I was banded on Aug. 27th, and after two weeks of liquid, and two weeks of mush, I wasn't too hungry and had lost 18 pounds since surgery.

Now it seems as though I can eat anything, and am hungry more frequently. I'm easily able to eat 8-10 oz. of food should I desire (and I slipped up and did).

Will my first fill help to reduce the craving?

I hope so, otherwise it's still the same old dieting thing...

You are doing fantastic! They say anything lost before your first fill is a plus. Some people actually gain during this phase. Your stomach has had time for the swelling to reduce around the newly installed band. So you're basically wide open at this point (and as hungry as you were prebanded).

A fill will definitely "cinch you" back up. Just be sure you don't get overfilled. That can cause a whole boat load of problems.

Are you on regular foods yet? If so, watch what types of food that you are eating. Proteins first, veg. second. They will "stick to your ribs" longer than hi-carbs do.

Are you getting your Water load in daily (but not with meals or up to one hour after meals)?

And throw that word "diet" out of your vocabulary! Haven't you learned by now they don't work?

Have a great weekend!

:mad:

Marie is exactly right, Maurice. You're in the hard part now, the part where you wonder if the band you had installed is actually going to do anything for you at all.

But this too shall pass. Just be patient with yourself and acknowledge that the band is not DESIGNED to work without a fill. It would be very surprising, in fact, if you felt much appetite supression at all with a completely unfilled band. So you're absolutely normal.

You'll have a fill before you know it, and you'll start to appreciate the miracle that is the band. :mad:

However, Teresa hasn't had any fills and has lost over 62 pounds!:mad:

Maurice. I am on my first fill. I still crave foods. I inevitably will put more food on my plate than I can eat. Old habits die hard!

Some days I can eat almost "normally" and some days, two or three bites is all she wrote. You are probably healed real well from your surgery and all the swelling gone by now. I remember that I could eat quite a bit before my fill, too. Try to get into the habit of chewing your food to what seems like the extreme, and eat S L O W L Y . This will help you after your fill. Good Luck

I don't measure or weigh anything. I do use a salad plate for all my meals. Boy, when we eat out, they serve you on platters!:mad:

Are you on solids yet? If so are you eating your proteins first? hard proteins like chicken, fish will keep you satisfied longer then softer proteins like scrambled eggs, cottage cheese. I also know for myself if I eat carbs early in the day I'm hungry all day long. My first fill helped me and I lost weight and wasnt as hungry but my 2nd fill did the trick..No Munchies what so ever now

Hey All;

Thanks for the information. It's reassuring to know that this is normal. My fill is slated for Sept. 24th. I should be able to restrain myself for a week, eh?

It's that forever after that scares me...

Maurice -

Even though you feel like you can eat anything, I'd be willing to bet $5 that you're STILL eating less than what you were pre-band.

You are going to be absolutely amazed and humbled by this wonderful experience. You're outlook and relationship with food is changing, even if you don't think it is.

Do your mental part, make the best choices when you can, and let the band do the rest. No need to worry! This is going to work for you - honest! :mad: