Hello, I am 20 days post-op, and have moved to the mushies phase. When I was told this would be bandster's hell, i now realize people were not joking. I am starting to wonder if I even have a lap band. My level of hunger has returned to my pre-operative level. When I eat, I don't feel I have any restriction. The temporary restriction I felt for the first few weeks was great. Now, I am wondering what has happened. Is this truly normal to not feel any restriction at 3 weeks post op? While exercising I started feeling a dull ache in my lower left side. Has anyone elso experienced this type of pain? I have been told it may be strain due to the surgery, please provide some insight, and suggestions to get through the next 4 weeks w/o a fill. Thanks for your help.

Your symptoms are mirroring mine, and I was banded on April 9th. I think it's kind of psychosomatic, they prepare you with all these new eating tools, and they we don't get your adjustment until 5-6 weeks post-op, so they early discipline that we've obtained just goes out of the window. I am feeling fuller, but I like you moved on to eating, but when I eat too much, like I am feeling presently you feel miserable. I am also feeling the pains, I believe they are normal, but we are so focused on losing the weight we forget we are still in a healing phase. Stay encouraged, and keep the support close to you. People will expect us to never become hungry again!!!! Take it slow, we will love the results!!!!:thumbup:

It isn't unusual to feel no restriction 3 weeks out. Especially since you are still on mushies. These slide right through so you will be less satisfied than when you get to eat real food. Also your swelling is diminishing now, so you are likely to be more hungry until your first fill or maybe the second or third fill. Get more protein and less carbs and it helps with the hunger. You can eat meat on mushies, just put it in the blender and thin it to mushie stage with Chicken broth. It really does help with hunger. You can also eat eggs, string cheese, and cottage cheese. Greek yougurt if you can find it without too many carbs is also a good source of protein. Best of luck!! Hugs.....