I understand where the band is placed and how it restricts the amount you can eat. I'm wondering if someone could explain, in just a little more detail, the actual digestion process.

So...

1) Food goes to the little pouch and you feel full.

Then what happens?

(I know about PBing, golf balls, getting stuck, etc...I'm just wondering about when everything's working how it's supposed to.)

The food will slowly pass through the stoma (the area where the band is...imagine an hourglass). How fast the pouch empties depends on how tight the band is (restriction). It will pass into the lower stomach and continue through the digestion process as always. At current restriction a 3/4-1 cup meal keeps me satisfied for about five hours, sometimes longer.

Thanks Jodi.

So, same with liquid? I know you're not supposed to drink with meals because it can push food down faster, but then how does a protein shake keep you feeling full? Is the band just tight enough that thicker liquid is still slow to pass through?

Edited July 16, 200917 yr by DodgerFan

I have had fills under fleuro and the water passes right through the band. Because shakes are thicker they pass through a little more slowly. I know for me, even 2% milk goes down a little slower than water. But really the shakes never really kept me full like solid food does. That is why we are told that once we have healed and gone back to solid foods post-op we should be eating solid food for each meal.