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Absolutely, I feel true hunger at times. Probably more often than I did before I was banded. But the difference is that it takes just a small amount of food to satisfy my hunger. The interesting thing about having my band is that when I do get hungry, it never seems as if I am hungry for anything specific. But that helps me make better food choices.

I got a little adventurous last night(my first on mushies), and stopped at taco bell for pintos n cheese. I ate like 3 bites and was trying to figure out how I would know if I were full. I stopped eating out of fear and seemed to be hungry in no time. So tonight I reheated them and started eating, waiting a few minutes between bites. Was able to finish the entire container and still not sure I'm full as I don't know what that would feel like. Is this normal? Most of what I've read people are eating baby spoon-fulls of food and filling up. Advice?

Hi all, It has been a bit since I have been on. I got my band on june 10th. I am scared because I think I am at a stand still. I am having problems eating only 1/2 a cup at a time. I try to keep my portions small, but I have to admit with the holidays I have eaten more than I should. My doctor felt I had enough fill about a month and a half ago. At first I felt the fill but now I feel like I did before the band. Except I can feel the restiction when I each dry type foods. Such as bread or a bit of cake. I don't eat cake often at all. I had a couple bday parties and had a small slice. What scares me is what if I don't need another fill? I am still battling with my love for food. I also feel I am losing so slow. Now I love my band. Wouldn't change a thing. I also knew it would be a challenge. I have lost 34lbs in 6months. I really thought I would atleast be down 50lbs by now. I work out 5 or six times a week. I should eat more protein though. I know my band is in good shape. What I was wondering is if anyone else feels this struggle? Also does it sound like I can use another fill? I think I should. Although I know I will struggle with dryer foods. I have no problem with almost all foods. In fact other than a quick feeling of pressure for a second as the bread goes down I feel no restriction. I am not at all trying to put the band down I just need some friends. If you made it this far through this thanks for reading my book.lol

Hello, I am almost to my second week post op and already concerned about even being able to eat solid food ever again. I have taken a few sips of V-8 or a protein shake and it will tighten right up for a long time. I haven't started the mushy food stage yet but am even a little concerned about that. How big is my hole anyway without a fill versus with a fill? Thanks Teresa

Hi! Tomorrow is my pre-op appointment and my surgery date is scheduled for Jan 10! I'm excited but nervous that I will be surprised by the discomfort or difficulty in eating. The thought of eating puréed foods grosses me out. I'd rather just have protein shakes. My question is, is there any advice you wish you would have prepared for mentally or physically to adjust to the surgery better??

Hi Blossom! Most of the time when co-workers have lunch together everyone talks alot and worries about their own food and the time limit. I really think this will be an easy thing for you to "hide". Good luck. And dont forget Betty's suggestion. Pushing food around on your plate is also real good way to disguise our band!

I'm feeling great today :wink2: I'm 8 days post op and I woke up this morning suddenly feeling a little jump in my step. I must be pretty well healed up now. Today is my post op appt with my doctor in Dubai. I'm looking forward to asking him some questions including why I have such achiness around the front and back of my ribcage area. I have learned that I have to eat something right when I wake up so I don't feel so sluggish and icky in the morning. I was never like that before but it's necessary now. I just have some yogurt first thing. I found yoplait has a "baby" yogurt so I found that is nice a light and makes me feel better in the morning. Later I will go to "breakfast" with friends. I'll just have some soup. Thank goodness I have always been a soup freak! It makes this pureed diet thing not such a hard thing to handle :wink: I have a friend that has done the same surgery (6 years ago) and she has been wonderful. Thank God for her and her advice! Take care everyone and have a nice day :cool2:

Blossom..WOW! you are one of the few who was alllowed chili's, fixin's and desserts just being 2 weeks post op.....Lucky you I was still on clear liquids at 2 weeks post op with a week of full liquids after that, then 2 weeks of mushy's and then I was on solids. I was told no food for 3 weeks so my band can set in place and I can heal because any food in my tummy would have to digest and the digestion process is such a grumblin, rumblin thing that I did not want to risk slippage since my band was not set into place and I was not healed al ltheway by having to digest any food prior to being 3 weeks post op..so interesting how every Dr. has different post op instructions, it varies so much between Dr.'s...Anyways. I tell everyone and anyone who asks how I have lost my weight..as a matter of fact one of my customers this morning asked me and I told her, she has all ready called Dr. Orti'z office...she said she has been watching me get smaller and smaller, she is overweight by about 80lbs..so for me, the more I can help and the more I can educate about the band..The better! That's just me though!

deedee first off - woo hoo on your weight loss i'm sure you see a gigantic change with your clothes size (34 to 22!!!!) wow trying to speak "gently", i can only imagine how hard it must be to have to lose alot of weight you've done amazing - but you still have to lose more since you have unfortunately stalled (which you know we all do) it must be very mentally upsetting since you do have more to lose do to the fact you have stalled - you are probably feeling bad/upset and are eating that little extra junk that you know you shouldn't some, many have been there - upset, not losing enough - so we eat??? knock it off!!!!! i know you can turn things around you've proven how terrific you are, knowing how to follow the rules et al it can get discouraging losing lots of weight, knowing you have more to lose - but you will be successful!!! i can see the determination you have in your pretty face yes you have a lot on that plate of yours it must be overwhelming!!!! having a tooth pulled, closing on your house, moving, and going back to work after 4 years OMG - i don't know how many people could do that without feeling overwhelmed but you will pass this hurdle things will slowly get better - you will have closed on your beautiful new house you will successfully have moved, you will enjoy working again and that darn tooth will be gone look at all those accomplishments you will have done!!! glad you are "not hungry" - that must help but your hands get "lonely" and they want you to exercise telling you to lift hand, insert food STOP, STOP, STOP you can/will win this battle glad you haven't gained weight, sounds like you have gained insight i don't know what/how a vegetarian eats- can't help you on that situation if you want to go back to basics to give yourself a jump start on losing some weight - go for it!!! push, push, push everything you can/will do great i know you will get back into the proper old habits you have learned drink, drink, drink, and then drink some more glad that you come to the board for support - we're all out here for ya i see you are soooooo close to twoderland!!!! come on, come on - you are almost there - you can make it, i know you can!!!! good luck bud kathy

Hi there! I am pretty new to this since I was recently banded, but I have "the rules" fresh in my head, so maybe I can help you. As far as your weight loss stall, have you had a fill at all? If so, how many CC's and how much food are you able to eat? What my doctor wants from me once I start to have fills is to be able to eat 4 ounces of food and be comfortable for 3-4 hours, are you able to do this? Also, do you work out? If you do, maybe it is time to change up your exercises. They say that you should change it up every 8 weeks, so you keep burning as many calories as possible. Hopefully this helps you in some way, let me know how it goes.

A shopping list helps, and going to the same store, so you memorize where everything is. I had the same overwhelm too.. but the more I went back (for brief trips), the easier it became. Make sure you eat before going, so legitimate hunger doesn't make it worse. It gets better, I promise! I now enjoy going and looking for "hidden" healthy foods.

Thank you all! Today has been a bit better. I'm starving, but I feel better and have managed to get little things down. Luckily I stocked up on V8 just the other day. I think I've come to the decision of having a slight unfill however. I can’t keep doing this every weekend. Jacqui, I think you're right, I will most likely lose weight with the unfill, just due to my eating habits now. To be honest, I’ve never eaten completely “healthy” and I definitely don't work out, but after really feeling miserable, it threw my butt into gear. I'm going this weekend to get my gym membership again, and we’re throwing out all junk food and replacing it with healthier choices. No more messing around for me. Thanks again for the feedback everyone J

I would wait until after the weekend, as long as you can get liquids and some food down.

Yep! I am exactly like you! I am one week post op, and am not hungry at all. My family eats, and I have absolutely no desire for food of any kind. But I did dream about food two nights ago. I'm still on liquids, and in my dream I ate some food, and then was freaked out because I was afraid I would damage my sleeve. I was in a panic wondering what to do. I think its our brains way of figuring out how to adjust to this new way of eating.

I find myself also in a moment where I have to remind myself I already had my surgery. I had all of these goals and I have to realize even though I don't go to the gym (not a member) like I said I would do, I still don't sit on the couch, drink soda, eat fries, and do nothing to lose weight. And I have bad food intake days and days when I am really proud of myself because old me would not have said no endless Pasta bowls at olive garden lol and venti Starbucks... Don't forget to high 5 yourself for all the good choices you do too. Surgery 7/25/12

Hi, I am 4 weeks out and I really don't feel hungry but when I eat I don't feel full. I left the hospital on a pureed diet. I am now eating 3 meals a day which consist of 2 tbsp of finely diced or pureed chicken, fish, crab or scallop, Greek yogurt, cheese 2 tbsp of either pureed/mashed fruit or vegetable. 1 tsp of promise margarine or canola oil per meal to ensure I am getting enough Alpha Lineolic acid. I am also drinking 2 Protein Shakes per day. I have not had any problem with any food I have tried. I guess I should feel lucky but this also scares me a little. (I haven't tried beef yet as my doctor says no beef for 6 months). The only time I felt full was when I was in a hurry and drank my whole Protein Shake 8oz in about 10 minutes with out thinking. I felt somewhat uncomfortable but not in pain. I usually drink my Protein shake in 20 to 30 minutes with no problem. It seems there are a lot of members who are having issues with keeping foods down, fullness, etc. I am scared that my pouch is too big and I will have problems later. Is there anyone out there who had no issues at all and has done well long term with weight loss. I just need some assurance.

Mine was 1 st week clear liquid 2 nd week protein drinks basically liquids and starting Monday purée food I can't wait.

My progression post op is as follows First 2 days clear liquids next 2 weeks full liquids which consists of yogurt, pureed fruit and protien shakes Next 2 weeks- pureed foods consisting of protien (animal and fish) and vegetables and fruits. 2 ounces of protien and 1 ounce of fruit/vegetable 3 times a day. Them soft mushy foods with the same ratio of 2/1 protien to vegetable/fruit. I do not have to stop protien shakes but I do have to meet my protien and fluid requirement each day. So I add up my protien throughout the day and it will determine if I need to supplement with a shake. I hope this makes sense.

Hello Band Buddies At a recent coffee group we were talking about walking. "They" recommend you walk 10,000 steps a day. Now I'm not sure who "They" are but there are many doctors that recommend that 10,000 steps per day is the target number of steps. I came across this GREAT website that has information for beginners that are interested in increasing their daily steps. Now I'm not saying everyone get out and walk 10,000 steps everyday but if you have a "Smartphone" with an App on it that can track your steps get it and try... or if you have an iPod did you know that there is a Pedometer on the iPod... I didn't?!?! You can also buy inexpensive Pedometers from some dollar stores or drug stores or Walmart. If you don't a Smartphone or Pedometer then start by walking for 10 minutes each day... then 15 minutes the next day then try to increase it when your ready. Now that the warmer weather is here I've started walking to Timmy's twice a day. I set my Pedometer and off I go. Now I don't get to 10,000 steps in each day but I do get close to 6,800... depending on the day. I found the Pedometer motivates me. (I walk with a cane most days... I have aches and pains on many days... but when I have a "good" day and don't make excuses for not going for a walk I really enjoy it.) I'm issuing a challenge band buddies... for the Summer... "Step out on the town!" If you keep a food journal or use a food App... keep a daily log of how many steps you take. Try to increase your daily steps by 20... I think you'll be surprised how many steps you take... even if it's just around the house... down the end of the driveway or taking Lassie for a walk. What I did as a bonus to help me tone on my walks (because I'm so muscular LOL)... I bought these great weights from Canadian Tire that are only 1 lbs each and they fasten with velcro. I put one on each wrist and ankle before I head out to Timmy's. This gives me a little bit of resistance but are not too heavy. I also uses the weighs to do leg and arms lifts when I sit in a chair. Check out the website and remember EVERYTHING IN MODERATION and if you have any doubts about starting a walking program check with your family doctor or healthcare provider if your feeling walking may be too much for you. And... if anyone is interested here's the weights I use... this store is located in Canada but I'm sure you can find them in the US. http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/5/SportsRec/4/FitnessWellness/WeightsAccessories/PRD~0840848P/Tempo+Neoprene+Weights%2C+2x1-lbs.jsp?locale=en Step... 1, 2, 3.... Tom, Toronto Banded July 6 06 Wt. Loss: 156 lbs Website: http://www.thewalkingsite.com/10000steps.html 10,000 STEPS A DAY "10,000 steps a day - pedometer walking program, walking routine, beginning walking, beginner walker" How many steps do you walk each day? Maybe you have heard the recent guidelines about walking 10,000 steps per day. How far is 10,000 steps anyway? The average person's stride length is approximately 2.5 feet long. That means it takes just over 2,000 steps to walk one mile, and 10,000 steps is close to 5 miles. A sedentary person may only average 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day. For these people adding steps has many health benefits. I have outlined the basic 10,000 steps program, but also added a commentary below. A reasonable goal for most people is to increase average daily steps each week by 500 per day until you can easily average 10,000 per day.Example: If you currently average 3000 steps each day, your goal for week one is 3500 each day. Your week 2 goal is 4000 each day. Continue to increase each week and you should be averaging 10,000 steps by the end of 14 weeks. Wearing a pedometer is an easy way to track your steps each day. Start by wearing the pedometer every day for one week. Put it on when you get up in the morning and wear it until bed time. Record your daily steps in a log or notebook. By the end of the week you will know your average daily steps. You might be surprised how many (or how few) steps you get in each day. There are many ways to increase your daily steps. Use your imagination and come up with your own list: Take a walk with your spouse, child, or friend Walk the dog Use the stairs instead of the elevator Park farther from the store Better yet, walk to the store Get up to change the channel Window shop Plan a walking meeting Walk over to visit a neighbor Get outside to walk around the garden or do a little weeding Continue to track your daily steps and/or mileage; and keep notes on how you feel, how your body is improving, or other changes you are making to improve your health. If you are in very poor physical condition or at any point you feel that you are progressing too rapidly slow down a bit and try smaller increases. If you have any health concerns seek your physician's advice prior to starting or changing your exercise routine. Notice: We have outlined the standard 10,000 step program because so many people ask about it. This is a good program to help get people motivated, or to get sedentary people moving. It is however our recommendation that most individuals fit 30 to 60 minutes of dedicated walking (or other exercise) into their routine at least 3 to 4 days a week. You can start with as little as ten minutes per day and gradually increase your walking routine.

Today i had my one month visit with my surgeon since my surgery on May 3rd. My doctor has had me on liquids for the entire month and today i was told i can start eating soft foods. First attempt at it was a spoonful of hummas and a deviled egg....felt horrible after had a feeling of heat come over me felt clammy and had to lay down? Second attempt a few hours later was acheese and that went down good and then a few hours later mushed up avacado and just the deviled egg mixture, felt uncomfortable going down and lots of burping is this normal? Im frustrated. Any suggestion? Ideas on what else i can they to eat.

I am so thrilled to report I will be starting full liquid diet Monday!! I couldn't be happier!!!!!!!!!!! Protein shakes, milk, gerber fruit, OJ, butternut squash Soup, pudding, even lowfat/low sugar ice cream.... and my favorite .. COFFEEEEEE.... WELL decaf... but for now I'll take it... I'll trick myself into thinking its the real thing. I'm jumping for joy....... but i do have one reservation.... I'm scared that switching from no calories to a few hundred (even if from protein) will make me gain weight. I know it's probably not an accurate hypothesis, and it has more to do with food fears and past dieting failures but I cant help think it anyways. So my question for those further along in the process.. what was the transition like... did anyone gain anything? did they stall? Did it have any effect on your progress? I'd love to hear feedback!

just take it easy. you can get a huge number of calories in smoothies. just be aware of your fruit intake, again high calorie. i would strongly caution you on coffee, even decaf. the acids in coffee could give you problems. i had great success at this stage eating my full liquid out of a bowl with a baby spoon. ANY OTHER SHAPED VESSEL THAN A GLASS! i got very tired of drinking my "food".

Short and to the point: The Last three days have been horrible. Night sweats, unable to eat, stomach spasms, cramps, lower back pain. Ordinarily, I would not be concerned, but I have never had night sweats and stomach spasms. Today would make my 13th day post surgery and I am due to start tomorrow. Have any of you experienced band tightness, stomach pain, inability to eat food, night sweats three or four days before your cycle and/or during your cycle?

It's natural to be scared, I was crying on my husbands shoulder minutes before they took me in for the surgery.. all out of fear and the unknown. I had my surgery in November and I think it's the best decision I could have made for myself. I tried all the diets, I lost the weight, regained the weight plus more so many times I lost count. In the end, for me, I realized that all my reasons for wanting the surgery (not all that dissimilar from yours) far outweighed all the reasons that made me doubt getting the surgery. You have to decide what is more important to you... drinking 7 or 8 beers with your friends and eating huge portions of steak with wine, or being here for your children and family, not dying young and not getting the diseases you mentioned that plagued your family. If you stay as heavy as you are, you know the answers to all those questions.. you know what could happen... Is all that worth the 7 or 8 beers or huge portions? Only you can decide that. Yes, there is a risk with surgery and anyone going through this has to be aware of that and complications do happen, it's true... but which is more riskier? Again, only you can decide that with your family and doctor and determine what is best for you. You will still be able to go out and instead of 8 beers, maybe you have 1 beer, but I wouldn't recommend that, it makes you gain weight.. instead of a huge steak, you will eat some and get to save some for later or another day... just think you will get 2 or 3 meals out of one! All things in moderation and you will learn how to still enjoy all the same things, just on a smaller scale. Bigger does not always mean better. I've been lucky, my surgery went well and I felt good. I had no real issues other than a muscle soreness. I haven't had any issues eating smaller portions and I actually do not feel hungry at all. I have to remind myself to eat sometime and as you start out slowly, eventually those cravings will go away and by the time you are eating regular foods again (about 3 weeks out) you will not be thinking about those huge portions.. they may actually disgust you. I found that things I enjoyed before, just totally repluse me now I wouldn't want to eat that if I could! Hang in there, I bet you are doing the right thing for your health. You will have a whole new life. Again, only you can make the right decision for what's best for you and your family! Good luck!

Jason - same boat here (well, minus the wife and kids and marathons) - but Ioved eating huge meals (especially at night), going out with friends and getting plastered (seriously, I loved getting wasted) - I haven't missed food at all, and now when I go out with my friends, it's a little weird (being totally honest) but I wouldn't trade how I feel today for the largest burrito in California or the wildest weekend in Vegas. I feel great and I'm going to be a-okay...actually more than a-okay - I can't remember being this content in most of my adult life. Best decision I have made in a loooong time and haven't stopped smiling!