What's going on w/ me?

I am able to eat more than 2 oz and/or the size of an egg, and the only time I feel restriction is if I eat something too fast or thick/dense.  I even have been stuck, or what I think what it must feel like (pressure on my chest , pain, and complete anxiety nearing panic where I can't even sit...I have to walk and pace until the feeling passes).  My usually oblivious DH now reminds me to slow down and make sure my food is cut into teeny tiny pieces.

 I have had 1 fill w/ 4.5 CC's.

Is what I have felt a true "stuck" epsisode, and how do I guage when I am near my sweet spot?

Thanks :)

Wow!  Your stuck episode sounds like about 85% of my experience since being filled (2nd fill to total of 8cc) on Tuesday.  First fill of 3-4 cc provided no restriction whatsoever.  Liquid protein is getting old and sometimes is painful too, so last night I made egg drop soup with 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth 2 egg whites and one whole egg.  It took two hours to get it down but at least it didn't hurt much or make me vomit like several other foods have (such as lite chicken salad, iced tea and several other items).  I am just taking the pain and have decided to ride it out rather than run to Dr b/c I need fill to work.  Will get weighed next week - I don't want to obsess over the scale.  BTW, my DH says the same thing.....almost....slow down and chew all the way.....but I am......I chew until there is nothing left in my mouth.  I am going to get  a baby spoon though to further help in putting less in my mouth at a time.  Already using one cup bowl.

I haven't figured out what is full yet b/c it varies so much with pain for most everything I eat.  I actually think I swallow too much air,  so I pulled out the old sippy cup again.

Best wishes to you.  keep us updated.

Kar

I use Munchkin Todder spoons (love these) and toddler forks, also got small bowls and cassarole dish at Walmart.  It all helps, but doesn't set the pace if KWIM?.

I have only had a couple of these epsiodes - mostly I have no problems w/ what I'm eating (or how much).  I would be miserable if this is the way it was all the time. 

What you experienced sounds like a typical stuck feeling.

 

I think it’s a misnomer that folks WANT to feel a “restriction" when they eat. With a good band you don’t want to feel the restriction WHEN you’re eating, but a “restriction" when you’re done eating. The restriction you want to feel is a FULL feeling.

 

I know we’re all different, but for me what I do is I make sure each meal lasts close to 30 minutes. Studies have shown it takes 25 – 30 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain “it’s full". It doesn’t matter if it’s one plate or 10 plates.

 

What I do is I eat “by a timer" – I carry a stopwatch (or watch the VCR or computer clock) and I put a piece of food in my mouth and wait 1 full minute until I put another piece in. This (A) slows down the eating routine (stops the “shovel in method) (B) makes the meal last longer (C) reduces the chances of “stuck" episodes because the food has enough time to move down before another piece is behind it (think of it as rush hour toll plaza/tunnel traffic).

 

The sweet spot will be when you can eat enough and feel full and not get a “stuck" feeling.

The rush hour toll plaze is a good visual.  Makes total sense to me. Thanks :)
BTW, I have the NJ Herald paper w/ the article - would you like a copy for yourself?  If so, PM me.

Thanks for the paper offer, but I got one this morning.

I have not been banded yet however today I tried eating VERY slow & taking 1 minute per bite, chewing 20+ times & now drinking while eating. I had a burrito & my husband had 2. We finished at about the same time & my husband is a very slow eater. I left feeling satisfied & it was great. I can tell this will take alot of practice on my part simply b/c I have a been a faster eater since elementary school.
I also found that I was not able to chew shrimp up until it was a smooth consistency, just a lump, so I spit it out. Just didn't feel like I would have swallowed that with the band & so I didn't do it today either. I really want prepare myself with the eating as much as possible.

KKSunshine - You need to be commended on how you are preparing yourself already!! That takes a lot, and means you're really ready for a new life !!

Many of us were "shovel" eaters, and slowing down does take practice. But after a while it becomes second nature. I won't lie, sometimes the shovel does come back, but for the most part the slow eating is the norm.

As for shrimp (or other foods) not all foods will feel smooth and will be lumpy. After a month (or so) you should be able to tolerate it. Remember you want the food to feel "baby food" consistency before swallowing.

Anyone have any tricks for keeping your food warm while you eat slowly...

I don't know if they make them anymore but, my son used to have baby dishes that you fill with ho****er to keep the food warm. They would be the right size and keep the food warm. I am glad you asked that question I am going to look for them. May have to check thrift stores if they don't make em anymore.
Shrinking Sharon