I am 41 and I do hair at a salon and spa. I am about 6 weeks away from getting the band, and am starting to get a bit nervous. I have been very excited about getting the band, but the excitement is diminishing and fear taking ove. I sometimes have appointments back to back all day long and sometimes it is difficult for me to take even a few minutes to grab a quick bite. As it is now, when I do have 5 minutes I’ll go to the back and wolf down my food. This is worrying me because with the band I know I will have to eat very slowly and chew, chew, chew and chew some more. I am not allowed to have anything to drink (not even water) at my station. I have thought about keeping high protein shakes and soups around so that I don’t have to worry about chewing, but then I worry that I will be hungry all the time. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

How many hours do you work in a day?

I have an 8 hour "shift" at school (nursing student) and I just take a protein shake (same brand my doc told me to get for preop) It does the trick. I'm so busy I'm not hungry. If you are really that busy (and I know it gets that way) you won't be hungry either. The way you think about food will change. Unless you go 12+ hours or more (in which case, block off some time to eat.) you'll be fine!

OH and I can't snack or have anything to drink either (big no no at the nurses' station) and I do ok. Occasionally when I'm getting water for a patient I'll chug down a glass, and yes liquids go down fine. It's actually easier than preband, for me.

my hairstylist has the band and used to have the same problem. she usually has a protein shake with her, but i know that sometimes she will keep something to snack on in the back and go for 2-5 minutes in between appointments to chew a little, come back in half an hour, chew a little more, etc.

hope this helps and good luck!