I'm 6 weeks post op, and not due for my fill until the 19th, I was chewing REALLY well in the weeks post op, but as things got looser and food went down fine, I know I don't chew as much as I should and my bites are big....is the chewing for when you have a fill and so things don't get stuck?

There is a serious learning curve to living with this band........just like any other 'band' - you gotta practice, practice, practice.

well said and something for me to ponder..... i havent been filled yet (only 2cc's) when i had my band done and feel no restriction...

I don't get my first fill untill next week but I have made a point to try to train myself to chew, chew, chew which is a strange feeling and difficult habit for me to put into practice............. eventually I just get tired and move on to other things...........!!

I started after surgery with chew chew chew. I got lax over time, things went down OK. Thennn . . . restriction came and I had to relearn my bandster habits.

It is good to get in the habit now . . . even if it is not as necessary due to lack of restriction, because there will be times when you will learn painful and unpleasant lessons in following the bandster rules.

Even now if I forget or swallow too fast - I can feel it in my chest - oh the pain!! I can't imagine what it going to be like when the fill is in place............

Once you have restriction, you'll learn to chew well or else!