I have had my third fill. Been banded for 8 months. I have lost 52lbs and am afraid to get another fill because I cannot eat meat for Breakfast or lunch....hurts like *you know what* going down, so much so that I just loose my appetite and stop eating at all. The pain of food going down is insaine. Although I eat half as much as I used to for dinner, it still seems that I can eat way too much. When it comes to dinner at the end of the day, I can eat quite a bit and any meat I want - steak, chicken, (not having much luck with fish though), and I have no problem with Pasta (which I probably shouldn't be eating, but is about the easiest thing to eat at this time).

Is anyone having this problem? Is it normal? Can you share with me your experiences after your 3rd fill. I appreciate it.

if you are following the rules (small pencil-eraser sized bites chewed at least 20 times) and are still in misery, you're probably too tight. Try following the rules of eating slowly, small bites, chewed to oblivion, and if that doesn't work, call your doc!

Hi Ddem. I had no restriction after surgery, no restriction after my first and second fills, but LOTS of restriction after my third fill too. That fill put me to 5.9 cc's in my 10cc band. I am much tighter in the morning too - tiny bit better by lunch - and much better most evenings. Had a LOT of PBing right after my fill (December 18th). I had not been practicing the TINY bites, chewing LOTS, and taking breaks between bites. Now I HAVE to do those things - and even that doesn't always help. I am much better now, but not scheduling a fill anytime soon. I am eating less, feeling fuller, and feeling full longer - so happy about that. I think once you get restriction, it takes some time to get used to it - did for me anyway. Lots of trial and error and I have found some foods that I just can't eat....for now anyway. The thing that I find kind of weird is.... I can eat something one day and it goes down fine, and the next day (same band, same fill, same food) it gives me problems. One day at a time has been my motto since getting my band - may be forever. I love my band!!! Good luck to you!! Becky

Thanks Becky. You were spot on with everything you said. It is not like I am a newbie at this - I have been doing this for over 8 months so it isn't like I don't know the "rules". Doesn't matter how small the bites or how slow I eat...some food goes down fine one day, then the next, I cannot tolorate it. My husband is ready to stop going out to eat with me. :thumbup: I find that eating a smart-one or a lean cuisine is ok for lunch as long as it isn't a meat paddy (like a salsbury steak thingy). I am just worried about my protein, I was told after surgery to get 90 grams a day in. I find it impossible without a protein bullet! I have gone through the loosing hair, flaky fingernails that won't grow and all that phase, but I was just wondering how much protein do you need after 8-9 months post surgery. Anyone know???

Oh, I forgot to mention...after 3 fills, I have 6.5 cc's in a 10cc band.

I have to have 60 grams of protein every day and I think that will be forever. I usually get that in with my protein shake for breakfast and my other 2 meals. If I don't, I mix a scoop of unflavored whey protein powder (21 g. of protein - GNC) in with a yogurt at night and that puts me over. I too use Smart Ones and Lean Cuisines. I can eat most of them - not the pasta, pizza, or sandwhich kind though. I know what you mean about eating out. PBing at home is one thing - in public.... that's another story. Good luck to you and keep in touch. Becky

Thanks to all for this post and the replies. I am having almost the exact same problems but I haven't lost nearly the weight you have. I am going to try keeping a closer watch on my Protein, drinking more Water less coffee (with sugar free creamer). I also have not been good at exercising but I am doing better and have found some buddies to exercise with some days which helps. I also just bought a book that was recommended in another thread and I hope that it helps.

Failure is not an option!

I just had my third fill two weeks ago, and I can relate!! I have trouble drinking WATER first thing in the morning. I think I just hadn't had to really follow the rules as closely before - taking small bites, eating slowly. It has eased up a little this week, but I have PB'd more than I ever had. My surgeon said it loosens up after more weight is lost and the tissue around the band gets looser, so I'm hanging in there.