I was banded 10/23/08 and have had 2 fills. The last one got me to a good spot, and I'm finally out of Bandster Hell and losing weight again!

I was wondering what those of you who are at good restriction feel like when you eat. For me, I'm generally OK, but I tend to feel a little stuck toward the beginning of every meal. I get a little sliming, but don't need to PB to get unstuck. It's not painful or anything -- just uncomfortable. After I get stuck that one time, generally the rest of the meal is smooth sailing (I am taking small bites and chewing a lot, of course). Is that what it feels like for you, too? Or, are you having a different experience?

Also, is anyone else finding it really hard not to drink during meals when you're eating with others? I am finding that really challenging.

Thanks and Happy New Year to all!

Catherine

I have had 3 fills and nothing like you describe yet! Good for you already doing so well! I will say it is HARD to not drink with meals, partly because it's such a habit! and partly because things seem REALLY salty to me when I can't have liquid. It makes a big difference in how full I feel and how long I feel that way, though, so I tough it out. But it really is odd to me how hard it is!

I have not been stuck yet and have had two fills. One at surgery and one in December. I have 4cc in a 10cc band.

When I had my second fill in December, I immediately felt the restriction. For about two weeks I could go for 6-7 hours without food. Now, I am going 4-hours without food.

It is hard to not drink during a meal. I don't keep any fluids near me when I am eating, so I can avoid the issue. The great thing is, my doctor allows me to drink all the fluid I want right before the meal. The bad thing is, I have to wait at least 60-minutes after a meal before I can have fluids.

Every doctor has their own requirements.

I had light restriction at the beginning of my first couple of fills. That quickly wore off after 2 weeks. I am now on my 4th fill and feeling restriction - I have 6cc in a 10cc band.

I find that I can eat very small meals - 1/2-3/4 cup food, depending on density of protein. If I eat to fast I will quickly feel that overfull feeling and will occasionally slime, no PB yet! Thank goodness. I am full for at least 3-4 hours between meals.

I really have not had too many issues with drinking during meals. I started practicing pre-band and have tried to keep it up! I always look at the clock when I finish eating and look to see when 1 hour will have gone by. At that point I start drinkin'! Sometimes it is hard to go the full hour if I had something salty. I try to avoid too much salt, but sometimes it just happens.

If I go out to eat, I just tell them I don't want anything to drink and pass on the water.

A bit off topic.........I've seen references to PB. What does that stand for? What does it mean? I was banded on 12/11/08 and am not scheduled for a fill until 1/12/09.

Thank you

A bit off topic.........I've seen references to PB. What does that stand for? What does it mean? I was banded on 12/11/08 and am not scheduled for a fill until 1/12/09.

Thank you

PB= productive burp...as when food gets stuck above your pouch or above your band...won't go down (for whatever reason....too full? didn't chew well?) so it has to come back up. Usually no stomach bile is associated. It hurts because your esophagus really spasms to eject it. I haven't ever done it and hope I never do.

Sliming is concurrent and is LOTS of saliva that the body produces in a desperate attempt to lubricate the offending bolus of food, hoping it will GO somewhere! :wink2:

You CAN slime and not PB, but I think if you PB, there's usually some slime involved. Lovely, huh?