Hungry!!!!!

[carisajo83 0]

I had lap band surgery on August 17th, 2011. I woke up from surgery hungry. Everyone I talk to says they weren't hungry at all after surgery. I did the 2 week preop liquids diet and never cheated. But, I started on solid foods the day after surgery. My blood sugar kept bottoming out on liquids, so I started eating crackers. I know I should be following the liquid diet. but it makes me sick and I dont want to start vomiting and bust my stitches. I am currently eating soft foods, about an ounce at a time. I am worried though because I feel hungry at least ever hour and a half. again, I'm only taking in an ounce at a time, but I feel like I shouldn't be hungry. do I need a fill already? I do not want to fail at this, and I'm not trying to make excuses why I didn't do the postop liquids diet. I'll do what I need to in order to succeed, as long ad it doesn't make me sick. please help!

[ARedRaider 0]

I had lap band surgery on August 17th, 2011. I woke up from surgery hungry. Everyone I talk to says they weren't hungry at all after surgery. I did the 2 week preop liquids diet and never cheated. But, I started on solid foods the day after surgery. My blood sugar kept bottoming out on liquids, so I started eating crackers. I know I should be following the liquid diet. but it makes me sick and I dont want to start vomiting and bust my stitches. I am currently eating soft foods, about an ounce at a time. I am worried though because I feel hungry at least ever hour and a half. again, I'm only taking in an ounce at a time, but I feel like I shouldn't be hungry. do I need a fill already? I do not want to fail at this, and I'm not trying to make excuses why I didn't do the postop liquids diet. I'll do what I need to in order to succeed, as long ad it doesn't make me sick. please help!

Let me first add my disclaimer that I by no means am and "expert" or "pro" at this as I was only banded on 7/21/2011 and still have LOTS to learn and LOTS of questions.

But, I do want to reassure you that I was similar to you in that the first couple of weeks post-op when I was only on liquids, or then soft foods and only eating about an ounce at a time, I was frequently hungry as well. That ounce only seemed to last me about an hour to an hour and a half. Now that I've progressed to a month post op, I'm eating about 3 ounces of Protein followed by a few veggies if there's room, and that tends to last me about 3 to 3 1/2 hours. It seems to me that it's about a 1 ounce to 1 hour ratio. Remember too, that your new little pouch is like high dollar real estate...so don't waste precious space putting something in there that won't hold you over. Protein goes first and gets "first pick" of the precious real estate.

Also, don't beat yourself up on the post-op liquids. It's important to follow your doctors advice, but, I had to supplement with some very soft foods (ie mashed up, very thin red beans) because I was 1) very tired, weak on liquids alone (literally, having to pull the car over on the side of the road for a power nap) and 2) having bad, bad, GI issues that were sending me running to the ladies room when I was on that many liquids. The reason for the post op liquids and soft foods are to let you heal internally. So, I just chose things that were still very soft, high in protein--but added a little "substance" so things didn't just "run out." (Pardon the pun)

I was just filled on 7/19/2011, and yes, it's made a difference in the hunger factor.

Now, take all this with a grain of salt, since I was banded on 7/21/2011 and have only lost 10-12 pounds so far. 30 more to go!

Hugs and don't give up.

[Pink8671 1]

I am soooo glad im not the special case cuz I am super hungry as well. I was banded on 8/19/2011 and on day four I was getting hungry. I followed post op Liquids till an hour ago! My stomach was growling and making all kinds of noises, felt very weak and tired too. Today was also my first day back to work. I just had to eat! I stuck to soft but just could not do the liquid for dinner. Such torture. I'm ready to be a few months ahead in the process so I can feel normal again!

[carisajo83 0]

I'm glad I'm not alone. I hate that others are experiencing this, but glad I'm not the liner here. I am losing weight and tolerating soft foods without problems. Aside from the liquids, I've not been sick one time. I'm starting to feel more optimistic, but cautious. I am eating meat, but very moist or soaked in Water or sauce to help with chewing.

I despise telling ANYONE what I'm dealing with, because naturally I get told "you're going to mess this all up." My question back is "I'm eating less than 12 ounces of food a day, drinking my Protein, taking my Vitamins, and exercising. Compare that to your 12 ounces PER MEAL, no exercise, and no vitamins....,.How are you SO SURE I'm going to fail??"

I know a diet is put in place for a reason. But, I also know my body. I haven't lost 65 pounds PRIOR to surgery by NOT being in tune with my body. I refuse to fall back on old habits, but I also can't let myself get sick when I'm clearly tolerating what I'm eating. I'm not eating fried chicken, bacon, burgers, roast, dry chicken, bread, ETC that I know I can't digest right now!

Thank you all for your kind words and support. I'm here to chat if you need a friend!

[martie4 1]

I am so thankful that this website exists! I was banded on 8/23/11 and my hunger pains were so bad they were painful. I still have heartburn and gas but after I ate something with more substance, it helped. Thank you all for your input because I no longer feel alone regretting my decision to be banded. Hope everyone feels better soon!

[carisajo83 0]

I'm hoping after my first adjustment I'll stop eating as much. My appetite is back full force. I regret eating and get upset when I do. Tired of feeling like this isn't going to work.

Not to mention I'm still in pain. I'm on my third Stadol inhaler. Defiantly regret the surgery at this point.