CathyAPA

I'm glad I was able to help, sherrydarlin. Let me try to set your mind at ease again. You have not emptied your band. The slime is NOT the saline from your band. I can't tell you precisely what it is, although I suspect it's a combination of saliva and other digestive juices, but the sliming seems to happen when something gets stuck going down. If you can't get solid food down, try liquids again for a day and then go back to solids. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. If you're still having a problem, or you can't even get liquids to go down, get ahold of your Dr. right away. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

I have to confess, I'm confused as to what I should be feeling too. My weight loss is very good (52 lbs. since 12/1/08), but I almost always feel as if I could just eat and eat. I DO watch my portions and make careful food choices. I keep a daily log of what I eat and exercise at least 4 times a week as well, all of which, I'm sure, contributes to the weight loss. Basically, what I'm saying, is I'm not sure if I really "feel" the band. When I had my first fill last month, I could feel a slight "catch" in my throat when I drank a cup of Water. The water seemed to hang there a moment and then I felt it slide down. The Dr. seemed satisfied that I was feeling as I should and sent me on my way. That feeling lasted for about a week or so and then completely went away. I could eat anything without any problem. I've never had any nausea, vomiting, PB'ing, or the sensation that something was stuck. Either I'm doing eveything very, very right, or I'm missing something. All that being said, I had a second fill yesterday. The Dr. was reluctant to give me one as I had lost 8 lbs. since the last fill and he felt that was excellent. After much discussion, he agreed to a fill as I was so unsure wether or not I really was feeling restriction. He wanted to prove a point to me, so he gave me a greater fill than I needed and had me drink. Well, I certainly felt that and it hurt! The water entered the pouch and went nowhere. He quickly drew out some saline and I felt it all release and the pain went away. He re-adjusted the fill and settled at an additional 1.6 cc.'s for a total of 4.6 cc.'s in a 10 cc. band. He sat me down and told me that sensation I just had was what I would feel if I overate or if I had something get stuck (or , obviously had an overfill). It was not the way I should ever feel when I ate or drank. "Feeling the band" meant I should be comfortably full (i.e. satisfied) after about 2 oz. of Protein with 1/2 cup of veggies or other sides. It doesn't mean I should feel "clamped down" or tight. He also told me to be patient. My weight loss so far is ahead of the curve and I'm doing very well. I think I do understand better what he means by restriction. I certainly don't think I'll need (or want) another object lesson again, although I AM glad for the demonstration. At least I know, for a certainty, what I shouldn't feel.

I was 304 when I started my pre-op liquids on 12/1. My surgery was on 12/16 and I was 290. As of today, 2/9/09, I'm at 264!

Even though 6 weeks seems to be the average, everyone's different. I was banded on 12/16 and still have not had a fill. At 6 weeks my Dr. felt my weight loss was ahead of the curve (40 lbs. since 12/1) and giving me a fill at that time was unnecessary. To be honest, I was still feeling pretty full when I ate, so I agreed with him. In the past week, however, I've started feeling hungry even after I've eaten, so I guess it's probably time for me now. I do have another "fill" appointment in 4 weeks, but I'm not sure I can make it that long. I've been keeping my portions small, but I definitely don't want to start eating more to feel full! If I feel it's going to get away from me, I'll be calling him sooner than the appt. All I can say (for both of us) is to hang in there and trust your Dr. If you feel you're ready for a fill, let him know. Good luck!

After a bit of experimenting, I found that Fiber Choice chewables work well for me. I haven't noticed any gas or bloating and I seem to be able to go at least every other day without problems.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good tasting, low carb, reasonably low-fat Protein bar? I see lots of suggestions on Protein drinks, but I'm looking for something I can CHEW!:cursing: I had my banding on 12/16 and have moved on to soft solids, but I know I'm not getting enough protein from the amount of food I'm eating. I've lost 35 lbs. so far, including 11 pre-op, and I'm thrilled! I'm also anticipating my first fill tomorrow. I've still got lots to learn, but I know I'm on the right path (finally). Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks to both of you for the suggestions. I will check these out right away.

Hi! My name is Cathy ( I go by CathyAPA here) and I was just banded on December 16th. My surgeon was Dr. Lee Grossbard and the procedure was done laproscopically. Since December 1st., when I began the pre-op Optifast diest, I have lost 20 lbs. I still have some discomfort on my left (port) side, but otherwise I think I'm doing well. I go back to the Dr.'s on 12/30. Hopefully I will have lost more by then. Greetings to all and I look forward to reading the many posts here.