I have yet to have my 1st fill, not until June 19, and can pretty much eat anything, and I feel like I'm getting lazy with my chewing, is this bad? I kow I should be in the habit now, b/c once a fill happens, I know I'll need to be chewing better and more. But I also feel like I'm eating too much, I"m still dropping weight slowly, but I know I'm eating too fast and then I get that OH CRAP! I'm too full, and wondered if it's bad b/c my pouch could stretch??? I don't wanna do any damage this early in the game, banded almost 5 weeks. I feel like a failure b/c I was doing so well, and my portions feel like they are out of control, but it's good food, not bad or fried. Is this just the bandster hell before my fill? I just don't wanna stretch my pouch.....is it over time, or overeating a few times can it stretch?

After I finished the five weeks and was put on stage 4 for food. I felt that I could eat more then what I was told. Then continued for another four weeks. When I went into the doctors I lose 25 pounds total in 2 months. I was told carbs will stretch your stomach rice, breads, and pasta so I was told take it easy on them and add them in in moderation. I also feel out of control because I can eat as much as before, but the only difference it is more healthier. I decided to put myself back on stage 3 for a week and 4 after my fill just to see if I can get back to the fullness again. After my fill, I didn't see much difference I could still eat and drink the same.

Katie: from what I understand, pouch stretching is mostly an over time thing. Consistently eating just a bit more than you should, day after day, is going to eventually stretch you out. It can also cause other problems like esophageal dilation.

What I do is only serve up the portion that I think I should be eating and no more than that. That helps me with not over doing it.

Maybe you can try something like that prior to your fill. Chances are, most of your food is just dropping straight through, but you don't want to stretch out your pouch too much by eating too fast and not chewing enough, stacking up a bunch of food in there.

I doubt you've done any damage this early. So no worries. Just keep working at those portion sizes.

Katie...Hang in there. You are just losing the swelling around the band in the stomach after surgery, and you can eat some more.

It sounds as if you may need to step up your protein consumption to meet your hunger??? Do you talk to the nutritionist?? If you lap band doc does not have one, find one you can talk to. I am 11 days post op and still on clear liquids, and will be on liquids and soft foods until the end of June. I am NOT hungry. I used to eat tons, 24/7...but I know the proteins help. I drink clear Isopure (from GNC) and use Unjury powders and it really boosts that protein for me. My doc wants us to get 50-60 grams a day. Remember, this is a tool and we have to work with it. It is not a struggle anymore, just a job. Good luck, and get some medical advice about that protein. Christy

Thanks guys, I feel a bit better, I feel like I'm just eating a lot more than i did two weeks ago, hopefully my fill will help, and i'm going to get in that protein! I just don't wanna fall back into old habits KWIM? You all are the best thanks!

I know what you mean! I've had two fills so far and really don't feel much restriction at all! I am still slowly loosing weight but I feel more hungry and am also worried that I will eat too much food! Some of my old cravings are coming back and it is hard not to reach for junk food! I've managed so far, i was banded on 1/31/08. I have lost weight...55 pounds (forty more to go) but I really wanted to feel more satisified with less food! I guess I will call and schedule another fill, see if that makes a difference! Good luck!!