I can't believe how well this is working. :thumbup: I wish I had done this years ago. It was wonderful to eat "soft foods" today. I had a scrambled egg for breakfast and I split 1/2 C of tuna for lunch and supper. HOW can I not be hungry??? Amazing.

You Go Girl!!!!! Loving the soft food stage!!!!!!!!!!!! Woo Hoo! Luv ya! You band buddy for life!

This journey has been amazing that is for sure!! I just love the taste of food. I also feel I wish I had done this years ago. But better late than never is my thoughts on the matter. I have been banded 5 months now and have lost 68 pounds I never did that on any other wt. loss plan. It has not been as hard as some other diets either. I eat my protein first and I always try to pick foods that will taste GOOD. Because I can not eat all that much. I call it my tiny tank syndrome. Lots of smiles and Best wishes I am off the the store to buy some Greek yogurt. imaluckydog

Hey Julie, great job, keep it up. I can't wait to get to the soft food stage. I am 4 days post op and have 12 more days of liquids before I can get there. I know you were estatic to finally taste food again. It is great that you feel full and are doing well. We are all proud of you. Keep us posted!!

First Fill News 1/3/2010

Christmas was wonderful....but I'm kind of glad that the temptation is OVER and done with.... whew! There was an abundance of chocolate candy, cookies and other treats where we spent Christmas!!!

I had my first fill 5 days ago, 12-30-2009. It really wasn't too bad. It didn't hurt any more than any other shot... (and not NEARLY as bad as my recent flu and tetanus shots!!) The appointment took less than 15 minutes and I was on my way.

The nurse completely obstructed me (via saline) at first. She said this was to help me understand how the process of swallowing will be changing a little...and to get an idea of the feelings I may experience. (She had me sip water until I was "tipped off" and then she released the saline, so I could feel the water drain through... it was a little strange, but not distressing. She again encouraged little tiny bites, eating slowly, eating protein first, no drinking with meals -- all of which I've been practicing for the past 6 weeks! I'm glad I've had some time to build up my new habits.

My hunger level has been fine over the past 6 weeks. even without a fill. I can easily go 4-6 hours between meals. It's actually kind of cool to hear my stomach growl... and to realize... oh, I need to eat something!

I haven't been able to eat much at a time. :smile2: Certainly not more than 1/4-1/2 a sandwich, hamburger, etc...depending on its size and the type of bread involved. (I oinch off a lot of the bread instead of eating it.) Mostly, I eat grilled chicken or baked turkey breast and soft veggies. I did have some wonderful roast this weekend that melted in my mouth! Swallowing has not been a problem. I do take little bites -- and I try to quit eating before I start to feel too full. The whole process is still amazing to me!

Now that I'm home, I'm exercising again. (There was WAY too much snow and ice where we were visiting over Christmas... and the temp was in the single digits! TOO cold for this southern girl!!) But now, I'm back to doing either 30 minutes on the treadmill or on the bike. Also doing a little bit with free weights and lunges. Just easing into it and trying to make exercise a daily habit.

Still AMAZED by the whole thing.... very happy and thankful that God provided this opportunity for me. :eek:

I hope anyone reading this is also experiencing positive results. HINT== Check out the thread that is all before-after pictures and you'll feel really motivated!! :smile: