I was banded 1 week ago today and starting to eat mushy/soft food. So even though there is no fill in the band there is still a smaller open area? I may/should feel a bit of resistance with some foods? If I decided to eat a spoonful of Peanut Butter (won't but lets just say) then it would probably cause a problem?

I'm confused obviously! :thumbup:

It varies person to person, but the majority of people don't feel any restriction before the first fill when the band is empty. I felt a little restriction for the first 3 days post-op with my liquids, but when the swelling went down, I had no restriction at all. And actually I didn't have any restriction after my first fill either. I just had my second a few days ago, but am still on liquids so I don't know how much restriction I have now.

You may or may not feel like you have restriction, which is why its called 'bandster hell', but just be careful with your food and portion choices. This part of being banded definitely takes some will power and self control. And just focus on healing. If you lose some weight, its a bonus (and if you are careful with what food you choose, it is very possible to lose weight without restriction...I have lost 30 pounds since my surgery without restriction through good food choices and exercise). Good luck!

There are no dumb questions, only dumb people!:thumbup:

Every person is different, I didn't feel any restriction after surgery, and some people don't need hardly any saline at all to feel totally different! You may feel whatever you feel (lame answer, I know)

People get stuck and say that it's absolutely miserable--don't risk it with something as sticky as Peanut Butter.

I was banded Aug 5th and I am just now not able to feel restriction. I am also still on mushy foods. I had to do 2 weeks of liquid. So I believe everyone is different just as was said above.

Want to be free- I was also banded a week ago, and like you, I only had to do 1 week of liquids! I'm also on the mushies/soft foods stage. My dietician made menus for me, and a tablespoon of peanut butter is actually an option for a snack. My education nurse did say that in her opinion, peanut butter shouldn't be added in until 2-3 months out. I've been too scared to try it out though! :thumbup: