I had surgery one week ago and would like to hear from others about their first week. Would you like to share? From you older banders it would also be nice to get a preview of what the next few weeks will be like.

My First Week__________________

I was pretty tired on surgery day, but able to resume a half day at the office the day after surgery, and to resume a full work day on day 5.

The pain was minimal. Once, I took a dose of the tylenol w/codein, and other times took half doses of children's tylenol.

I had no nausea. That terrible, bloated feeling lasted only 2-3 hours after I woke up from surgery. The only sign of having done something wrong was on day 7 when I ate a scrambled egg.

I have had no hunger this week, probably only eating 200-500 calories a day, and have lost 16 pounds. However, today (day 8) I ate 2X-3X what I've eaten on any other day (1/3 Protein drink for Breakfast, cup of Soup for lunch, and 2/3 cup of soup for dinner) so maybe hunger is returning.

I was worried that after banding I would forever lose the enjoyment of food. But I'm finding that enjoyment of food is probably a relative thing. Vegetarian broth was delicious, and when I ate that egg (cold, left over by my daughter) it tasted like foi gras (I love foi gras).

I understand that if I am restricted now it is only because of swelling and won't last, but I really like this feeling.

My first week post op:

The surgery went well, but I was in recovery forever due to no room available. Stayed over night and went home the next day to my 9 month old, 4 yr old, and 6 yr old. So I was busy real quick. I had gas pains and YES!! walking does help with the gas pains. The faster you get up and move the faster you feel better. Strangest thing during first week: the growling after I had ate. The bottom stomach would be growling even though I had ate. Strange.

The head hunger was the worst. I never realized how much food is advertised till I couldn't have it. When I had my surgery is 4/03 Burger King came out with that ChEEEEZZZ BURRRRGERRRR commericial, and my kids loved it and walked around saying that. I would've killed to eat one. One thing I found that helped with the head hunger was crunching on Sonic ice. It was liquid but I still got to chew. I guess it tricked my mind into thinking I was eating sommething. Also a good way to get in your Water. I would stop by Sonic and get a Route 44 ice water (43cents) and drinl it all and refill the cup at the water faucet at work. Made it easy to get it all in.

Good luck to everyone having surgery!!