Hi everyone. I'm just about a month post op (Banded 12/18). I'm down 16 lbs since surgery, 32 lbs total since September. I was feeling restricted in my eating until about a week ago. Now I feel like I'm eating too much before I'm satisfied. I still don't go over my 1000 calories for the day but I'm definitely more hungry than I have been in between meals and I'm not hungry at all until around noon. I force myself to have a banana or a Greek yogurt in the morning, saving most of my calories for lunch and dinner.

I go for my 1 month post op appointment on Wednesday so I will ask questions then too. They won't give me a fill until 6 weeks post op. I'm actually happy about that because my port area is swollen and sore.

I guess I really don't have a question, I just wanted to put this out there for others who feel and have felt the same way.

This is also known as bandster hell, since you cannot have a fill and are starting to feel hungry between meals. Make sure you get some good protein all three meals. Just a banana is not enough.

The placement of the 8 and ) changed my 12/18 to the guy with sunglasses. Lol. I was banded 12/18

Thank you cheznoel! If I have only a banana I do have a Protein shake a half an hour before instead of coffee. Bandster hell? Lol it is. I guess it's not horrible. I drink a lot in between meals and it fills me temporarily. I'm also chewing gum in between so I don't grab sweets. I'm definitely eating less than I would without the band but it feels like a lot because I've gotten used to the small portions.

Thanks for the response cheznoel!

This is exactly how I'm feeing!! I mean like word for word. I was banded 12/21 and go for my first fill on 2/1. I'm keeping my portions small and daily calories under 1000, but the meals aren't keeping me as full as they did last week. I'm not losing any weight, but it's ok. I know this is normal and part of bandster hell. Without the restriction, I find myself taking big bites again!! Ugh!! I miss restriction lol Hang in there, we'll get through this together.

I am on the same week as you guys, banded 12/28. I do pretty well with getting protein. Have protein shake in the a.m., large unsweet ice tea keeps me drinking, then lunch is fish and veggies this week, and dinner has been eggs and veggies. I do have a craving every day around 3 pm, so I have sf/ff pudding or a yogurt. I love my coffee and this sometimes kills my sweet tooth.. my favorite sweetner is stevia or the new sweetner by splenda made from monkfruit... My new love is also almond milk/ unsweetened/ vanilla... it is awesome! I stay away from alot of dairy and this makes a difference. I don't ever feel hungry, but my stomach growls and whines... so I make sure I eat even when I don't think about it. I go for a fill on 2/1... I am looking forward to next week with grilled chicken and more veggies. I remember to chew like 20 -30 times, and can actually feel the food pass through my band...

I was banded 12/19. I'm trying not drinking any of my calories. I have breakfast with solid protein most often egg beaters omelette. Same thing for lunch and dinner. Solid protein first then veggies and maybe a small amount of starchy food. I think eating food that I really have to chew keeps me full longer. I only have a shake if I've had less that 45g of protein for the day. Today at 4:30 I was hungry since I had lunch at 12. But 3 strawberries was enough to tide me over until I could get home and cook and eat at 7:30. I haven't had a fill and won't until 2/21. I am only loosing about a pound a week but I'm ok with that. This is working for me. Maybe there's some part of it you can try and it will work for you.

Right there with you gals. Banded 12/21, first fill 2/1.... Getting an appetite back for sure but sticking to 1000 cal/day and 60 gram protein. Looking forward to a fill to see if I can tell a difference!

I agree with everyone. I was banded on 12/19. I am in Bandster Hell. I find myself wanting to eat and snack more and more. I drink a protein shake for breakfast. Light lunch. Then sensible dinner. Trying to get 60-80 grams of protein and 64 oz of water a day. My nut did not specify calories so I am staying under 1200. I am very happy to have MFP helping me count along the way. First fill is scheduled for 12/5. I am steadily losing (even ounces count-lol) but I find myself wanting to eat more. My co-workers think its funny because I would go all day without eating before I was banded. Now I am jetting out of the door at lunch. LOL just wanted to weigh in and let you all know that you are not alone. We are all in this boat together. It will get better for each of us. This is a marathon- not a sprint. It will take time but we can do this!

This is exactly how I'm feeing!! I mean like word for word. I was banded 12/21 and go for my first fill on 2/1. I'm keeping my portions small and daily calories under 1000' date=' but the meals aren't keeping me as full as they did last week. I'm not losing any weight, but it's ok. I know this is normal and part of bandster hell. Without the restriction, I find myself taking big bites again!! Ugh!! I miss restriction lol Hang in there, we'll get through this together.[/quote']

Hi! I'm not losing like I was in the beginning. I've been cleared to walk so I'm going to do that. Maybe it will help. I miss restriction too!!! I liked eating a little and being full for a long time. A Chobani would keep me full for hours... Now it must be slipping right through. Oh well, we will get there!!! Is your port area sore to the touch? Mine is. It wasnt and then all of a sudden it is. Will ask tomorrow at my appt. hang in there!!!

Hey, I just joined to talk about exactly this! I was banded on 12/28 and I'm definately noticing that I can eat more. I also haven't had any problems with food getting stuck or vomiting at all. I've lost 25lbs though!