What I am noticing is that I can eat pretty much whatever I want (low fat foods) but nothing gets stuck going down and I can swallow my large vitamin pills - I do get full way faster than I used to - I eat less than half of what I used to at each meal but is it because my band is the Realize Band and is a larger band therefore there is more room for food to go to the bigger stomach? I am so confused about this. I have only felt like something is stuck in my esophagus a couple of times and that was right after surgery. I have not had a fill yet - not until early August so am looking forward to it so I can eat less than I can now.

I have the realize band also and I have the same exact questions. I have felt full a few times..and some pain...but I'm worried that I might have stretched my new pouch and I dont know how to find out if i did or not. I do know that I cant eat pasta or drink soda...so that is telling me that there is restriction somewhere,. I am up to 4 cc's in my band so far.

i am not sure what kind of band i have but i take my time chewing my food to make sure nothing will get stuck.. and one time i didn't chew good enough and i felt a lump going down and i had to drink some water to push it and i learned from that point... take your time and chew.. to answer your question prob. not.. even tho u may not have a restriction u still have one u know what im saying.. u have a object around your stomach so it is still restricting the amt of food that can go thru u know.. Congrats on eating less also...

Remember the real point of the band is to help you feel satiated for a longer periods of time - and to think less about food between meals. Not really to have lots of restriction. You do want the band to help you with cutting off your hunger and you will get there as you get fills.

I have decided to hold off on them as long as I can and really try to eat thoughtfully and change as many habits as I can. I know I can use the band more when I will need to. But I also know that I have to be in control of stopping - we can always eat more than we should, even with the band. Especially the wrong types of food.

It has been surprising to see how little food I actually need to get full. And how much I actually used to eat just for the sake of eating. I still struggle with wanting to eat more between meals and being hungry. And I know it can take some time to find the right balance for you and the band.

But it is good to be able to eat real foods in limited quantities and NOT have them be stuck too. I don't think you should have to have that type of restriction be a goal.