1. After surgery I had about 2 days where I moved pretty slow & had gas pains here & there, but overall I felt great! I lived on clear broth for 2 weeks, then mushy foods for 2 more weeks so my new tummy could heal. You may want to rethink enjoying your favorites so soon after surgery. Think of food just as fuel while you heal and take it slow. Try and focus on something else about the holidays that bring you joy that does not involve food. I did that for the first time this Thanksgiving and not only did I lose 4 pounds, I had the best Thanksgiving I have had in years!

2. I don't always eat small bites, some habits are harder than others to break. But I don't eat HUGE bites anymore (like a whole sushi roll slice!). Most of the time I'm ok, but if I am not mindfull with foods like chicken, I am really sorry within seconds after taking too big of a bite.

3. I will never eat Sushi rolls again, and that has been a staple in my diet for years! White rice is not only not good for you, I hear it can get stuck easily...so bye bye Sushi. I also, by choice, have not had any bread or pasta. I do have rice, but it is brown & whole grain with no added sugar. I also don't eat any burgers (unless they are veggie burgers with no bun), pizza (tried it once & got stuck), chicken wings and anything fried. I have found new foods that I enjoy even more though, so I do not feel like I am missing out at all!

4. I don't plan on having my band removed ever! "Greta" and I are in it for the long haul!

I wish you the very best with your surgery! Please keep us posted on your progress!

I went to my siminar on 12/2/2010 amd my question to the doctor that does the surgery was is the band created to last a life time or does it have to be replaced after 10yrs or so,she told my that the material it was made from is to last you for the rest of your life,its not like tires on a car that need to be replaced after 3 yrs or so,but your fill ins do have to be checked like you check the air in your tires,(1)once a month...I would make sure this is the procedure that you wont before doing it,,Ive looked at the gastric bypass as well,you have to have your regular check ups but you dont have the restrictions like the band but you do have to watch what you eat always for the rest of your life and you will have to take vitimans ,Iron,and calicum with vit.d... this is with all the surgerys....

I felt perfectly fine 5 days after surgery. The soreness and gas pains were gone then. Its also when I started working out again. I was on mushy foods for 10 days then was able to eat normally. I was banded 7 weeks ago. I was very hungry and was able to eat everything I wanted. Sure, I tried to eat well....but I was able to anything and as much of it as I wanted. I was filled last week and I have found the only thing that gets stuck ( for about 10 minutes) was bread. I eat whatever I want, still. I dont even eat too small of bites of chew things that well. I eat normally. The only difference now is that I eat about 1/3 of what I sue to eat and it satisfies me. My problem is this: I have gained 5 pounds since being banded. I havent lost a thing! Im going back in for another fill in a few days. Im hoping that will help. I would have thought that eating much less ( good food) and working out 5 days a week would enable my body to shed at least a few pounds but that just isnt the case. I can tell you that my story is the exception according to what I read on here. I just want you to be prepared for your own journey. MOST people lose weight right of the bat. Im a little disappointed in spending 14K on this surgery and after 2 months have only gained weight. BUT.......I do believe it will eventually work.

Best wishes to you and please keep us posted

Hello soccermom10. It's a new life for you now, and that means eating very differently.

I had no sorness after surgey, I was able to move around as normally, for 2 to 3 days I had gas pains. But all in all I was doing great and feeling great.

You have to give your stomoch time to heal. so that means eating soft foods and clear broth. 2 weeks for each - 2 weeks of clear & 2 weeks of mushy.

On your 4th week you can start to eat the foods that was told to you. They should of givning you a list of foods to eat. And a list of foods that you can not eat.

Remember everyone is very different what I can eat maybe you can not. I can eat rice with gravy over it, I can eat shrimp, I can eat white chicken that is not dry and very most. Gravy will become your best friend. LOL.. I have always been a cook and I do recipe of the day here for all. Look for my post or go to my blog and see some of the recipes and how to prepare them, I do low in calorie foods.

Do not for get your protien drinks.. VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOU!!

I lived on clear broth for 2 weeks, then mushy foods for 2 more weeks so my new stomoch could heal.

Your band is there for life, and you will have to eat smaller bites and chew every thing well for the rest of your life. And after a while eating like a mouse we become 2nd nature to you, you will know longer look at like that, but as a way of life..

I'm 14 months into my Lap-Band.

This is my link to my blog .

All the best and good luck!

Hi there. I had my band put on about 8 weeks ago. I have lost 35 pounds. The first couple weeks I was on liquids and then went on to mushy foods. I have had two fills. I can eat everything just in smaller quantities and slower. The band is awesome. Just take it slow the first few days and make sure you walk . Good luck

Thank you for the advice! I am on my second day after surgery and still tired from all the pain meds but so looking forward to a nice hot shower tomorrow and a walk around the neighborhood.