I try eating like a "bandster" now before I am banded to get practice but I can not do it. It seems like I can't enjoy my food because I am thinking if I am chewing enough and if it would get stuck when I have the band. Also all that chewing seems to take away the pleasure. If a bit of food gets pass your throat this is not chewed enough does it come right up and is it always unpleasant?

Is this true for those that have the lap band?

I think I know what you are saying. At first I had a hard time with chewing well. I was so used to swallowing mouthfuls of partially chewed food that taking small bites and chewing well somehow didn't feel as satisfying. But I think it is just because it was habit. Once the bad habit was broken I was able to enjoy eating with the new rules...It just takes a while to adjust. I wasn't able to really do it until after I was banded. I now enjoy my food even more than I did pre-band because I take my time to enjoy the taste and texture.

Once you are at restriction, if you do not chew properly it is extremely uncomfortable. Have you ever taken a hard swallow of a drink and gotten an air bubble stuck in your chest? If so that is what not chewing/not taking small bites feels like. Only it can last longer. Sometimes it comes back up and sometimes you have to suffer it out until it passes. That alone will make you want to eat properly!

Wow Jodi I am impressed with your stats! Way to go...thank you for replying and your inspiration. I always wondered what being stuck really felt like! Ouch but this can be a motivator I see.

I agree with Jodi. I tried to eat as a bandster pre-band also and also gave up. It was hard. Now, it is almost effortless. Once you have felt that pain, you do not want to feel it again. I just have to remind myself to eat slowly and carefully the first few bites then I just eat and am fine. Don't worry, you will be fine.

I still enjoy eating most foods. There are some that I have had, like popcorn, that are just nasty after they have been chewed to death. For the most part, though, food is still very yummy. It is good that you are starting to eat like a bandster now. This will probably help you from becoming "stuck". It is hard to get adjusted to all that chewing!

Good Luck!

I enjoy food more than I ever have before in my life. Small portions, eating slow, savoring food have made a tremendous difference. Also I choose quality over quantity now and take time to enjoy it.

I realize that with overeating, I don't think I ever even "tasted" more than the first bite or two. I wasn't consciously eating, just filling a void. Now I eat to fuel my body and it is a whole different experience, and infinitely more enjoyable then in the past.

Thank everyone for replying ...I guess that's part of the job of the band beside restriction. Also was wondering about snacking...think I will post a separate thread.