Stuck and having a hard time.....

[stepbystep13]

Well I had my first fill on Thursday and I have been struggling ever since. I have been doing so so well, and now I feel like I'm falling apart. I have eaten several things that have gotten stuck and OMG does that hurt. It's so amazing to me that it is possible to get something stuck. Granted it has literally only been a week since my fill, and I am still working on it. I just don't want to succomb to the "mushies" as I've heard and have been calling it. I'm scared to eat and that I will gain weight. This whole real food thing freaks me out, not going to lie. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to avoid this massive error I seem to keep making? I want to succeed and right now I am just frustrated.
:sun_smiley:

[redgrldj]

Getting stuck can do damage.. You might have to liquids or soft foods for a awhile..

[art]

StepByStep13, I have had food (microwave rice) stuck only once and that was after fill#6. I agree, it is awful. I actually felt no restriction until after fill#6. Now I have had 7 fills and my visit yesterday resulted in a no fill for the first time. I am very happy about that. I feel the band is finally working. I also now know that, when I eat a small amount it's important to wait a short time because I have found that I can eat only about a cups worth of food and I am full. I mean I can feel it in my stomach that I am full. If I don't then stop I get miserable. It's easy to eat just te mushies but that also fills my pouch but they are easier getting down. I am now in "HAPPY" land as the weight is coming off and I am NOT hungry between meals. The perfect situation. Good luck with your fills and your good looking future. By the way, my doctor only gave me about 1cc at each fill. He went slow but it was worth it.
Art

[newlifeat57]

Well I had my first fill on Thursday and I have been struggling ever since. I have been doing so so well, and now I feel like I'm falling apart. I have eaten several things that have gotten stuck and OMG does that hurt. It's so amazing to me that it is possible to get something stuck. Granted it has literally only been a week since my fill, and I am still working on it. I just don't want to succomb to the "mushies" as I've heard and have been calling it. I'm scared to eat and that I will gain weight. This whole real food thing freaks me out, not going to lie. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to avoid this massive error I seem to keep making? I want to succeed and right now I am just frustrated.
:sun_smiley:
SbyS.... I wish there was a magic button that we could push that would make it all better, but in all honesty... it's all a learning process. First off What are you getting stuck on? Is it your protein, your veggies, or ?? Caution.... long post ahead.....:eyerub:

Are you eating the bandster way.... proteins first, then veggies, then starches or sweets?

Protein has been the cause of many stuck and painful moments. It's important to eat slowly and to wait between bites because the last bite eaten could be the one that tells you you are full to the top. For many proteins, I need "food lube" to help them to go down. I use sauces (in moderation--1-2 tbls.) to help them NOT get stuck. For chicken, its best to cook them with lots of liquid or to marinate them in something that will tenderize them. Steak and pork for many is a big "no no". I have found that I can tolerate the better choice cuts of protein better than the cheaper and stringier (tougher) cuts of meat. I use BBQ sauce, ketchup, salsa, even creamed soups work as a sauce, etc. etc. to help the meat go down.

I eat very few starches, as they tend to get stuck more that my meats and proteins. Rice doesn't go down well without some sauce mixed in and pasta has been a big no no. I can do a very small amount of very thin multi grain or W/wh spaghetti but can't do the reg. or any of the thicker or larger pieces. Bread can be a real killer. I can eat a few bites of tortillas, but they get to me real quick, if I'm not careful. Sweet breads, doughnuts, etc. are big no no's. They cause stuck problems quickly.

I can eat most veggies and salads. If the veggie is stringy, then be cautious as they can cause problems. For me, broccoli is one that has to be cooked really well, for it to go down easily. Raw carrots... awww I love them, but I have to eat those when I am paying close attention to the way I eat them. If I eat them mindlessly, they will get stuck.

Speaking of mindlessly.... Any food, be it mushy or not, can get stuck if you do not pay attention to your eating. I have to be extremely careful when I'm with others that are talking while they eat, because then I'm not pay attention, and then something usually gets stuck. It is important to take small (baby spoon sized) bites, chew till its 'goo', and don't drink with your meals..... I hope I have provided you with some insight. Maybe others, will add their 2 cents...

Blessings to you on this wild wonderful journey you have embarked upon. Keep coming back to check on the responses other may give.

[newlifeat57]

I'm adding a P.S.... If you are getting stuck on everything, you might just be too tight and you might need a slight unfill. It's amazing what a slight unfill will do for you. Be sure to keep the lines of communication open with your nutritionist, surgeon, and PCP. they are there to help you in any way possible.

[MoOrLess]

To add to all of the excellent advice above -- go get an UNFILL - NOW...if this "fill" (adjustment) caused you to have difficulty with stuck food and it has been a week, go get a slight unfill...we have an adjustable band for a reason - don't mess with your band - you don't want your stomach to slip under the band because of stuck food constantly. Let us know how it goes.

[stepbystep13]

Today has been much much better. I have been paying attention and writing everything down that I eat. I am just freaking out. I really appreciate all of the information. It is SO helpful. I have also fallen into the trap of not paying attention to what I am eating and how I am eating. I have made the conscious decision to pay attention to this so that I do not get sick or feel sick. I don't think my band is too tight,I just think I haven't learned how to chew and eat slowly yet. :) Thank you for all of the wonderful advice. Keep it coming!

[MoOrLess]

Just know that having stuck food or a "PB" once in a while (more than one time a month, if that) is TOO OFTEN.

you're so right though - it's truly a learning experience - chew to goo, and no drinking with meals, logging your food also helps and being "mindful" when you sit down to eat :)

[newlifeat57]

Glad to hear that you are trying to figure out what is making things get stuck. sometimes it's the simplest kinds of foods that do it. My most Most MOST favorite goodies are scones. I love them!! BUT they cause me to have some serious PBs. Soooo now I stay away from them, or I plan for them by only taking 3-4 bites, putting it away and enjoying more the next day. But in all reality, I only treat myself to them once in a great while. Journaling is a wonderful way to figure out problems and helps to point out some of the bad habits we sometimes fall into. Good luck. You are doing the right things.

[txfoxx3]

Hi everyone. I have been banded since 12/09. Tonight I attempted to eat a hamburger patty on 2 slices of wheat bread. BIG MISTAKE!!!!!! After only a couple of bites it was stuck and the rest is now history. I am only able to take sips of water now. Tomorrow is July 4th and my surgeon's office is closed. I am going to attempt just liquids until Tuesday and see how it goes. I have been eating terribly for the past couple of months and I think that this has clearly been my wake-up call. GETTING STUCK IS AN AWFUL THING and I won't too soon be forgetting this.

[MoOrLess]

Hi everyone. I have been banded since 12/09. Tonight I attempted to eat a hamburger patty on 2 slices of wheat bread. BIG MISTAKE!!!!!! After only a couple of bites it was stuck and the rest is now history. I am only able to take sips of water now. Tomorrow is July 4th and my surgeon's office is closed. I am going to attempt just liquids until Tuesday and see how it goes. I have been eating terribly for the past couple of months and I think that this has clearly been my wake-up call. GETTING STUCK IS AN AWFUL THING and I won't too soon be forgetting this.

I often wonder what makes our brains 'forget' to think logically about what will and won't go down lol - I can't even do hamburger, let alone a bun -- I feel your pain. Kudos for going on liquids - wise choice.