I'm using down between bites & I ask for a glass of Tea NO sugar or water just in case but I always ask for a to go container & cup because I know I won't finish, also YOU may want to mention to YOUR SURGEON that food keeps getting stuck that's what they are for to help YOU , if you need some answers.

If I am truly stuck, drinking does not wash it down....with no where to go because of the stuck food, it overflows and then it all comes right back up....can't stop it.

Prior to that you would be sliming because the saliva has no where to go and that too accumulates.

I ( and other people I know) used this technique to get un-stuck....go into the bathroom and sip some Water...

IMO, if you can drink, then you're not stuck... And IMO it's normal to feel the food passing through your band slowly....and I have to wait till that felling goes away before the next swallow.

And if you take too large a swallow, or the food is a tough texture, it can be very painful.

If you've got restriction, you WILL change your bad habits....

If I am truly stuck, drinking does not wash it down....with no where to go because of the stuck food, it overflows and then it all comes right back up....can't stop it.

Prior to that you would be sliming because the saliva has no where to go and that too accumulates.

I ( and other people I know) used this technique to get un-stuck....go into the bathroom and sip some Water...

IMO, if you can drink, then you're not stuck... And IMO it's normal to feel the food passing through your band slowly....and I have to wait till that felling goes away before the next swallow.

And if you take too large a swallow, or the food is a tough texture, it can be very painful.

If you've got restriction, you WILL change your bad habits....

Okay so when I feel the food there...that feeling of it being lodged is normal? So I shouldn't be drinking to wash it down?

Carrie, it's not stuck. If it was like they said above you'd be sliming all over and the food would just be sitting there in your chest. The consistency is probably the problem. Are u chewing 20 times? Sometimes you can't tolerate things like you used to, like chicken breast- too dry.