I had my band placed on 2/19/13. For the first three weeks I was on liquid only. I struggled the first three days with food obsession, but then things were just great! Not hungry, loved my shakes.

Now I'm on a regular diet. I am exercising. And I am HUNGRY! Almost all of the time.

I don't get my first fill until 4/11 and I am aware that it may make no difference.

I'm happy that I did the surgery and I know that this hard work will pay off BUT I really had no idea just how difficult it would be.

To anyone who is considering the band or newly banded: it is NOT magic and it takes 100% focus. Use a calorie counting app and buy smaller plates and utensils. Get up from the table immediately after eating your portion and LEAVE the kitchen for a while.

Ugh! I'm SO looking forward to feeling full longer!!

Bandster Hell is that period of time between your surgery, and the day your band finally starts to perform the way it was designed to do.....

It took me a good six months....I had all my needed fills within the first 4 months, but it took me at least another 2 months to "Adjust" to the new life, "Learn" to live with the band, and learn to apply to all the "Rules" I have been practicing since surgery, that at first made little sense but were essential for survival once the band took over.....

I will tell you from personal experience, once I got through it, did not back down and stayed determined, adjusted my eating and applying the rules where and when needed....it has all been heaven sent ever since, no hassles or struggles.....easy as can be.....best decision I could have ever done.....

BUT getting there was the challenge - HELL....and not everyone does..many back down and choose to live at different stages of their choosing.....the band is adjustable unlike other surgeries....

I had my band placed on 2/19/13. For the first three weeks I was on liquid only. I struggled the first three days with food obsession' date=' but then things were just great! Not hungry, loved my shakes.

Now I'm on a regular diet. I am exercising. And I am HUNGRY! Almost all of the time.

I don't get my first fill until 4/11 and I am aware that it may make no difference.

I'm happy that I did the surgery and I know that this hard work will pay off BUT I really had no idea just how difficult it would be.

To anyone who is considering the band or newly banded: it is NOT magic and it takes 100% focus. Use a calorie counting app and buy smaller plates and utensils. Get up from the table immediately after eating your portion and LEAVE the kitchen for a while.

Ugh! I'm SO looking forward to feeling full longer!![/quote']

I got my band on feb 28 and just got my first fill, he put 4 cc and I still feel so hungry this really suxs , I had to pay 75$ for fill and to still just feel hungry!!!

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I got my band on feb 28 and just got my first fill, he put 4 cc and I still feel so hungry this really suxs , I had to pay 75$ for fill and to still just feel hungry!!!

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Your first fill rarely gets you into the green zone. Another unfortunate truth. Most people take 3-4 fills before they really get to that magic place where hunger isn't a persistent problem. The key is patience, which I know is easier said than done, but trust me. I know what I'm talking about. I took 7 fills before I got to the green zone, but my doctor admits I'm in the minority.

Until you get the the green zone, you'll have to use some dieter's tricks to battle the hunger. First, remember the band rules and keep your portions small and eat SLOWLY. Not only does it make you less likely to have problems with the band, but it gives your brain time to catch up with with signals telling it you've already eaten. Second, make sure you get as much protein as possible. It will keep you satisfied the longest of all your foods. And third, try spacing your food throughout the day. If you eat smaller amounts more frequently, you can often make sure you get something in your belly before the hunger really starts to drive you insane.

Good luck! This period of time isn't pleasant, but it won't last forever.

Your first fill rarely gets you into the green zone. Another unfortunate truth. Most people take 3-4 fills before they really get to that magic place where hunger isn't a persistent problem. The key is patience, which I know is easier said than done, but trust me. I know what I'm talking about. I took 7 fills before I got to the green zone, but my doctor admits I'm in the minority.

Until you get the the green zone, you'll have to use some dieter's tricks to battle the hunger. First, remember the band rules and keep your portions small and eat SLOWLY. Not only does it make you less likely to have problems with the band, but it gives your brain time to catch up with with signals telling it you've already eaten. Second, make sure you get as much protein as possible. It will keep you satisfied the longest of all your foods. And third, try spacing your food throughout the day. If you eat smaller amounts more frequently, you can often make sure you get something in your belly before the hunger really starts to drive you insane.

Good luck! This period of time isn't pleasant, but it won't last forever.

The "small meals spaced throughout the day" is my life-saver. It was, in fact, my surgeon's directives that I eat every 2 hours, and now I see why. (And by "eat", I mean small...my snack is a couple of TBLSP applesauce, or non fat yogurt, small amount). This does prevent me from coming to the table too hungry and eating too fast/eating too much/eating the wrong thing at this point in my recovery. And yes, my meal is protein-heavy and that helps so much in keeping my blood sugar stable = keeping me from getting too hungry as I wait this period out.

My surgeon said I could chew gum just don't swallow it. it's funny how different surgeons can be!

I had band on Feb29, just had my first fill he put 4 cc and I still feel no Restriction it is hard, I had to pay for fill 75$ and just to still feel hungry I'm so upset feel its not gonna wk for me

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I think most of us question everything during this period. We wonder if we will fail, if we will feel torturously hungry forever....I think we just have to ride it out and keep following the rules. I notice that working out increases my hunger( metabolism related, I am sure!) I find that if I eat anything with sugar, even if eaten after lots of protein, increases my hunger also. I keep backing up and reminding myself why I did this.

I notice more discomfort at my port lately too--- I actually don't have a lot of stomach fat so my port feels like its trying to push out of me. I can't do most gym exercises because of it so I'm swimming. I keep telling myself that if I can get through this period on my "want power" then I will surely have success in the green zone!! Stay strong, friends! We CAN DO THIS!

I think most of us question everything during this period. We wonder if we will fail' date=' if we will feel torturously hungry forever....I think we just have to ride it out and keep following the rules. I notice that working out increases my hunger( metabolism related, I am sure!) I find that if I eat anything with sugar, even if eaten after lots of Protein, increases my hunger also. I keep backing up and reminding myself why I did this.

I notice more discomfort at my port lately too--- I actually don't have a lot of stomach fat so my port feels like its trying to push out of me. I can't do most gym exercises because of it so I'm swimming. I keep telling myself that if I can get through this period on my "want power" then I will surely have success in the green zone!! Stay strong, friends! We CAN DO THIS![/quote']

I hope so , it's so hard an Frustrating, I really was hoping to feel full, guess I'm still in hell!! Lol until I see him next month and spend an other 75$!!

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I was banded Jan 16th and still no fill...somedays I want to eat all the time . Total weight loss 42 lbs...last month have only lost 5 lbs..Dr says no fill until I stop losing. Will see him next week....hope to talk him into a fill. I guess we just have to find some willpower....we will succeed...50 lbs to goal for me. Good luck to all.

I was banded on March 20th, had a few problems with getting simple foods and meds down. I originally had 4cc at surgery, had 1cc removed to help with taking meds, and 2cc more removed to let my hiatal hernia heal better. So I am down to 1cc and am hungry to the point of insanity at 3.5 hours.

I want to try the every 2 hours thing. What are some quick and easy protein rich, low carb/sugar solutions? I have a 10 minute break every 2 hours so the timing is right.

I was banded on March 20th' date=' had a few problems with getting simple foods and meds down. I originally had 4cc at surgery, had 1cc removed to help with taking meds, and 2cc more removed to let my hiatal hernia heal better. So I am down to 1cc and am hungry to the point of insanity at 3.5 hours.

I want to try the every 2 hours thing. What are some quick and easy Protein rich, low carb/sugar solutions? I have a 10 minute break every 2 hours so the timing is right.[/quote']

I buy a few packages of Perdue grilled chicken and have a few pieces as a snack. Black Beans with low fat sour cream is another fave. Tuna made with plain, non-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayo is good( add mustard and sweet relish)

I wad banded on March 19, & I am so glad I read this post because I went from having no appetitie and having to force myself to eat...to wanting to eat all the time. Now I know what I may be expierencing. I loved the fact I had no appetitie. I didnt want to snack and had no cravings now I feel like I am in the same boat as I was before I was banded...

I am right with you! Banded 3/1/13. I am working out an hour a day 5 days a week, haven't lost anything since I started working out 2 weeks ago. And I'm starving!!! I chew gum and all the tricks you said, but it is 100% focus to not eat everything in sight! I can't wait till 4/11 I hope this fill will help

My doctor said no gum so I suck tiktak's. I have a tendency to swallow gum and that would not work well with band. I have had one fill after 6 weeks. I had 2 cc's at surgery and had some hunger, but have noticed a little increase in hunger since the fill earlier this week. I have been on 2 days of liquid and 2 days mushy foods so go on real food tomorrow and maybe that will help. It takes time.