I am 3 weeks out of surgery and I swear there is NO BAND in me!!!! I read all about people on liquids and mushies for weeks, PB-ing, not being able to eat much, etc... I dont have any of these problems!!! I swear I could down a burger and it wouldn't be a problem. I am on mushies and try to stick to the small amounts, but I have to tell you, it doesn't cut it. I am hungery an hour later if I eat the recommended amount. If I eat more, I can go 3hours without hunger...and I have no problem getting it down. I dont have a job that allows me to eat every hour. I am scared if I eat more I will do damage. Currently, I can eat normal portions no problem. I have endulged when I know I wont be able to eat for long hours. This has not been a problem so far.

Is this common? I was told the hunger would go away. Do I have to wait for a fill for this to change drastrically? What is up? Did I just spend all this money for nothing????

I have to say that I am walking up to 5 miles a day now and this probably contributes to my hunger. I have lost 10lbs since surgery, but I attribute this to better choices and exercise. I swear I eat as much now as I did before...its just in a mushy form now.

PLEASE someone tell me this is normal. I almost wish I would have a PB just so that I know there is a band in me and it is functioning.

I had my surgery 3 weeks before Passover and my first fill one week after Passover. I ate as much as I wanted on Passover and now I am the happiest guy around. Dont sweat it! You will be fine after your first fill. Enjoy life now you will be getting thinner and thinner every day.

I had no restriction until after my second fill, then I had a little restriction. After my third fill I had restriction and all the "fun" that goes with it. I am six months out from surgery and have only had restriction for 2 weeks now. I have only lost weight since then.

But to your question was this a waste of money? For me, I would do it all over in a second. I have been frustrated over the past six months, who has weight loss surgery and wants to see the scale go down, then up then stay the same? BUT......I only went back up what I took off during my liquid stage and then I stayed at the day of surgery weight for five to six months. That would NEVER have happened without the band. Someone told me to expect it to take six months before losing weight given the way my Dr. does fills and not to give up. That was great advice as it took just about six months for the fills to be right (I have 2cc in a 10 cc band)

The down side for me is learning how to eat now that I am six months out and have restriction for the first time. But it is great to see the scale go down, and know that this time it is going to stay down.

Hope this helps!!!!! One last thing, remember that everyone is different, some will lose slow, some fast. Just think about the positives to come, such as the weight coming off and staying off.

Thanks for this post. I was wondering the same thing about my band. I was banded almost 3 weeks ago and am able to eat just about anything just as long as I chew it well. Well almost anything, I haven tried bread or pasta yet. I have to admit that I really have never been hungry since the band was put in. The only way I know I have to eat is because I get true hunger pangs. I have lost 9 lbs since my surgery so I am encouraged. Thanks to everyone for their posting...now I don't feel so alone.

stick to the plan, and just wait until you get your first fill

OK BIG SIGH OF RELIEF!!!!!!! Thanks for all your responses. I feel so much better. I have been on mushies since the first week and shaking in my boots because I didn't notice any difference! I am doing very well in the eating department. My habits have definately changed. And best of all, I really enjoy my food now. Never knew that I didn't enjoy it before...as I was too busy inhaling it. LOL I also REALLY enjoy not feeling like a stuffed turkey after every meal. I did start at a lower BMI...35. I am only 4'11 and started at 175lbs. I need to update my ticker but I am down to 157 as of today.

I have to say that the surgery was a breeze for me and that was unexpected. I was pretty much back to completely normal at 3 days. I feel great. Now I feel even better that you all have deemed me "normal"!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! You all ROCK! I will work on my patience...as that does not come easy for me. I promise not to down that hamburger. Forget that I ever said I wished I would PB....you know what they say about being careful of what you wish for...LOL

I would also like to give a big thumbs up to all of you that have had this issue and struggled losing the weight between surgery and reaching your "sweet spot". Now that takes patience and you all deserve a slap on the back.

I apologize if I sounded self centered during my "woe is me" speech. I am in no way disappointed with the weight loss. I expect it to be slow and knew it would not be easy. I guess I was just trying to point out that I was losing weight because of change in lifestyle and not necessarily because I have been banded. I have to say that I am grateful for the band because even if it isn't restricted yet, it has given me the kick start I have been desperately needing. The motivation comes with the weight loss.... Normally, on a diet, if I did well for a couple days, I would reward myself with of all things...food. Today I fit into a pair of pants that I haven't worn in 4 years and I rewarded myself with a longer than usual walk.

So I guess I am just trying to say that I know I have had it easier than some and don't mean to come off as a whiner. Everyone who had this proceedure and didn't lose weight before the fill are really an inspiration. You should be proud that you all maintained and fought the battle. I dont know if I could be that strong! I can garantee I would have downed that burger....and possibly fries too... Thanks again for all the encouragement. Rock on!

Had my first fill, Just follow your docs instruct and use the tool (band) dont let it use you

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Are you allowed to eat mushies at 2 weeks? I have heard 2 weeks, 3 weeks and even 4 weeks of liquids before mushies.

Regards,

Barkley

I started mushies at two weeks. Tomorrow, though, I get FOOD!:rockon:

i would have to agree with these posts. i think this normal. i was banded on 2/7/06 and i did not have my first fill until 4/4/06 (1.5 cc fill). i felt some restriction for about 3 wks but not much since then. i am not due for another fill until the first wk in july or august. i understand from the monthly support group that i attend, people do not really fill a great deal of restriction until they have their 2nd fill. i am trying to spread out my fills

approx every 3-4 months. my post op care included 3 fills in the first year

following surgery. good luck to you. don't give up. god bless, p.j.

Hey..I know that everyone is saying this is normal...and it is so I won't beat a dead horse. I just wanted you to know that I had to have about 3 fills before filling my restriction. Now..after 5 fills I have the ultimate restriction and am losing beautifully. I was exactly like you..I think I ate a 1/2 of bag of baked cheetos like 5 days after surgery. I thought I had wasted my money as well. I am now down 43 pounds...It works...give it time! Good luck!

I had the same thing happen to me as well. I was able to start on soft foods at 3 weeks because of the hunger. I have had my second fill last thursday and I am feeling restriction and it is great. I was worried like you are, but I too lost a little weight in that stage and it felt great to see the scale go down. Hang in there, remember that with an unfilled band your stomach is almost the same as it was before surgery, so it is to be expected. Good luck!

Normally, on a diet, if I did well for a couple days, I would reward myself with of all things...food. Today I fit into a pair of pants that I haven't worn in 4 years and I rewarded myself with a longer than usual walk.

WELL Done!! WELL Done!!