The surgery was November 8 it was okay after the first 2 weeks the Hunger wasn't so bad and I was actually losing weight. My first fill isn't till December 20th and I don't think I can make it. I'm not losing any weight but I'm not gaining any either, it's very discouraging.

I seem to stay hungry just like I always have, even after the surgery.

What is going on? What do I need to do? Please help!

You need to just worry about healing right now. When I went for my first fill Monday my Dr said " I know the weight you loss was all you, as soon as we get enough fills the band will help you a lot".

You're in what they call "bandster hell", you can eat as much as you used to, but you shouldn't. Just hang in there until you get some fills. I was 6 wks out for my first fill!

Are you eating enough Protein, that is what's going to keep you satisfied? Worse comes to worse call your Dr. and tell him you need another plan, maybe he'll allow you to add something to your diet.

I’ve been banded just over 6 years and have talked about this here a couple of time but I think it’s worth repeating for new bandsters.

Try and take it one day at a time. Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t go into this journey saying “I’ll never be able to eat this or that ever again.” I can eat ANYTHING except rice and apple skins and no carbonated beverages. Follow the guidelines given to you by your doctor. Remember… take tiny bites (the size of your pinky fingernail) and remember to finish what you have in your mouth before you take your next bite.

When I was losing weight I checked in every month with my family doctor to get weighed and measured. (I don’t own scales) I also attended two coffee groups for people that were banded. These things really kept me motivated and on track. I still check in every month with my family doctor to get weighed-in and I host two coffee groups. For me support from fellow bandsters plays a big part in this journey.

Back when I was banded my doctor suggested something called the “Egg Timer Distraction”. It’s kind of difficult to explain here but I’d be happy to email you the .pdf document. It REALLY helped me with “head hunger. I can’t tell you the number of people in my lapband coffee groups over the years that have said how helpful this “trick” has been in dealing with their head hunger.

Also, I’m not really a “diet” book type person but I recommend you pick up two books.

Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle – by Dr. Michelle May

I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. May speak at a conference when she came to Toronto and her book and guidelines really work well with the lapband journey.

The second book is:

The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite – by David L. Kessler

Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions and also if you would like a copy of the “Egg Timer Distraction Document”.

Hang in there... you will start to lose... you are still healing.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 156 lbs

tomander@bel

Now is the time to really rely on both your surgeon and your nutritionist. As already stated, you're in bandster hell. You have the band but don't feel like it and it's not easy. I hate to say this, and I'm not at all trying to discourage you, but you need to realize until you have adequate Fluid in your band you're going to be hungry a lot. You just have to remind yourself the hunger is temporary and once you do have a couple fills, you will be able to go 4+ hours between meals without the hunger.

The only way I survived bandster hell while still losing weight was by spreading my calories out through the day to allow me to eat every 2 hours. I kept the calories set by my nutritionist and never ate more than a cup of food per meal, but I I ate something every couple hours. For me, it worked.

Also, a support group in your area might really help you too.

Hang in there, this will pass eventually.

Are you off liquids? If so, you are probably on mushies. So, mush up your protein and eat about 3/4 cup and then have some mushy veggies. If you don't have a blender, maybe biuy one, or try junior babyfoods. As stated before, now, is healing time, weightloss wil happen, now, but slowly until your 1st fill. Take care of yourself, drink your liquids and get your mind off food. Watching TV is bad because, now, is the season of food commercials! I had surgery on Oct 30, 2009. I don't like "Checkers", never have, but those commercials made me drool! Best wishes, and put 1 step in front of the other! Karen

I want to thank everyone for all your help and Knowledge. I know you guys have been through the same thing, and I know what I need to do, but sometimes you forget, and it's good to be reminded and encouraged.

I've heard of banders hell but never really knew what it was till now, now it makes sense. You guys are great and give great advice and I will take all your advice and use it. Thanks again for all y'alls help in getting my head straight again.

I want to thank everyone for all your help and Knowledge. I know you guys have been through the same thing' date=' and I know what I need to do, but sometimes you forget, and it's good to be reminded and encouraged.

I've heard of banders hell but never really knew what it was till now, now it makes sense. You guys are great and give great advice and I will take all your advice and use it. Thanks again for all y'alls help in getting my head straight again.[/quote']

No problem! Anytime you need a good kick in the arse, we'll be happy to oblige.lol

Hang in there, it will get better!