Need Confirmation!!!

[TeganRheana 1]

Ok so 8 weeks ago I had .5ml put in my 10cc band which bought it upto 5.5cc, 3 days later I went back in and had .25ml taken out as I wasn't even able to drink liquids. 5 days ago I went back for another fill, this time he put in .5ml again, bringing me up from 5.2cc to 5.7cc and I'm just not sure how I'm doing. I am able to drink fluids (slowly), I am able to eat some minced meat (at night time ONLY), I am able to eat 2 cruskits (rice crackers), yoghurt and custard (slowly). So far I haven't been brave enough to try anything else yet as the first few days I was feeling quite tight.

My question is....do you think I am too tight again or do you think I'm where I'm supposed to be at and it will loosen up some more seeing as though I am not having any trouble with liquids (apart from learning to drink/eat slowly). We are supposed to eat very very slowly right? When I'm eating, I feel that "lump" in my throat and then feel when it go's down and I can then take another bite. Is this normal?

Any ideas???!!

[Desdemona 48]

I understand your anxiety about it but it's very hard for others to judge accurately how it feels to you. In theory -- if you can swallow liquids and get down small bites of solids then it is OK. However, you got your fill 5 days ago. I would expect that you can get down enough liquid and food each day to be healthy. If you are eating too few calories and are too limited in liquid because of the slowness of things going down then I'd say it's too tight. If you are in doubt call your MD. Too tight can cause trouble.

[TeganRheana 1]

Thankyou, you are right. I have managed to eat about 1/2cup of baked Beans and I was able to eat a small peice of fish last night...so I'm thinking I might be ok. How long does it/should it take to be able to eat 1/2 cup of food do you know??

[sberrys 0]

Well here's the thing. You should be able to eat solids but since you havent really tried them yet it's too soon to say whether or not you are too tight. You also have to remember, there is swelling at first and you may find that after the swelling goes down you are at your sweet spot. Just a thought! :smile2:

[Desdemona 48]

I agree with sberrys. It does seem to me from what you are saying that you are probably OK. The next thing for you to do is try to eat at least a quarter cup of solid meat (chicken, beef etc). Take little bites, chew well and completely swallow before taking the next bite. I'd say you should be able to get it down in within 15 or 20 mins. If you can do that -- then I'd say things are snug but fine. The belt will loosen as you lose fat around your belly in the next several weeks. Once you find you can get the solid food down -- try adding a little veggie. Veggie and meat is the first thing to get in because of the nutritional importance of them. Beans are far less important to your nutrition than the high quality Protein of meat. You can work those in later (if you really want those carbs) but you'll lose better sticking to protein and veggies. After a fill you can feel very snug but you should not feel pain. Water should go down. Thicker drinkers (like Atkins Protein Drinks can feel snug going down but still not hurt and you should be able to comfortably drink 1 over a half hour or less). Your better to eat solid foods but many people find that having a carton of pre-mixed Protein Drink with them during the day is very helpful in case they get hunger or craving or need a meal while they are on the go. They don"t have many calories, are satisfying, supply energy/nutrition and prevent the type of bad, unplanned eating we can do when we skip meals. I tend to have 2 small solid meals a day and have either an Atkins protein drink or Atkins cho. Advantage bar either as a meal or snack during the day or eve. I keep either a low carb bar, a low carb drink, an individual small pack of cheese and an individual little bag of nuts with me almost all the time. That way I can just pick 1 if I'm in a situation where I can't sit down and have a little solid meal or if I get a bad craving.

Edited January 12, 2010 by Desdemona

[TeganRheana 1]

Hiya, just wanted to update, its been a week now since my last fill and I'm finding I can eat more. I am able to eat Breakfast (a small tub of yoghurt) and can eat 1/2cup food for lunch and dinner..so I'm happy :thumbup: Thanks again for all of your advice :tt1: I really appreciate it!!