Feeling Down. Bandster Hell?

[Arizonakimc 25]

I was banded August 18th. I am now on mushies and have been having on and off days. Today I ate a ton of mushies without restriction in the evening. I know I need to get back on track, but I just need to hear from others. Did you experience this? Does it get better on solids and after first fill? I am getting down on myself for not being stronger. Do the mushies just go right down like liquid?

[A New New Dawn 1,695]

What type of "mushies" are you having? If you are just pureeing mixed foods you will not get the same fullness or restriction as if you pureed and ate your Protein first. Make sure you are eating the protein before any veggies or other foods. Also, make sure you are drinking enough. Many people get hungry from not drinking what they should. Lastly, if you are doing Proteins first (around 3 ou.), then try to step back and think are you really physically hungry or is it "head" hunger.

I went through a period where I thought I was very hungry but it was really the smell of food that made me think that. Physically, I realized I wasn't hungry. Also, measure your portions so you don't overeat. You need to heal properly and don't want to get in bad habits. You shouldn't serve more than a cup of food.

Good luck to you. You have had your habits for years and it will take time to get into the new groove.

[Sojourner 2,446]

No matter what stage you are in post op, you still need to follow the diet recommendations of your surgeon. For me, that means to measure portions (3 oz lean Protein, 2 oz Fiber carb) for every meal...and yes, even while on mushies I measured all my portions.

It's essential that you recognize that everyone is an individual. and no two bandsters will have identical experiences. I can share my experiences, and you may have entirely different feedback to share.

Mushies are supposed to keep you from feeling hunger for longer than your Protein Shakes. You still need to comply with the diet instructions of your surgeon.

Getting to the stage with regular solids did mean that it usually took 3.5 to 4 hours before I got hungry again, but not always. I still drink over 80 oz of Water a day to help manage my hunger, as "free fluids (SF/FF)" do help with lessening feelings of hunger.

It is unlikely, though not impossible that you will feel much restriction with your first fill. I felt restriction without having any Fluid in my band. I just had my third fill, and hope that it will lessen my hunger between meals.

My surgeon has advised me that there are some bandsters who never get to the point where hunger is eradicated entirely, so the patient's responsibility for their weight loss is greater.

As is often mentioned, the band is only a weight loss tool...we have to learn how to use it properly for weight loss success.

Wishing you success...

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,722]

as sojo and dawn said, Portion Control is key. just because (you are able to eat more) does not mean you should. the band is a only a plastic band around your stomach. it will not stop you from getting hungry (just make you eat less). you have to change what/how much you eat to lose weight. but to be a real success, you need to change that diet mental thinking.

i do not have any fill yet, but i eat as if i do. i make myself stop eating at a cup of food. (even though i am sure i can/could eat more).

it will get better. just hang in there. all the best to you.