Ok, so I just got banded on 2.12.2010 in Mexico. They didn't fill my band at all, so I went to get my first fill (4cc's) yesterday. I can feel that I am more restricted then I was when the band was empty, but I am constantly feeling hungry. I make a protein shake for breakfast, and try to eat a sensible lunch and dinner, but feel hungry all the time. I am sure most of it is probably mental issues, that I need to get over, but I was wondering is anyone could give me a breakdown of what they ate when they were first banded. I don't want to fail at this. Any help would be appreciated.:wink2:

That is beacause you are in what is commonly known as bandsters hell. Although you have some fill you have not yet reached the optimum level of restriction as to do this requires a number of fills.

Hang on. Do your best and do not stress if you do not lose at this stage.

Be prepared to feel this way for a while. I was banded Dec. 16th and have just now reached restriction. Be prepared also to combat this with healthy food cholices and portion control or you could gain weight. It was everything I could do to just maintain for what seemed like forever! Best wishes!!!

I was banded on 1/18. My surgeon put in 1.5cc during surgery. Then when I went for my 2 week check, he put me at 4cc's. That helped a little, but I was also allowed to eat than and had very little restriction. So, at my 4 week post op check-up, he bumped me up to 5.5 cc's in my 10cc band. I now have a lot of restriction. Don't forget to keep drinking plenty of water. That too will help to fill you up. And, it's very hard to get in all of your liquid as it is. Just be sure to be patient. Each Dr. progresses each patient differently. You just have to trust your surgeon. You trusted him to do the surgery, now trust him to advance you at the pace he feels is best for you. Good Luck!:wink2:

Ok, so I just got banded on 2.12.2010 in Mexico. They didn't fill my band at all, so I went to get my first fill (4cc's) yesterday. I can feel that I am more restricted then I was when the band was empty, but I am constantly feeling hungry. I make a Protein shake for breakfast, and try to eat a sensible lunch and dinner, but feel hungry all the time. I am sure most of it is probably mental issues, that I need to get over, but I was wondering is anyone could give me a breakdown of what they ate when they were first banded. I don't want to fail at this. Any help would be appreciated.:wink2:

My nutritionist allowed me to have an 8oz Protein Shake instead of 4oz. I could have 3-4 a day. What size are you having? Also as someone else said, this is the hardest part of being banned because you have limited to no restriction. I am at 5.5cc's in my 10cc band and I do believe I have hit the 'Sweet spot'. I am not hungry and I have alot of restriction. You DO have to rely on your surgeon right now. You need to drink more fluids. I am ALWAYS drinking something. Even if you have to carry a Water bottle with you everywhere you go. Also try to keep yourself busy. Bandsters hell really sucks. If you are still finding it very hard after a few days i would call your surgeon and discuss it with him. Although they like to wait for awhile inbetween fills, sometimes they make exceptions.

The best of luck to you. Hang in there and remember you are in control. NOT THE FOOD! Don't let food control you.

Another thought: Can you eat real food for breakfast rather than a protein shake? I'm thinking the shake goes right through while some scrambled eggs or something might help you stay full longer.

Thanks for the info everyone. I do feel like I am in bandster hell right now. I have to wait at least 4 weeks before I can go back for another fill. Hopefully I can be strong during that time and chose food wisely. I know I have to do something, the band won't do it all.

Ok, so I just got banded on 2.12.2010 in Mexico. They didn't fill my band at all, so I went to get my first fill (4cc's) yesterday. I can feel that I am more restricted then I was when the band was empty, but I am constantly feeling hungry. I make a protein shake for breakfast, and try to eat a sensible lunch and dinner, but feel hungry all the time. I am sure most of it is probably mental issues, that I need to get over, but I was wondering is anyone could give me a breakdown of what they ate when they were first banded. I don't want to fail at this. Any help would be appreciated.:biggrin:

So what is a sensible lunch and dinner? That means different things to different people. I have a few questions to try to help you start "working the tool":

1. Are you drinking with your meals?

2. How much protein are you having in your protein drink for breakfast and how much with lunch and dinner?

3. Are you getting in at least 64 ounces of water/fluids per day (besides the protein drink)?

4. Are you able to get in some exercise?

The answers to these questions can help us all help you deal with the part of the hunger that is physical in nature.

I'd be happy to help you so you can email or PM or just post.

Hello...My name is Sue and I live in Salem, Oregon. I was banded on Nov. 5 2009 at OHSU in Portland.

Most important things to remember....my friend.

Your only a few weeks out, your body is changing, as well as your thought process. Going from 2.2 cc's to 4 is more than what alot of Doctors are willing to do, so you are ahead of the program. OHSU only goes .5ccs.

Make sure you get as much protein as you can daily, at this point I would think at least 50 grams. It helps with your hunger and reduces your bodys stress. I buy UNJURY on line, unjury.com. It is medically the best you can buy and tastes the best also. Go there right now, in fact if you would like I have some unflavored I would give you. Also some Chicken Soup flavor. You can add it to anything to boost the protein. Add it to broth or mashed potatoes, your milk. It can't be added to anything that is over 130 degrees cause it turns grainy, so just heat hot things to that.

You should be sipping at all times except 15 minutes before, during, and 15 minutes after eating. Try to fill your stomach with fluids before you sit down to eat. Than take SMALL sips of your protein drink. It should take you at least 15-20 minutes to finish. That way your brain can actually register you ate something. Don't wait so long before meals, you don't want to get to the "hungry as a wild animal" lol.

This is NOT a Quick Fix process, you want the weight to come off slow, about 6 lbs. a month. It gives your metabolisum time to reset.

MOVE, MOVE MOVE! exercise makes EVERYTHING better!

I don't mean to come off as a drill sargent, sorry if you take it that way. But you must take baby steps, your changing your Life Style. Make sure your kind to yourself, be positive in your thinking. Your a good person and this forum is your best connection to people who are or have experienced what you are right now. Use us, we want you to succeed!

Blessings,

Sue

Ps. If you would like to hear more, just let me know.

Also OHSU has free classes for lapband, so check out their website.

All above posts include great ideas and encouragement. I would add that you may want to add a healthy snack or 2 between meals. I usually have my 2 dairy servings as snacks. I eat cheese sticks, cottage cheese (I found them in preportioned little containers), or yougurt (no fat). Hope this helps and keep us posted on how it's going.

Another thought: Can you eat real food for Breakfast rather than a Protein shake? I'm thinking the shake goes right through while some scrambled eggs or something might help you stay full longer.

I eat eggbeaters (egg whites...less calories) with a piece of cheese every morning and I'm good until noontime.

All above posts include great ideas and encouragement. I would add that you may want to add a healthy snack or 2 between meals. I usually have my 2 dairy servings as Snacks. I eat cheese sticks, cottage cheese (I found them in preportioned little containers), or yougurt (no fat). Hope this helps and keep us posted on how it's going.

Greek yogart's great too!

I fought the band and the band won. I am now following the drinking rule 30min prior and after a meal it works. I have reached saity. Chew, chew chew, slowly, slowly slowly. I have to keep telling this to myself. I was a know it all and once I saw the scale moving up, I took hold of the reigns and made the committment

I found Icelandic yogurt it has 22g of protien, it's pricey $2 each. Jay Robb makes a tasty protien powder it's better then "all the whey "which I thought was really good. powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury is gross,GNC designer whey is gross.

I make a 50-60g protien shake. I start with protien powder,the icelandic yogurt, double milk(skim milk and nonfat powdered milk 8oz=18g of protien) and frozen fruit instead of ice. Its stays thick and doesn't seperate as the fruit melts.:biggrin: