I keep on reading posts where people say "Follow the Band Rules"...am i missing something?? What are the Band Rules??

Well, each surgeon has different recommendations for post-banding diets, but I think the following are some pretty universal "Band Rules":

Take small bites

Chew, chew, chew, chew, chew. And then chew some more.

Don't drink before, during or after meals. (This one has lots of variations. My surgeon says stop drinking 30 minutes before a meal and don't drink until 1 hour after.)

Eat your Proteins first.

I'm sure these will be added to as more people post.

yes Chew Chew Chew and Chew until its gross in your mouth! lol... I hate that part, becuz the foods start to taste weird after they are complete mush in your mouth.

My Dr. Says no water/liquids for 30mins after eating. (mainly becuz they dont want you to push the foods through) I cheat at this, sometimes I have to have a couple of sips of water or the food doesnt go down.. (but dont do it cuz I do)

I think thats it?! lol 3 meals a day 4-5 hrs apart

All of the above plus

Protein first, veggies second then carbs if you are still hungry.

Eat only when you are hungry and stop eating as soon as you are satisfied.

Once you are past the post-op stages and on solids, eat mainly solid foods that will stay in your pouch the longest avoid mushies and liquid meals. Also, for me, shakes are to be used as in-between meal supplements not Meal Replacements.

the rules i've set for myself are to stop eating AS SOON as i feel the least bit full. i've learned that if i take that "one more bite" i will end up PB'ing.

do NOT drink right after eating. the Fluid has no where to go since the food is "cloggin up the hole". sometimes i forget and i take a gulp of something and i'll end up PB'ing mostly just the liquid.

do NOT wait too long to go back to the doctor if you think you're too filled and can't keep any food down. i waited 2 months and WAY too many PB'ing episodes that i have stretched my stoma. (hopefully with my slight unfill for 2 months the stoma will go back to normal).

you learn what foods your body just will NOT tolerate anymore. for me it's bread. i don't care if it's fresh, toasted, crunchy, soft, covered in butter, eaten in tiny pieces.... i PB every time. so that means no sandwiches, no pizza, no garlic bread *sigh* i've had to accept that bread is no longer part of my life!

Edited October 6, 200817 yr by Kalipso2