Based on my experience, I totally agree with you family. If you felt like you could chew and eat things comfortably then do it. I was banded in August of 2009 and I think I was eating somewhat solid food right out of the gate. I don't quite understand why some docs require you to be on a liquid diet for so long - perhaps to avoid complications. Obviously, I am not saying attempt to eat as you were pre surgery, but this band is a 'tool' (the reference that drove me absolutely out of my mind years ago, but describes it accurately) and during this entire process you will learn to work with this tool. Funny thing is - the directions continue to change along the way and what may have worked early on no longer works. In short, if you are comfortable eating small bites and such - you are not going to hurt anything.