My surgery was 2 weeks ago today. I really don't feel much restriction at all and feel hungry most of the time. Is this normal after surgery?? I did have complications a couple days after surgery and the dr. had to remove Fluid because I had too much swelling. So, I am wondering if the swelling has now gone down and that's why I feel no restrictions. I hate feeling so hungry all the time...

The weird thing is I feel more restriction when drinking fluids than I do when eating.

To make matters worse, I am traveling for work this week and it is really difficult to figure out what to eat when you have to eat every meal out.

Just struggling right now and looking for some guidance, encouragement, etc

Thanks in advance!!

Cheryl

I think you are confusing restriction with tightness...true restriction is when your able to eat only small amounts of food and be satiated for around 4 hours...and it may take you a few fills and maybe unfills until you get proper restriction...the first 4 weeks are really about healing so you shouldn't be on regular foods just yet(well unless your surgeon said it was ok)....most bandsters feel tighter in the am than any other time of the day...hope this helps some

You will hear this phrase often as you tune into this site. "Bandster Hell" is where you are. Most of us experience this until you get a fill that gives you the restriction that will slow the advancement of food through your pouch. Until then, it can be like you never had surgery. For me, I was in BH for 4 months and 4 fills before I finally got some kind of restriction.

You may be lucky and get restriction with one fill. For others, 13 or more. Welcome to your new journey.

I recommend you read the magazine article from Jean McMillan titled "Restriction, the Holy Grail". Look on the right side of this page for "Recent Magazine Articles". Click on the "View All" button.

tmf

Thanks for your responses. My doctor has released me to regular foods. I hope I don't stay in "Bandster Hell" for long. It's a bit frustrating to feel as though you didn't have the surgery at all...