Hi everyone! I was banded on 12/16/10 after a 5 day liquid diet. Up until about two days ago, I was doing well and not really being bothered by hunger. Things are really changing! Now I am hungry most of the time. I feel absolutely no restriction. Should I? I haven't had a fill yet but should I be feeling some restriction just by virtue that the band is in place and a pouch created? I am also beginning to have problems with muscle cramping in my legs and abdomen, might this be a mineral or iron deficiency? If anyone has any comments or suggestions I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

Hi everyone! I was banded on 12/16/10 after a 5 day liquid diet. Up until about two days ago, I was doing well and not really being bothered by hunger. Things are really changing! Now I am hungry most of the time. I feel absolutely no restriction. Should I? I haven't had a fill yet but should I be feeling some restriction just by virtue that the band is in place and a pouch created? I am also beginning to have problems with muscle cramping in my legs and abdomen, might this be a mineral or Iron deficiency? If anyone has any comments or suggestions I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

Unless your doc put Fluid in the band during surgery, you are the same as you were before it was installed. You can eat anything you like -- although, that would defeat the purpose of getting the band, don't you think? Anyway, you need to do more reading about the lapband. It is a "TOOL" not a magic wand. It works as hard as you do -- and ONLY if YOU work. The thing is that without restriction (or, pressure on the vagus nerve) YOU are doing ALL the work toward losing the weight. So, now that the swelling from the surgery is gone you are back to normal. The idea is that as you gain more restriction with each fill. It is a good idea to put into practice the changes in your diet. If you do this, not only will you likely lose weight before hitting your "sweet spot", but you will have a smoother transition when you REALLy can't eat much more that a cup of food. Your doctor probably has you on a post-surgery diet -- follow it. Read, read, read! This forum is a well spring of information. Take what you can use and leave the rest behind (including anything I say that you don't like... LOL). Be sure to get your Protein in, take your Vitamin supplements, STAY HYDRATED and EXERCISE.

I take a blood pressure med that has a diurectic so, if I don't get my fluids in during the day my legs and feet cramp at night -- and sometimes during the day. STAY HYDRATED! More than a few people have gone to the hospital for dehydration after this surgery, all because they did not drink enough Water. Take care of yourself. Remember, this is not a race ... it is definitely a marathon. And a "walking" marathon for some of us. LOL

Relax, you are going to be fine. Learn more about the band and if you have questions ask them here AND prepare questions for your next visit to your doctor.

You are well on your way to a new life. Enjoy the scenery while your body heals because once this ride gets going, you will be laughing all the way to the stores to buy NEW, SMALLER SIZED CLOTHES!

All the best to you on your journey.

Happy Holidays!

~Fran

Thanks for the advice Fran! I am doing a good job following my liquid diet...haven't cheated. I'm making sure I get the required fluids and am getting more than enough protein. I just didn't know if I should be filling any restriction at all with the band in place.

Hi everyone! I was banded on 12/16/10 after a 5 day liquid diet. Up until about two days ago, I was doing well and not really being bothered by hunger. Things are really changing! Now I am hungry most of the time. I feel absolutely no restriction. Should I? I haven't had a fill yet but should I be feeling some restriction just by virtue that the band is in place and a pouch created? I am also beginning to have problems with muscle cramping in my legs and abdomen, might this be a mineral or Iron deficiency? If anyone has any comments or suggestions I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks.

Hey! I was banded on Dec 13 and I just posted about the same thing. I am getting my appetite back full force.

Hi! I was also banded on Dec 16th! Happy Birthday to us! I am definitely hungry a lot now, but am trying to stick to the diet given. But OMG food smells sooo good! but gotta resist. I've been drinking juice alot and having mashed potatoes which seem to help! Try that!

Hey! I was banded on Dec 13 and I just posted about the same thing. I am getting my appetite back full force.

We have restriction post-op due to swelling, which goes away in a week or so. The time between when you lose that initial restriction and when you get it back via a fill or fills is called Bandsters' Hell. During this time of healing, we have to exercise restraint, as many can eat as much as before installation and feel that they've somehow failed. This is normal, so follow the diet your doc or nutritionist gave you and hang-in there until you get filled. Good luck!

I was banded on the 16th also and have been feeling the same (hungry) I was really confused also I guess we have to stick to our diets that the doctor prescribed.

I was told to do protein shakes so they can fill you up.I have lost 12 lbs already and I'm afraid to gain even 1 back.

Have you lost anything yet?

I saw my doctor on Dec 29th and told him that I haven't had any type of restriction since the surgery. I have followed the diet and lost about 30 lbs. but feel hungry most of the time. He agreed to schedule me for a fill on 11 Jan. This will be my first. He uses a fluoroscope for the fills, so hopefully I will feel a restriction. Keep the faith!

be sure tat ur Protein intake is right... also Water ..

good luck!