Putting it all out there...

[melzie_99 22]

Well I am 19 days into it and I am right there with you. The first week I felt restricted but now I can eat pretty much anything. I haven't try a lot of stuff for fear of all the stuff that could happen. It don't take much to feel full but like I said I tried more than one thing at a time and haven't had any problems. Now that I've said that I'm sure something will happen

I kind of wish it would make me feel miserable that way I'll think twice before I eat something. My biggest fear is am I stretching my band that's what scares me. My husband was banded also so it has helped that we are doing this together.

Good luck to you all "WE CAN DO THIS" as my 11 yr old son would say

"YOU GOT TO WANT IT" oh boy do I ever!! Looking forward to the skinner, healthier me

ME TOO!! The first time I ate something that wasn't on my current plan while I didn't want to get stuck or anything, I was hoping for some sort of 'punishment' so I wouldn't do it again...other than the fact it wasn't as appetizing as I remembered I was ok. My 2nd 'off schedule' eating was today and I intentionally got a smaller portion than what I used to eat (and was full) but again, nothing. I guess my biggest concern is hurting my stiches and that's what's keeping me from being too adventerous...the willpower is only at about 85% right now. Seriously thinking about looking into getting a therapist for when things get bumpy...

[kadoane8 1]

There has to be a learning curve. I mean, they have to know people are going to do this. I called my doctor to ask a question and she asked how I was doing and I told her that I was SO hungry in between meals and she said to go ahead and start solids. I was so happy. I feel like "now I can do this". The shakes just went right through me. The only thing that made me feel satisfied was Tomato Soup with a scoop of unflavored Protein powder (really good actually). I haven't eaten more than 4 ounces at a time, but I have made less than desirable choices (corn dog) and it just made me feel like crap physically. Doesn't mean I won't do it again, but I figure if I make good choices even 80% of the time, it has got to be better than before where I made bad choices 80% of the time.

You are very brave and an inspiration for putting this out there. Thank you!

[lovequilts 0]

What an inspiring post. I'm preop, surgery scheduled for Feb 14th. I just started attending OA (Overeaters Anom) for support. I have not said anything in OA meetings yet and I don't plan on telling them about my Surgery but I do find the meetings encouraging since I've only been to 3 meetings. It's nice to know that there are a lot of others with eating issues. The band is a tool and I'm worried about the mental part. Have been working on that very hard. Blessing to all on the board on their personal journeys.

[ElfiePoo 109]

I'm 14 months post op and was fortunate enough to have a doctor that didn't torture me post surgery. I did each phase of the postop diet in 2 weeks and was eating solid foods by the end of 2 weeks.

And you are most likely going to be hungry until you start getting fills. You may need several fills. The band works by putting pressure on the vagus nerves which then tell the stomach to stop producing ghrelin, the hunger hormone. Some get enough pressure with just the band. Most of us need fills. Don't look for the band to physically restrict how much you eat. It just doesn't work that way for most people...which is why so many people don't lose weight and end up feeling like failures.

After a 'reasonable meal' (my doc said 3 oz of Protein, 1/2 cup of vegies, 1/4 cup starch), you should not feel hungry for about 4 hours. It won't stop you from eating out of habit or grazing or choosing the wrong foods. So even if you're hungry and are still eating too much, at least start right now with choosing the right foods. I found that by eliminating wheat products (eating only rice, potatoes, Beans or starchy vegetables like winter squash and vegies for my 60gm of carbs) and sugar *and* artificial sweeteners because they keep that craving for sweets alive, it was much easier to make the good choices which, ultimately, also helped lower my calories.

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[123crod 170]

I think it has to be said that if you do not start out following the rules what are you going to be doing 6 months down the road? When you are suppose to be healing you should follow the rules to the best of your ability. Everybody seems to be giving you support for not following the rules that were made for your well being. I would have wanted people to tell me stop it and get back on track when I was starting out and could not have enough self control to stay on track. People are not being being mean by telling you . . . you are slipping up, take advantage of the time when you lose the most weight about the first 6 to 10 months.

That being said I think the fact that you are honest with yourself and others about your situation is a great step in the right direction. People who can be honest with themselves about what they ate and why they ate it are going to be sucessfull. So my advice to you is to stop eating what you are not suppose to follow the rules and stop testing the band, let it work with you. But . . .pat yourself on the back for being honest with yourself that is the hard part!!

Cheri

Cheri