By Sandi Henderson

The progression to soft or "mushy" foods is a big step for new lap band patients.  Up until this point, which lasts anywhere from ten days to six weeks depending on the surgical practice, you have been allowed only liquids.  You are probably getting tired of protein drinks at this point.  It can be exciting as well as intimidating to start food, even if it is soft food.  The most frequently asked question is: I know I want to eat food, I have been dreaming about it, but what will happen when I swallow it?  The general answer is that it will taste good and go down fine.

Here is one patient's experience with the progression to soft food:

"OK today I get to start mushy foods and I have been planning to have a scrambled egg for a week now.  I get out my toddler spoon and fork, my little dessert plate and my spray olive oil....  OMG an egg never tasted so good before! 

Guess what, it was scary to take that first bite, and I chewed it even though it was soft.  I was full after one scrambled egg.  That is amazing!  Guess this lap band  thing works. 

I am writing down absolutely everything that I put in my mouth even though it is still not very much.  Since the egg was only six grams of protein, about an hour later I had a protein drink.  Lunch was about ½ cup of cottage cheese and guess what - I was full again..  Some mashed sweet potato for dinner, with each meal chased by protein drinks about an hour later.... 

Boy, getting in sixty four ounces of water is hard...  I have to set a timer at my desk for every ten minutes to remind me to sip some water.  I use a thirty two ounce glass and fill it once, then do it again!....lots of trips to the bathroom, but I think I can do this!  My pants are starting to get a little big.  I guess that's a good sign.... 

I am starting to feel like this decision to have lap band surgery was a good one and that I can follow this program and perhaps succeed at permanent weight loss for the first time in my life."

I was one of the rare lucky ones who did not need a fill for the entire first year after surgery.  This is extremely unusual.  The important points about progressing to soft foods from liquids are as follows:

• Plan your meals so you make good choices
• Use a small plate or bowl and children's utensils
• Start your practice of chewing every bite thoroughly (at least twenty times)
• Remember, it's difficult to get in forty to sixty grams of protein with soft foods. You may need to supplement with protein drinks to reach your daily protein goals.
• Do not drink with your meals
• If you haven't already, start journaling everything you eat and drink
• Be sure to get in all of your fluids between your meals
• Never lose sight of why you are doing this!

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