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I do and I don't think everyone does. It happens when I 1) Eat other than a place where I am supposed to eat, ex. the computer or not at the table. 2) Eat when I haven't eaten in 4 hours. 3) Certain foods like fish and chicken have to be chewed and eaten very slowly and mindfully ...I have to work on this more..it's not easy if you are distracted or used to eating fast. 4) Eat foods that expand when digested such as breads, etc. You will learn to live with the band and it will be worth it but it's not a cake walk trust me.. I am not a rule follower which is huge if you are going to get the LB and not want to do any of the above. Remember that you won't have 100% restriction in the beginning though so it will be easier then get more difficult.

I agree, just enjoy it. When you hit the 1 to 2 lb per phase it can get kindof boring. Be sure to keep your liquids up too to keep yourself hydrated. Not everyone on this forum is lucky enough to experience a fast start. I did and it bummed me out when I slowed down. Now i'm a steady loser and people are starting to notice. Don't forget to start adding in replacement activities for your NEW LIFE! Keep up the good work!

Hi: Did your doc do a barium swallow to check to make sure your band is in position? Are you eating too fast? I had to use a one minute timer to slow down because I would have pain and discomfort after four small bites if I ate too fast. Those are the things that come to my mind. My gallbladder pain went to my back, but the time of pain varied - not usually when I was eating. Hope you feel better soon. Sue

HELLLLLOOOOOOOO!!!!! Hey fellow band members its me again I think this has become an addiction to get on here since everybody has something to say and valuable info. I have a protein shakes which are really good and all that but I want a change. I went to net grocer and order some peach halves in light syrup, wheat thins, rice cakes, slim fast and fruit chillers which is frozen fruit. I work in Iraq so its kinda hard to find the food that I need to make healthy choices which is the reason I ordered what I did. I know that we are supposed to have sugar free what ever but unfortanley all the food that I order is not as such. I just recently started drinking a lot of water. Anyhow I'm getting off subject. I wanted to know if the choices that I made from net grocer okay or does anybody have any food reccomendations and also how much sugar if any is okay to consume. I havent had a fill since I've been banded and I noticed that I am taking in more food which is the reason for so much water to keep me full and to make sure I dont gain anything I lost already. I plan on getting a fill when I go home on vacation in June but I just need some helpful info to see if my choices are bad or okay. Any help you guys got would be great. :smile: You guys are a great support system and I really do thank all of yall for being here it makes my struggle that much easier to know I have people I can turn to that know what I'm going through. Thanks again guys!!! LAter, B.

It sounds like you got hit with a double whammy - the dreaded week three stall and your period. Relax, there is nothing you can do about it. Stick to your plan, hide the scale, and drink more Water if you can. I just went through this about 2-3 weeks ago. The scale has started moving for me again, not quite as fast though.

Only twice so far have I eaten things that didn't agree with me - ricotta bake, and now avocado. First I get nauseous but it is soon trumped by stabbing kidney pain. I'm on week 4 and get in at least 48oz of Water plus a shake, so I don't think it's dehydration. Am I alone in this? Has it happened to anyone else? My food was mushed and I was reading for school, taking a bite each page so I know it wasn't eating too fast (think that might have been the ricotta error) and it was smashed up really well. I put lemon juice and salt on it.

Well, part of that depends on how tight it is and how tall you are...a few pounds on someone tall like me doesn't make as much of a difference in sizes. I'd also be asking myself how much you've been able to lose in a month on your own before the LB...I wouldn't count on the first fill helping much if you look at the odds. Third, I'd be checking with the dress shop to see how fast you can exchange for a different size. I agree with above, if you're working out a lot you can probably lose about 2 pounds a week on your own if your watching the calories. Good luck!! -BG

I really don't think eating too fast is really going to be much of an issue for your (at least not as much as you think). During the first few weeks/months post op, you'll eat slowly--because if you don't you're feel like total crap and puke. Maybe you'll do that once or twice and you'll change your behavior to avoid the consequences. Later on--after you heal--and are able to eat normal food, eating fast won't cause you to feel sick--then it's the same as it is now. You need to change your behavior so you can recognize when you're full and not eat so quickly that your brain doesn't have time to register what's going on in your stomach. This is just something that takes practice. If you're a fast eater, it's also something you may screw up from time to time. You'll be ok though. You need to follow the rules, but if you screw up a few every now and then--no biggie. It's only when you ignore them altogether that you will have significant problems.

Ok I was so worried lol my body will tell me when I'm full by my nose running .I Amway measure my food because I'm so scared of that pain people describe when they over eat and I hate to throw up so I'm doing all I can to avoid it. Only one time I slamed a 20oz Protein shake to fast and that made me feel horrible so I stick to drinking 11oz fast lol Sent from my LG-H811 using the BariatricPal App

Maybe you are taking too large of a drink and drinking too fast. Try smaller sips and waiting a while between swallows. If you're not able to keep Water down at all, don't wait, dehydration can come on pretty fast.

So yesterday was Day 5, and it was the first day that I woke up in my own bed since surgery in Mexicali. I had an ambitious menu planned for how I would get all my protein in. Since I can't consume more than a sip of liquid at a time without feeling awful, I set my phone to chime every 15 to 20 minutes to remind myself to take another sip. Not only that, but I woke up at around 6:45am and took what was supposed to be a 15 minute walk, which actually ended up a 33 minute walk! OK, so far so good. But then around 11am or so, I felt confident enough to drive about 5 miles away to run some errands. I made a foolish decision to put on a girdle because I thought that would hold everything together well (sort of like a compression garment). The problem is, it was way too tight. 5 minutes into my ride I was really regretting my decision. I was really uncomfortable and worried that I had done damage to my stomach. OK fast forward. I got back home, and continued on plan. By afternoon, my timer became unbearable. The gas was annoying. I was doing a lot more physical activity than I had planned, with my baby and also with climbing the stairs back and forth. By midnight, I had not met my nutritional goals. I was exhausted and for the first time in my life, I had a new thought: Food was a nuisance. I no longer had control of what I ate, my sleeved stomach did. And meals were no longer fun or appealing. Last night when I went to bed, I thought to myself, I'm not going to even bother with the timer. I'll just sip when I'm hungry. But I know that's not the right way to go about it. So here I am, once again, with the Isopure zero punch by my side, hoping today will be better. I just looked at my food log again, and I actually didn't do that bad as far as getting my protein in. I got approximately 71 grams (I originally thought it was around 60, but I forgot to add the punch). Today I'm taking it easy, no long walks, driving, or anything else. Today will just be a restful day (hopefully).

I had to do 14 days of Clear liquids. What helped me was getting a variety of different flavored products. After a few days of the Protein shakes, I was about to lose it so I switched to drinking mostly protein fortified broths (added unflavored protein). My favorites are: swanson reduced sodium chicken broth, miso easy (instant miso broth- pretty good stuff) and I got broth from a pho restaurant as well (I strained this). I was allowed sugar free Jello and popsicles too. I drank a variety of flavors of Powerade zero, different hot teas, and crystal light. I would recommend switching back and forth between sweet and savory things on the list . I know a lot of people will disagree with me, but for me, the pre-op fast was a lot harder than the first few days of post op, I am currently 5 days post op and am easily satisfied by the thin creamy Soups & Protein Shakes and water that I am allowed. No more all consuming hunger like there was during the pre-op diet.

There, there, there now...........it will be alright in a minute. When they insert the IV needle in the back of your hand, you will feel a little prick. My first ex- husband was a little prick! For a fact, once they get you placed on the operating table, the anesthesiologist may ask you to do something like counting backward from 100. So here you go......100, 99, 98...........Wake up Rena. Wake up. You're all done and you did really well. We will be taking you to you room soon. Pain from the surgery was never an issue for me. My sleeve was my 12th operation under anesthetic, with the least pain and easiest recovery. I had four miniscule incisions, and only the biggest one was uncomfortable for a couple of days. You have multitudes of bariatric brothers and sisters here to encourage you. I am rooting for you and expecting to hear soon that you are on your way to re-inventing yourself. The post-op diet is a mighty inconvenient aspect of this process, but once you get past the first month and back on regular cooked food that tastes like something, you will be surprised at how fast time flies. Hang in there, kiddo.

My pre-op diet is three protein shakes, 2 protein bars, and one meal of 5oz of meat with 2 cups of veggies. They told me I can use any type of protein shake, so I picked up some Slim Fast since I know I can tolerate those. I'm really glad I don't have to go all liquid. I'm pretty excited to start.

During weeks 1-4 if you are on liquids/purees, the restriction won't kick in. You'll feel the restriction when you go on solids. This is why the Dr. suggested to limit the purees by volume, to avoid taking in a lot of cals. (And I guess to train me in the proper portion sizes for later) After the surgery gas dissipated, I haven't experienced stomach pain. While eating or otherwise. Had some discomfort a couple of times when eating puree too fast (big spoonful, not waiting enough time in between) This is more or less what I followed. Week 1. Used a 2oz medicine cup. One every 10-15 minutes. More like 5 minutes toward the end. If too fast, would get stomach pain. Week 2. Liquid diet, protein shakes, etc. I could drink a protein shake (12 oz), in about 30 mins. Just a sip at a time, no particular wait in between. 3-4 shakes per day. Week 3 - 4. Pureed phase. 2 Shakes. 2 snacks. 2 meals (whatever protein was for lunch/dinner, pureed with salsa,broth or mayo). meals limited to 3 fl. oz. (~ 1/3 cup) Week 5. Solids. Dr. suggested 2 shakes, 1-2 snacks, and 2 meals. Meals consisting of 4 oz total. 2 oz protein, 1oz vegs. and 1 oz carbs (optional).

Good Luck and hope everything moves fast with the process!!

Oh heck yeah, I can totally relate. I was really worried about it before surgery too. I had made some small changes and lost some weight. I have been off reg AND diet sodas for almost a yr now. But I was still a fast food type person for the convenience, as well as the "gotta have it now" mentality. I didn't plan ahead and keep things on hand or prepare meals ahead of time. And that hunger I used to have, where I didn't wanna even take the time it required to cook before i shoved it in my mouth. But the sleeve has helped that, I don't get the omg I am starving, get in my belly NOW, feeling. I get a sort of empty feeling and kinda go by what time I ate last to confirm it is actually real hunger, not head hunger or acid. But I have to admit, I do mostly easy/convenient type foods at home. Cause to be honest, I don't know any other way of life,so I think as long as it's a good protein source and all, it's ok. I don't do the protein shakes as much, but I really like the taste and convenience of boiled eggs now. So I boil half a dozen or more at a time, to have on hand to eat, or to add to tuna/chicken salad, or make egg salad with. I've been babysitting this wk, and having to get up and leave WAY earlier than I am used to, so I have been taking my boiled eggs, cottage cheese, cans of tuna and chicken, my diet green teas, so I will have the ability to keep up with my protein. I use greek yogurt a lot not just cuz of convenience but it's high in protein and makes meat go down so much easier if I make it into dips. I add it to the tuna/chicken/egg salad. I use it in place of sour cream. I do string cheese and other cheeses a lot to add more protein to stuff. I will also take a whole bag of the frozen chicken breasts and put in the crock pot before bedtime, then the next day I divide it up into small portions and use some for chicken salad, some to dip in greek yogurt/w/ranch mix. I really like the hidden valley fiesta ranch mix. Or I will use other sauces and flavors like BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, white sauce (the kind that goes on bbq and smoked chicken) etc. to kinda change up each meal. You do have to watch the sauces for sugar and stuff, but some have fewer carbs than others. But I do eat a lot of chicken. lol. I like how the crock pot will make meat tender and fairly moist, I hate dry meat. But anyway!!! You are not alone!! And you have done a fabulous job losing 45 lbs pre-op, congrats!!! It seems to me, you are doing a good job of preparing yourself mentally for the sleeve and making positive changes. Give yourself some credit, and I am working on becoming more of a real cook, but until i master it, as long as I do protein first, I ain't gonna worry too much about it. The sleeve really does make it easier to stop and think and plan meals out, so you have that to look forward to!!

weird - i was just emailing you back Donali - worried that I may have insulted the whole of the USA, alluding that fast food was it's only influence on Irish culture..... I mean Dallas and Ben & Jerry's came too ! Kidding, just Kidding for all the humour impaired! And here you are in LapBandTalk at the same time! You're right tho, I was obsessed with fast food - my fridge was full of healthy stuff but I ate Big Macs or Whoppers three or four times a week - tomorrow it will be ten weeks since I have eaten any fast food and I can't believe either how the cravings have suddenly disappeared - not just that, i had been using way too much salt on food and recently find that "real" food tastes so great - I nearly always forget to put it on at all these days! My theory (more of my humble opinion) is, is that there is so much sugar and salt, not to mention chemicals added to fast food that everything else tastes bland in comparison - and you're right, Donali - junk food is never satisfying, you always leave craving more..... I'm too scared to go back to even small amounts of Mcdonalds etc in case my switch gets flipped to "on" and I'm back on the constant craving cycle....

You've come to this point because you feel that you need to act to protect your health. This is a long term commitment to yourself. Chances are that you will not experience the severe difficulty you anticipate. It won't be a walk in the park but you will find that your hunger will abate to some degree. I used to practice fasting, nothing but water for days on end. By the second day hunger was hardly an issue. You'll do fine.

I haven't gotten my surgery date yet, but I finished my six month weight management May 19. It was submitted to my insurance on May 26 - insurance received it on May 28, and found out I was approved for surgery yesterday, and will know when my pre-op appointment is today. They told me that I'll get my surgery date once I go to my pre-op. With my two week pre-op diet - I figure I'll have a July surgery date. (I hope)! So your surgery date will be depending on the surgeons schedule and how fast you get everything approved/scheduled. Good luck!!

I was a junk food slave...loved the worst foods possible...and you're 100% correct about your tastes changing. I was skeptical about this and thought people were just saying this...to motivate themselves away from unhealthy food...I thought it was purely Dumbo's magic feather. Nope...it's the real deal. I still love and crave sugary things like donuts. Candy still tastes really good, particularly chocolate. But greasy stuff and fast food are just not what they used to be. Tons of things I used to love have absolutely no appeal. Example... I used to love lasagna. Now, if I had my choice between a plate of lasagna and a bowl of vegetable bean soup...I'd go for the soup every time. I used to love french fries. If I had a choice between an order of greasy fries and a baked potato with black beans dumped over the top with salt and pepper...I'd want the potato...with green beans and a side of corn on the cob. If I had to choose between an Egg McMuffin and a bowl of oatmeal with nuts and berries...I'd go for the oats. I used to hate beans and fish. Love them now. I used to hate sweet potatoes. Love them. It's super weird. If I were reading my own words three years ago, I'd think I was delusional and making crap up to sound reformed. LOL. But no, very honestly...I PREFER a lot of healthier stuff and it's wonderful to finally WANT what's good for me.

It's been 2 years this month....lost 95 Lbs.... just ate those chips a little to fast...and they are sharp....seems to be OK now but I'm definetly monitorig it....

I find it funny that when in a bind I will get a Fast Food Kids Meal. So if I stop at Wendy's I will get the 4pc Cicken Nuggests $1.00 and the Value Size Fries $1.00... I can eat 4 or 5 fries and 2 nuggets and I am definately full! I am still amazed! And my wallet likes that it only costs me $2.00 as oppossed to the $8-9 meal I would eat before (and sometimes still be hungry)

Lol. So I had my surgery 11 days ago. I've able to eat and it seems handle softer foods that are whole. No completely on purpose. But hubby and I went to panera and I ordered a small French onion Soup and their baguette. So I get home and we eat I eat have my cup of soup with cooked onions in it. I ate was able to handle them. Now I'm starting to wonder if iMm going to fast for my baby tummy! Has anymore gone through this?

Drink what feels comfortable. Don't take big gulps, and you'll be fine. Fluids basically go straight through you. You're not going to stretch your sleeve. If you drink to fast, you'll feel uncomfortable and that is your signal to slow down.