Hi all, I couldn't find this info anywhere here - but I'm sure it is.

I was banded 10-16 and just started Stage 3, mushy foods. I am consciously chewing my food, and today I had fish twice - and each time shortly after starting eating, I felt a horrible pain, I imagine where the band is, right at the breastbone - a combo of nausea and squeezing - what did I do wrong? am I not ready for soft foods? I'm totally scared now that it happened again...any suggestions? Thanks, MLS

I'd advise consulting your surgeon or the nurse at the surgeon's office. Better safe than sorry.

thanks I will - but just wanted to know what it was and what I did wrong?!

It sounds like you're doing everything right. I never had severe pain when eating mushies, but I didn't swell too much. You may still be swollen inside and that could cause discomfort when eating. According to what you wrote, you haven't done anything wrong.

thanks for the reassurance. I look swollen, but think it's my abdominal hernia he "moved" during surgery. It's not hiatal, so it can wait to be fixed when I'm thinner - but it looks terrible now, LOL!

It's not just chewing food carefully, but also taking tiny tiny bites at this time. I recall having quite a few instances at first of discomfort when I tried to eat. You need to really slow down and listen to your body. You can NOT eat like you did before. The discomfort will go away as you learn the amounts your gut can accept and not over-tax yourself. It is trial and error and there IS a learning curve. When in doubt....eat SMALLER bites.

thank you Kacee - I'm sure you're right. I don't think I realize it's a whole new way of physically eating - I thought it was more of a lifestyle issue. I am now taking smaller bites and chewing thoroughly and haven't had that problem since - whew!!