I was banded on March 9th, and I am HUNGRY!!! I want to eat! I am on the soft and mushy foods until April 14th, but I have the sensation that I can eat anything - although I don't . I am scheduled for my first fill on April 26th - which is a quite some time considering I feel like I don't have any restrictions, and I truly feel like I have the capacity to eat anything I choose. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice?? Please help.

Many thanks!

Just make sure your meals are as protein rich as possible that will keep you full. Or things like Oatmeal fill me up good. Hunger will be there until you are filled to a good spot. (some people call this bandster hell) For me, a few weeks after my fill (I got 5.5ccs), my hunger was gone almost completely. Try to focus on other things also remember you are used to eating SO much food, that it's hard to feel satisfied on the small amounts. You will likely always have the capacity to eat whatever... you just have to control it and watch the calories. Yes, I can't eat nearly as much as I did before, but I can get a pretty good amount down if I I chose to.

Eat flavorful soft and mushy foods. Vary the flavors, savory, sweet, etc. One of my favorite mushy/soft foods is refried Beans with melted cheese on top. Good Protein and definitely yummy! On the sweet side, non-fat Greek yogurt is another of my favorites, all flavors.

I find it helpful to drink aromatic hot tea as well. There are some great ones out there. I've even found one that tastes like black licorice.

Hang in there. Even though you feel like you can eat anything, don't risk it. You have a lot at stake.

Use this board for encouragement. The people here are great.

I was banded on March 9th, and I am HUNGRY!!! I want to eat! I am on the soft and mushy foods until April 14th, but I have the sensation that I can eat anything - although I don't . I am scheduled for my first fill on April 26th - which is a quite some time considering I feel like I don't have any restrictions, and I truly feel like I have the capacity to eat anything I choose. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice?? Please help.

Many thanks!

Bless your heart! Yes, you are in bandsters hell. It is very normal for you to feel hungry right now. Like you, I thought I would starve to death before my first fill. My surgery was 11/22 and I didn't get my first fill until 1/7.....yikes!

Right now, you are going to have to use all the will power you have to get by. I know it is hard.....VERY HARD.....but you can do this. Try to have tunnel vision and see yourself lighter and healthier.

Try to get in as much Protein as you can at this point. Protein will satisfy your cravings more than anything. Also, try not to lean towards mushy things like mashed potatoes because they do not contain much protein. During the mushy phase, I would eat canned chicken with some wing sauce, Ranch dressing, and shredded cheese. Also, "fake lasagna" is good. Take some spaghetti sauce, cottage cheese or ricatto cheese and warm it up in the microwave. Remember that it isn't uncommon to gain a few pounds before your first fill.

YOU CAN DO THIS!!

Hey Gotmyeyeontheprize Please stay strong. I am in the same boat. I am scheduled for my 1st fill on April 12 was banded Feb 25 and I look at the calendar everyday. Although I received pretty decent restriction from the band placement. I now make sure that I am eating sufficient amounts of Protein and Fiber. Although I am on regular food I still LOVE my Protein shakes and I pour fiber in them so that feeling of hunger doesn't haunt me allday. Also if you have a dietician make that individual your BFF..seriously. I email my dietician daily.. just to make sure that I am not doing anything incorrect. These days are will power for me! I found that when I even think about "comfort foods" I go walk..listen to my ipod and zone out.. Because if I constantly think about food I will completely fail.. and that is not an option for me..

Please feel free to email me (deneshad1183@gmail.com) anytime if you need some advice .. Just remember this forum is GREAT SUPPORT!!!!!

I wish you the best of LUCK!!!!

Eat flavorful soft and mushy foods. Vary the flavors, savory, sweet, etc. One of my favorite mushy/soft foods is refried Beans with melted cheese on top. Good Protein and definitely yummy! On the sweet side, non-fat Greek yogurt is another of my favorites, all flavors.

I find it helpful to drink aromatic hot tea as well. There are some great ones out there. I've even found one that tastes like black licorice.

Hang in there. Even though you feel like you can eat anything, don't risk it. You have a lot at stake.

Use this board for encouragement. The people here are great.

Many thanks to all of you for your advice. I will definitely take all suggestions and recommendations into account. You all are so supportive and so gracious. Thank you again.