Hi,

I'm really new to the banding, as well as forums. I was banded on October 22 by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana, Mexico. So far I have lost 18 pounds, and am thrilled by that, but am a little depressed by the inability to eat most anything without it getting "stuck" and painful. Probably am still eating too fast...years of training as a nurse on the job! Any hints about the eating?

soon to be less Mindi!

Hi Mindi:

I was banded the day before you, by Dr. Ortiz, and am doing great. Have lost 17lbs. and am not eating yet! Still on liquids, broth, jello, juices and yogurt. Will have my first "real food" in a few days, can't wait! I have had no problems yet, and hope that continues. What are you eating? Are you chewing really well?

Can you feel your Port? I am not sure where mine is!

Did you see that Dr. Ortiz' new book just came out, can't wait to get one.

Mindi-Welcome! You've come to the right place for info, support, and a great time! Glad you are here.

Welcome Mindi! Sounds like you have the ever elusive restriction. That is what we're all hoping for, so our bands stop us from eating as much. Try cutting your bites into pea-size pieces and maybe make sure you have some sort of sauce/food lube for your meats. Chew, chew, chew.. It's all a learning curve, for sure! Good luck to you!

Thanks Leatha,

I'll try that, and I'm glad (I guess) that I have that restriction.

Mindi,

It's a hard adjustment having restriction right off, but the results can be fantastic. Try eating real slow and eating no more than half a cup. And cut things up like Leatha said, too. Then chew it to liquid. Be sure to drink lots of Water before you eat. Try having a cup of tea before you eat to relax things. Hope things get easier for you soon.

You've been banded, what, 2 weeks? You should not be eating solids yet! Please take it easy and follow your surgeon's rules. If you eat too soon and don't give your stomach time to heal and your band to anchor, you are setting yourself up for serious future problems. 18 pounds gone is great! Please take care of yourself! If you are properly healed, you should be able to eat (as long as you are chewing well enough - every bite-slowly and thoroughly). Best of luck to you!

Hi Mindi

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz in April 2004. Nice to see you hear. This place is a great place for support. Everyone here is like family. Congrats on the weight loss!

Mindi - Welcome aboard! Good Luck!

I thought I was following my surgeon's advice. I will check into it further, and go back to liquids for now! Thanks for the advice.

Dr. Ortiz's advice is 2 weeks clear liquids, 1 week full liquids, 2 weeks soft foods and by the 6th week you can eat solids. Unless he has changed them since April..be careful, you do not want to do damage to your band, you need to heal and let your band set in palce..any food that has to be digested before the 6 week post op can make things difficult for you, you do not want your stomach churnin & turnin while it is trying to heal the band into place, you can risk slippage this way.

OOPs! Looks like I misread and misunderstood Dr. Ortiz's Nutritionish, Dr. Miranda's writing. They have changed the fourth week. I'll go back immediately! Don't want to ruin this!