I've been banded for two weeks and was supposed to start on mush today. I was extremely busy at work and only had time for two Protein shakes. No way could I have eaten slowly and carefully. This evening I tried my first meal of tuna salad. Took about four very small bites and felt a slight fullness in my chest and stopped. Did I stop too soon? I know I haven't taken in nearly enough calories or protein today. I'm just so afraid of pain or PBing, I guess I'm being super-conservative.

This band thing is so weird. It's like learning to live with a new and temperamental body part.

Nancy

Hi Nancy

I'm also 2 weeks out and started mush yesterday. I had the same feelings as you. I was really hungry and looking forward to some mush, but was afraid to eat too much. I also stopped eating with very little food - and felt OK. I'm also a little hesitant to add food since it will be some many more calories than I had the last 2 weeks. I don't want to stop the weight loss. But I also know I don't want to go into a starvation mode.

I'm going to try a little more today.

Good luck.

Mary

I had the same experience. Just take it slowly, and if anything makes you uncomfortable go ahead and stop. You don't have to rush headlong into solid food at every meal; just try a little something with texture at lunch or dinner and see how it goes.

You'll be fine!

I feel like an old pro...and I'm only 2 months out!

Do not push yourself to eat if it is uncomfortable. At this point your body is healing. Anything before 6 weeks post up is during the healing stage and you want to give your body a rest.

If you don't lose weight during this period, don't sweat it.

Whenever you try to eat something..and all of a sudden you have a strange feeling...STOP.

Step back..and evaluate...stay on liquids another day...try again..perhaps something different...softer/wetter...try again.

Believe me you'll get there and be happier and healthier.

Lori in PA

Thanks for the support everyone. I got a little braver today and ate mush all three meals, so far so good.

Mary, hope the mush phase is going OK for you too.

Nancy

...and I'M two weeks out and moved to solids pretty quickly...the doctor's nutritionist said it was okay as long as I chew/chew/chew. (Will the word "chew" ever stand-alone with us again?!) I had bad diahrrea until I moved into more solids.

Which just goes to show you how everyone is different.

I'm a big believer in listening to your body. It's also important to try one food at a time to know what works and what doesn't. There have been few foods I've had trouble with (if PB'ing is the big indicator).

From my own observations on this and other boards, people who wait longer to introduce solids tend to keep their initial restriction a little longer...and keep the weight loss coming in the healing stage.

I think you're wise to be conservative.

Take care,

Elizabeth

8/28/03