daisychains7

It sounds like you are doing great! I am glad I'm not the only one going through this. I got a little discouraged this week when I saw I had gained nearly 8lbs in the space of a few days - despite following the guidelines for soft foods. Have not cheated once so I was shocked. We have to remember this is a marathon, not a sprint. The first 4-6 weeks are for healing, and then the real loss begins Plus, once we are healed up and able to exercise more, that'll help.

I'm right there with you. Banded on 5/8, lost about 12 lbs in two weeks. Then I weighed myself a few days ago after switching to soft foods and I had GAINED 7.5 lbs. I know I've been following the rules, so I can't beat myself up about it. Focus on eating the right foods and step away from the scale for a few weeks.

Very true. I think I need to go to the grocery store to find more soft foods. I need more variety than ground meat, canned fruit and yogurt. Anyone have suggestions? Also I discovered today that ground beef isn't a great choice for me. I didn't get stuck, but even with a ton of sauce it's still pretty tough to chew down. Fish, turkey and chicken go down easier. I really don't enjoy eating the way I used to... chewing something into mush isn't very tasty. lol.

LOL! Get it girl!

Hey Beth! Congrats on starting your journey I'm 22 and was recently banded. There have already been ups and downs but I can't wait for the new me. Lots of support here!

LOL!! That's hilarious!

You're not crazy... just prepared! Not a bad thing. I'd also suggest giving up carbonated beverages, and start doing some light exercise if you are able. Sounds like you are right on track so just keep doing what you're doing. Wish you the best on your journey.

Interesting question. Curious to see how everyone's fullness feels. When I was on liquids, I knew I was full when I felt bloated. I would also get pain on my left side. Now that I'm eating food, it feels different. Feels like my chest is full. I can kind of feel the food sitting in there, and I know if I keep eating it will "overflow". I also may burp a couple times. I have only been "stuck" once so far. That was a painful, deep pressure like a rock stuck in my chest. I am sticking to measuring my food for now, never going above 1 cup total. I have never been good at listening to my body... in the past I would eat when I wasn't even hungry, and would continue eating even after I was full. This is so new to me, that i hope it becomes more obvious after I get fills.

Yummy! My first non liquid meal was lemon Chobani yogurt. Never tasted so good! It's crazy how a portion that seemed so tiny before surgery now seems like A LOT of food! Eating 1 cup of food takes me 45 minutes and I feel stuffed. I am not on mushies anymore.. if mushies are the same as pureed food? I am on soft foods. Lots of ground meats, tilapia, and canned fruit.

Me too. Keep me posted! I am really hoping my first fill next month helps a little bit. My hunger wasnt even this band BEFORE the band. Just trying to be patient.

This is reassuring. I'm about two weeks and the hunger is really kicking in. I never feel full for more than a couple hours, so I can't wait to feel restriction eventually.

I don't think it would hurt it, but it's a slippery slope. I knew myself that if I cheated on the pre op liquids with something tiny, I would be 100x more tempted to cheat in a big way later.

This all sounds pretty normal to me. The first few days my stomach felt so gassy and bloated, I thought I'd explode. It will get better in a day or two. Also, make sure you are sipping on the liquids slowly. I find that warm liquids go down better than cold. Peppermint tea helped some of the gas to expel.

I was banded on 5/8. Honestly I'm hungry all the time now. lol. It didnt start til a couple days ago... Now food only holds me probably 2 hours. Water doesn't curb my hunger. And since I switched to soft foods I've gained 7.5lbs. I have not cheated AT ALL so I don't understand. Cannot wait for my fill June 14... I'm going crazy. I'm glad it's not just me.

I am having 3 glasses of milk a day and water in between that, but I think I need to drink more. Gonna try that today. I got myself some crystal light.

my Doctor said its okay for me to have at the soft foods stage. I shred it up and put an Italian dressing on it. Have had no problems getting it down.

So I am a little frustrated. I was banded two weeks ago. Up until a few days ago I had little interest in food. Started soft foods a few days ago and now I am hungry all the time. I have Protein with every meal plus milk between meals and I am still starving. It's like I only stay satisfied for a couple hours. Also having mild headaches. Is there something wrong with me or this bandster hell everyone talks about? I just want to feel restriction and stop thinking about food all the time!

I am so excited for you to be banded and experience life on the other side of this. This is a wonderful new beginning! I know with your strength and positive attitude you will succeed. I was a complete mess the week leading up to my surgery. The night before I barely slept... I was in shock and still could not believe I was going to do it. It didn't hit me until I was in the prep area of the hospital, undressing and putting on my hospital gown and socks. I immediately prayed and an inner calm came over me. I saw a good quote the other day: "Let your faith be bigger than your fears." There will be challenges but its nothing you can't endure with God's help.

Omg, I was about to make the exact same post. I am two weeks post op and am starting to feel hungry all the time. I started soft foods a few days ago. I am having 3 meals (about 3/4 cup per meal) and 2-3 glasses of milk a day and still hungry. My meals are Protein rich but literally within 2 hours, starving again.. I think I am going to need to start having yogurt or a couple pieces of deli meat in addition, but I don't know if that's ok? It's driving me crazy! My first fill isn't for another few weeks.

Congrats!! Can't wait to get there.

As a new bandster, this was just what I needed to hear. What a balanced and realistic approach. You're an inspiration!

From my first appointment to my surgery day was about 7 1/2 months, because my insurance required the 6 month diet.

I have BCBS as well and was approved in 2 weeks. My BMI at the start of my 6 month required diet was 48, BMI by the time I got approval was 44. I was banded on 5/8 and am in the healing process. Even though this has been a huge adjustment so far (mentally more than anything), I am happy I did this.

I've only been banded a couple of weeks so haven't eaten at any parties yet, but I do have family coming in town and I know we will be eating at restaurants at least twice next week. Then I am going on vacation a week after that. Yikes. I know at the restaurants I will be sticking to Soup, fruit, fish and veggies. Just sucks how everything revolves around food. When I am at home I feel like I have more control. What are you doing for exercise? I think an occasional treat is ok as long as you have planned for it -- getting your regular exercise and sticking to your meal plan the rest of the week.