So I'm new..I just found this sight and thought I would check it out. I had surgery on January 28th, so almost exactly 3 weeks ago.

My first week on liquids went well and I lost 10lbs, but since I've struggled with portion size and how often to eat. I know by week three I should be eating 3 meals a day. Now I'm eating mostly cottage cheese, yogurt, Beans, oatmeal, caned fish. But I've only lost 15lbs. And I'm starving by 4 hours after tthe meal, plus I don't reall feel "full" after the meal.

Tonight I cheated and had a mouthful of crackers after dinner (which was 1/4 cup kidney beans and 1/4th cup steamed baby carrots) plus i had a few extra carrots and a bite of cheese.

It's guilt of eating something I'm not supposted to be eatting that is killing me. I also just started working out again this week, so I know that should help.

But I'm really concerned that this week I haven't lost any weight....what can do I do. Should I go back to liquids.

I called my doctor and told them that i was hungry between meals and they said that they won't do a fill until 5 weeks after surgery and I'm only 3 weeks out so I have to wait.

Thanks for listening and your support.

Hi!

You're in "bandster hell". We all go through it after surgery and before restriction. Some people don't lose during this time (some even gain), but it will get better. Watch your portions, but realize that a cup a meal may not keep you full. My Dr. was OK with a high Protein snack during meals if I needed it and it really helped. I usually ate a string cheese or greek yogurt.

Good luck! It does get better after restriction!

you have to realize that your band has no restriction. it's absolutely NORMAL to still feel hungry! is it good to cheat? obviously no because "cheating" is what got us all overweight, right? don't beat yourself up over it. tomorrow is another day! if you're hungry, eat something healthy... it's OK to eat!

try to be patient. even after 1 fill you still might be hungry before 4 hours. it can take a couple of fills before that goes away... but it will. remember, it took you time to gain the weight, it's going to take you time to get rid of it too!

15 pounds in 3 weeks is AWESOME! be proud of yourself and don't feel so guilty about eating some crackers!

You are doing great! And, as the first person who responded pointed out, you are in "Bandster Hell!" It's totally normal that you should be feeling hungry.

Bandster Hell is that phase before you get to restriction where your band is in, but b/c there is no fill, you still get hungry easily and can eat bigger portions. You're just going to have to tough out this phase -- it will be over soon.

As for me, I gained 5 pounds during my Bandster Hell (it fell during Thanksgiving 2008. . rut-roh!), but they are long gone, as are lots of their friends! :confused:

Welcome! :confused:

Best wishes,

Catherine

Thanks I really needed that support :confused:

This site is a great place for support and encouragement! I don't think I would have done half as well without it and the banster blogging community! :confused:

Catherine (er.. . sorry to post the giant photos twice! I don't know how to make them smaller!)