Hi everyone. I was banded a week ago today and everything is going great. I do have some concerns and I was hoping to get some good advice. I have been following my post op diet perfectly and just started on liquid/mushy food. I am really surprised how easy everything is going down. I can eat a lot more than I thought I could. Is this ok? I dont feel full. I have been drinking normally- not needing to sip, although I tried doing that at the beginning. Today I had a bowl of mashed potatoes. First I are half and put it down but quickly realized I was still starving and finished the rest. Is that ok? I am worried that I am able to eat to much. I read so much about people only being able to eat 3-4 oz. that's not my reality and I am worried something is wrong. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi jpinnyc,

Congrats on your first week in Bandland! :-)

Don't worry about quantities right now except remembering to not overdo it. Right now you're healing and you may not have any Fluid (fill) in your band. When my band was placed, there was no fluid in it. The act of placing the band might give you the impression of restriction, but after surgery-related swelling goes down, you'll realize there isn't much of a change in your capacity from pre-band days.

This is what's known as "Bandster Hell" - having a band but not really feeling very different. For now, concentrate on healing, follow doctor's orders regarding what you are eating and your level of physical activity, and you'll have a great banded life. Congrats on your weight loss so far, and your determination to follow your post op diet perfectly.

you don't have any fill yet? I remember eating a 8 oz steak. not that I should have but I did with no trouble. this is where you enter bandster hell. welcome to this phase of recovery. although you can eat whatever you want and large amounts doesn't mean you should. this is the time you learn to eat a cup or less of food 3 times a day. Protein first, cooked vegetables and salad second and a carb last. but you keep it small. eat slowly, small bites and chew thoroughly. you need to learn all this so when you start getting fills you are ready. but you will be hungry. so pick your Snacks wisely. keep to high protein items. greek yogurts, low fat cottage cheese, ptrotein shakes, Protein Bar. this is the phase in which you are dieting. sorry I mention this word after wls we don't want to diet we want the band to do all the work. but right now you are on your own. hang in there, your flls will start soon

Thanks so much for the advice. Makes me a lot more comfortable.