I was banded 9 days ago. I have one week left of full liquids, and the smoothies, oatmeal etc., is beginning not to fill me up. I've been doing fine and not feeling hungry up til a day or so ago. I am eating basically oatmeal, cream of wheat, many smoothies with soy milk and protein powder, sugar free pudding, and pureed soups. Lots of liquids as well. I don't really feel 'banded' now that the gas and pressure is gone. I have another week of full liquids, then mush, and 4 weeks until my first fill and I'm feeling worried. I guess I expected to feel more 'different' in some way. Other than a big lump under my stomach I feel like if I did eat a mush food, it would digest just fine. (I'm not going to however...just sayin...) I am following my Drs. list of foods and amounts. Maybe I'm just 'head' hungry?

Right after surgery we have REAL restriction, and our pouches can barely hold anything. but when the swelling goes down our stomachs go to normal, and you'll start to feel like you used to. You might have to fight through bandster hell until you get to a good fill level. It sucks, but if you can make it through, all of the weight you lose in that time will be a great source of pride for you, because you did it on willpower alone.

Thank you Rachel. It's comforting to find out these steps are normal. If you don't mind me asking, do your remember what you lost from pre-op clear liquid phase until your first fill? Also can you tell me what you drank/ate on post-op full liquid phase? Looking for new ideas.

Right after surgery we have REAL restriction, and our pouches can barely hold anything. but when the swelling goes down our stomachs go to normal, and you'll start to feel like you used to. You might have to fight through bandster hell until you get to a good fill level. It sucks, but if you can make it through, all of the weight you lose in that time will be a great source of pride for you, because you did it on willpower alone.