Can someone please try to explain to all of us new bandsters how our new stomach should feel? I am having a hard time trying to work with this new tool. I have very strictly stuck to liquids the first three days post surgery, and only yesterday added "mushies". This a.m. I had a 1/2 cup of applesauce and a bottle of water and somehow I now feel a very fullness in my chest. I am thinking that I need to drink a protein drink or something since it is mid-day. So... describe some of the sensations that you have felt and maybe some remedies. Thanks for your advice in advance.

If you are tight, which you probably are at day 3 post-op, and you eat too fast, you might get a pain in your chest...at the very least, an uncomfortable feeling. Some describe it as a golf ball stuck in your chest. This means you need to eat slower and take smaller bites. Wait longer in between bites. This is your band telling you to take it easy. Just know that it won't be this way for long. It will slowly get easier and easier to eat normally, although you will always need to slow down, take smaller bites, and chew lots and lots. For post-op, if you get any sensation in your chest, smaller bites and slow down. If it doesn't improve, back to liquids for another day or two. Take it easy, listen to your body, and go ahead and drink that protien drink. You need your liquids and protien. As long as ou aren't too hungry, wait on the applesauce until it's more comfortable.

Does that help? If not, ask again?

I'll try to explain, but know that everyone is different.

Full: I'm disinterested in the rest of my food. I feel warm in my belly. I'm satisfied but not sick. This feeling sticks around for a while.

Gas: Gas feels like a lot of pressure pressing against my stomach. I usually feel a little sick to my stomach but it goes away after a little bit.

Restriction: If you're refering to something being stuck or the pouch being too full- I feel that in my throat. It feels like there is a ball of food stuck there. It doesn't hurt until my esophogus decides that it needs to contract to try to move it down but can't because my stoma is little. Once it moves through the stoma, I'm usually hungry again.

Being stuck is not the same as being full.

That's why those hard Proteins are crucial to staying full longer. Right now, follow your doctors rules and just take note of the new sensations. You'll figure it out as you go. Great question, and I'm sure others will describe things they feel as well.

Megan

Thanks, I just switched back to liquids and things seem to be doing better. So thanks for all of your advice.