Support needed

Hi all,   I desperately need some support.  I have gained 18 punds in a year.  I have become "in love" with Blue Bell's cookie dough ice cream because it tastes great and goes down easily.   I had surgery in October 05.  I weighed 264pounds lost down to 199.  I didn't get a fill for over a year and in that time I gained back 18 pounds.  When I got my fill on Feb. 28th, I realized that I had never been where I should have been as far as being able to eat only 1/2 cup portions. I have 3.5 cc's in my band and feel like I am finally at the place I should have been.  I have lost 14 pounds and am on the right track now.  However, I am having trouble with "sliming" and getting food to go down.  Please remind me the rules for eating.  I am really wanting "real food" not liquids or mushy food anymore.  I need help and can't afford to go to the dietician right now. Thanks, Amber

I also have the band.  The first thing you should do is talk to your doc as you may be too restricted now.  You should never slime, pb or have any relux issues withs the band.  You are in danger of a band slip if this behavior continues.  The main band rules are to eat at least 60 gm of solid food daily, not liquids or mushies.  Then eat veg and fruit and only if still hungry, try complex carbs like bread or pasta.  Drink at least 64 oz of liquid per day, preferably water. You should eat 3 solid food meals per day and minimize snacking.  Meal size should be 1-1 1/2 cup in total.  I count calories and did my best weight loss at about 1200 cal/day.  You may need a bit more, but remember that too many OR too few calories per day stalls wl.  Excercise daily if possible.  Eat slowly and consume all food within 1/2 hour so that you keep track of the amount of food you eat.  Do not eat and drink at the same time.  Docs have different rules about timing of food and drink, but avoid drinking for at least 1 hr after eating. Good luck.

K.B. Thank you for your reply.  I will take heed and call my doc on Monday.  Thanks again, Amber