Hi everyone,

I have wanted to join a group for a long time but I guess I was looking in all the wrong places so I am thrilled I have finally found one and a very good one at that.

My name is Anasastasia and I am from Australia, Melbourne, I had my operation two years agao at The Avenue Hospital by Professor Paul O.Brien.

I have lost about 17 kilos, but I have been lazy and not working out and having too many Snacks.

My main problem is the Water I must drink around two litres of water before and during my meal or I am in pain if the food does not go down.

I have spoken to my doctor and she said that everyone is different but I really should not be feeling this way, it is unusal, I take advantage of this and I tend to eat more, I hope the New Year makes me a little stronger to get back on track.

Hope to hear from you guys.

Anastasia.

Hi Anastasia, nice to meet you! You can drink up until the time you eat, but then you should avoid drinking during your meal and for one hour afterwards. This lets the food stay in your pouch longer, gives you a sense of "fullness" longer by not washing food through so that you want to eat more. Eat and drinking together is defeating the way the band is meant to work. You have to remember to take small bites of food and chew, chew, chew. You should not be having pain when you eat. How much fill do you have right now? Could you possibly be too tight? Do you know what 17 kilos is in pounds? Best of luck to you!

Hi,

I understand the pain you have... I had that too. What I found was I was taking too big a bites. Start using baby spoons and little forks. It really does make a difference. Also, as was said earlier, chew, chew, chew. Try your best to just take minute sips during your meal if you are going have any liquids. What also helps is having a sauce on any meat... it helps to get it down.

Kathy of Hemet

7/29/04 Dr Ricardo Vargas Q.

250/191/135