I'm 4 weeks today post surgery. Lost over 40lbs but not having a fill is so hard! I feel like I didn't do anything and am fighting will power, which is why I'm here in the first place!

I want nachos, sausages, wings, and pasta! I'm totally healed and appetite is roaring'

I'm not making those choices but its so tempting! Did I mention I work in a restaurant!!!

Ill hit the treadmill for the third time this week tonight but I needed to vent! First fill is June 4 so I've got 10 days!!

Ugh. Help! Advice?!?!

Hang in there! You are in what is known as "bandster hell". The time before you get restriction from fills. 6 weeks out is typical for a first fill. I hate to say this, but just want you to be aware, the first fill may not do much if anything. It took me 3 fills to feel some restriction. Keep doing what your doing eating and excersise wise, work with your doctor and it will happen for you. Congrats on your surgery and good luck!

Im right there with you. My first fill is June 3rd. Just think a couple more weeks of will power then your band will start working for you.

I was banded on May 13 and my first fill will be June 26. We are in this together!!!

I'm just glad that I'm not the only one!! I got the band on Tues the 14th and the last 2 days I have been STARVING!!! I thought maybe something was wrong but it sounds like its pretty normal until you get your first fill. Good luck and hang in there!!!

You are doing GREAT! Good for you! Keep up the good work

I'm past bandster hell, and I have to tell you......the desire and cravings for "bad" foods doesn't necessarily leave. I've had days where I want to stuff a bag of potato chips, and that's not even a "go-to" food. As they say, the band goes around our stomaches, not our heads! I don't have the intense cravings every single day, but when I DO have them, it freaks me out. It still ALL boils down to will power (or, want power, as Carolinagirl refers to it). It can be very frustrating, at the same time, very rewarding.

Hang in there... bandster hell is no fun, but it will soon be behind you. Keep yourself busy and when you feel hungry drink water, no cal liquids.

You are doing GREAT! Good for you! Keep up the good work

I'm past bandster hell, and I have to tell you......the desire and cravings for "bad" foods doesn't necessarily leave. I've had days where I want to stuff a bag of potato chips, and that's not even a "go-to" food. As they say, the band goes around our stomaches, not our heads! I don't have the intense cravings every single day, but when I DO have them, it freaks me out. It still ALL boils down to will power (or, want power, as Carolinagirl refers to it). It can be very frustrating, at the same time, very rewarding.

in my eyes msinto, you be amazing

Same here! I go on Wed and I am hoping for a fill...will see but I'm definitely hungrier than I was! Ugh. Hang in there!

I wondering how many calories are in my shoe. I could eat that!

You were all right. Thanks for the response. Water and work did the trick. Hunger went away

Think they can fill the band with ranch dressing for me?!

Still got my sense of humor at least!

Ill check in after the full. Good luck to all!

Making sure you don't drink when you eat is super important!!! Otherwise, make sure you are drinking water throughout the entire day. Those two tips alone should help restrict your appetite.

That's what has been helping me until I get my first fill.

Most of us, can eat anything...The band when properly filled is supposed to help you feel full longer when you eat the right things. But I hate to tell you this, you will ALWAYS be able to eat past your band. It is your helper, not your warden. There are certain things that are harder for me to eat, but they aren't on the list of things you are craving.

Keep up the good work, it does get easier and 40 pounds is amazing!

in my eyes msinto, you be amazing

Awwwe ........you're a doll CG

Hang in there. It's so worth it! There are times I get frustrated that I can't eat the "junk" I want to... but that passes quickly. But then when I get on the scale the next day I'm so glad I couldn't eat that stuff...

I wondering how many calories are in my shoe. I could eat that!

You were all right. Thanks for the response. Water and work did the trick. Hunger went away

Think they can fill the band with ranch dressing for me?!

Still got my sense of humor at least!

Ill check in after the full. Good luck to all!

YES - don't EVER lose your sense of humor! Without it, life is just waaaay too heavy

Most of us, can eat anything...The band when properly filled is supposed to help you feel full longer when you eat the right things. But I hate to tell you this, you will ALWAYS be able to eat past your band. It is your helper, not your warden. There are certain things that are harder for me to eat, but they aren't on the list of things you are craving.

Keep up the good work, it does get easier and 40 pounds is amazing!

Terry - SO true, and well put. I myself have days where I "test the band", and I (if I choose) can eat past every signal it gives. Last night for instance.... I'd eaten my 3/4 cup of dinner, but had this burning need to "hand to mouth it". I made popcorn, and though I was done early on in that bowl, I had to (slowly) eat the whole thing. I went right past the signal, and ate through the discomfort. Clearly, the band doesn't work on the compulsion/addiction, but it IS a pretty damn good "helper" when we have our heads on straight.

Glad to say......today has been a much better day