Ok...I couldn't help it. I was banded on 10/13, followed the post-op liquid stage completely, and am now in the mushy stage (I'm certain this has been discussed in another thread, but can't find it, so I'm sorry for any redundancy). Anyway, I've cheated a few times, having solid foods that need to be chewed (things like chicken, fish and non blended creamy soups). I keep finding myself justifying such things as mushy - "Well if I chew it enough, it could be mushy". Ridiculous, I know, but it's something I'm working hard to rectify...I promise. I haven't had any problems holding it down (no tummy aches or anything). I am at zero restriction and am ALWAYS hungry. I am just concerned that I'm doing something to my band, perhaps even screwing it up for myself completely. I'll be honest in saying that it hasn't happened only once, twice or three times. Everyday is better, so I'm really not concerned about getting worse, I just want to make sure I haven't ruined it for myself.

:help:

Any advice would be great!!

I ate not-so-mushies during the mushy stage, too. I just chewed the heck out of things. I never had a problem. Just be extra careful- and listen to your body.

Good luck!

Try to stick with things that are already in a fairly soft state. Steer clear of meats that are anything other than things like tuna, crab, (stuff that is flakey). I'd say definitely NO chicken. Chicken also tends to be dry. Many people have problems with chicken even when they are on solids. Fish was considered a mushie by my doctor.

I too am in the soft food stage until November 16, when I get my first fill.

I've read in the threads that 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 weeks post-op you begin to be very hungry--and I hadn't been, so I thought I was doing great. But sure enough I've begun to think more and more about foods other than eggs, cottage cheese, refried Beans and yogurt!!

Just like you justified your cheating, I thought "well, if I chew enough it would be LIKE soft foods". And then I remembered what my surgeon said, "If you have to chew, it's not soft food!"

Hey, this is only one month out of our lives and for the sake of my band, I'm going to follow the band rules. We have forever to try solid foods, so let's suck it up together, girl!

The things you mention (chicken, fish and non blended creamy soups) were on my soft foods list. I needed to puree the chicken. The creamy soup was actually on my full liquid list.

I also ate "not so mushy foods" at my mushies stage. I was banded on 10/1/07 and by 10/6/07, I was eating fish and a baked potato. I saw my doctor on 10/17/07 and he was surprised that I was able to tolerate the different foods without nasuea and/or vomiting. My doc told me not to overeat (I am also at no restriction, but I do eat less), to listen to my body and to chew really well. I seem to be losing 4 pounds a week and I don't think I stretched anything. Although I think (almost everyday) that if would have adhered to the "mushie" diet maybe I would be losing more. Oh well I can't go backwards so I just eat right and exercise. Slowly but surely I'm sure the weight will come off.

Good Luck!

I also ate "not so mushy foods" at my mushies stage. I was banded on 10/1/07 and by 10/6/07, I was eating fish and a baked potato. I saw my doctor on 10/17/07 and he was surprised that I was able to tolerate the different foods without nasuea and/or vomiting. My doc told me not to overeat (I am also at no restriction, but I do eat less), to listen to my body and to chew really well. I seem to be losing 4 pounds a week and I don't think I stretched anything. Although I think (almost everyday) that if would have adhered to the "mushie" diet maybe I would be losing more. Oh well I can't go backwards so I just eat right and exercise. Slowly but surely I'm sure the weight will come off.

Good Luck!

Oh wow...5 days in I was in too much pain to even think of food. Cheating or not, this first stage is about healing, so it's great that you're still getting 4 lbs per week....really good in fact!!

I too am in the soft food stage until November 16, when I get my first fill.

I've read in the threads that 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 weeks post-op you begin to be very hungry--and I hadn't been, so I thought I was doing great. But sure enough I've begun to think more and more about foods other than eggs, cottage cheese, refried Beans and yogurt!!

Just like you justified your cheating, I thought "well, if I chew enough it would be LIKE soft foods". And then I remembered what my surgeon said, "If you have to chew, it's not soft food!"

Hey, this is only one month out of our lives and for the sake of my band, I'm going to follow the band rules. We have forever to try solid foods, so let's suck it up together, girl!

Oh man I know! I keep telling myself that 4 more weeks is nothing compared to the rest of my life, but keep falling into my own traps. But yes, you are absolutely right and I will stick to it. In fact, today's been a great day so far!!

BTW, Nov 16th is my first fill too

I am feeling the same way you are and I have to say Iam in the same boat. I felt so bad as I ate a lean cusiine with chicken. I have been battling the hunger I have just been very careful not to overeat. I am good all day until dinner and the evening...

I was banded 4 days ago, and I have been telling myself the same thing!!! I am thinking of all the things that I want to eat...but I tell myself that its only 3 weeks...and then back to "normal"....well somewhat!!!!

I feel good by the way. Have been up and about. Very very "gasy" how long does that last??? Any clue???

I've had tuna (4oz.) with Home made roasted peppers chopped up about the size of a pea...then took about 6 croutons cut them in half.. and would have the tuna with roasted pepper on top with a piece of the crouton..and it does not bother me. and i hear about liquids and mushy foods not being able to stay down, I'm not getting it can there be something wrong w/ my band? I feel like i can eat solids too i took a bite of my wife's pizza right after i finished my tuna and nothing..mind you I was banded 10 days ago.. in other words i don't feel like i have to blend anything..

I've had tuna (4oz.) with Home made roasted peppers chopped up about the size of a pea...then took about 6 croutons cut them in half.. and would have the tuna with roasted pepper on top with a piece of the crouton..and it does not bother me. and i hear about liquids and mushy foods not being able to stay down, I'm not getting it can there be something wrong w/ my band? I feel like i can eat solids too i took a bite of my wife's pizza right after i finished my tuna and nothing..mind you I was banded 10 days ago.. in other words i don't feel like i have to blend anything..