Question:
Pain after first fill

I had LB on 10/6 and had my first fill on 11/5 - lost 21 pounds since surgery date. I am experiencing pain in my abdomen and a little concerned about it. Is it possible that I ate too much and have caused a problem?    — tfshearin (posted on November 7, 2009)

November 8, 2009
Are you able to swallow your foods OK if you take a small bite and chew thoroughly? If so, you probably have the right amount of fluid in your band. Make sure you take a small bite, chew well, and then wait 5 minutes between bites. Stop when you feel full. The reason you need to put your fork down and wait 5 min. between bites, is so you allow your food to be swallowed properly and so your brain has a chance to realize that you are full. It takes the brain 20 min. to realize that you're full. If you eat to fast, you'll eat more than your pouch can comfortably hold. Since you are only about a month post-op, your stomach should still only hold about 1/2 a cup of food. (Also, if you are vomiting food back up, you're eating too fast, too big a bite, not chewing properly, or just eating too much. I hope that helps. You'll get used to reading your body's signals, just hang in there. Enjoy the journey to good health. God Bless.
   — KimM