hi im into day 10 post band. as of day 8, i had lost 18 lbs. i am on liquid diet and i notice that each day i can eat larger portions. yesterday i was forced to find food in a restaurant while on a long road trip i ate about 2 cups of Soup, Manhattan & New england clam chowder. i only took in the liquid part and didnt swallow anything else. then later at night i had a strained can of low fat vegetable soup. my total calories for the day was 550. i have felt real guilty about the chowder in the restaurant and the full can of soup. feel like i'm over eating because my portions are increasing.

im sceduled to see my dr. monday {12 days post band] ... should i request my first fill so that i have more restriction? or am i worrying too much

Edited April 17, 201016 yr by neveo
typo

This is absolutely normal!

Most surgeons do not fill your band when they place it on you, during surgery. Most of the "restriction" you get, is because the band has irritated your stomach and it's swollen. As the puffiness goes down, guess what? NO restriction - meaning, food is just dropping through, as normal.

Welcome to Bandster Hell - (I'm in it right now too) This is the time period that we must be patient. It typically takes 3-4+ fills to get to the perfect restriction. I'm on fill #2 (had surgery in Feb) and am no where near my "sweet spot".

It's all about will power for a few months - my NUT told me that most people remain the same (weight wise) or even gain during this time period. :thumbup:

It's frustrating and disappointing but the important thing is to be patient and know that your band WILL work - it may just not be today or tomorrow.

Stay strong and know that thousands of people are going through the exact same thing you are right now!!!! Good luck!

I agree with MrsCabes, Don't feel guilty about 550 cals!

You are doing fine and it sounds like you will continue to do fine. Hang in there during this healing phase and best of luck to you during banster hell.

You are doing just fine. Don't feel bad about the creamy soups- you didn't stray that far off the path. Be aware that your doctor will probably not do a fill at your next appt. My doc. waited 4 weeks. I think 4-6 weeks is the norm for the first fill. Best wishes!

Your band won't (and shouldn't) restrict liquids-- so no matter how tight your band is- you won't feel full. (Unless of course it's so tight that liquids can't get through- but you DON'T want to go there.)

Don't worry about the chowder-- if anything, you're calories are way low (maybe carry some Protein shakes with you?)

when you move on to food, you'll start to feel more full (though like the others said, you will not likely have restriction with food, either, until you get a few fills.)