I'm really glad I found this site! I could sit and read for hours and hours and catch up on all the posts I havent read, but i'd never get to sleep. I really am trying not to overdue, but i'm 7 days out and honestly i'm hungry. Only certain times, like if I havent had anything to drink for awhile, so I try to have some Soup or Water (getting burnt out already ) to keep something 'in there'. This weekend i get to move to mushy foods so I'm very excited about some mashed potatoes!!! Did any of you guys experience this or anything similar? Do you think it's because I havent had a fill? It's very weird to feel this way and any advice would be appreciated!!!

Katie:D

Hi Katie -- I'm a relatively new bandster myself, but I can tell you that one week is too early for a fill. Of course, your doctor may have a different protocol, but from what I understand, most docs wait until a minimum of four weeks after surgery -- often longer -- before even considering filling a patient's band. (For example, Dr. Rumbaut wouldn't even consider giving me a fill until six weeks post-op.) These first several weeks are a time to allow your body to heal.

The Lap-Band procedure may be billed as "minimally invasive," but it's still GI surgery, and your body needs time to recover from the trauma.

Your appetite has returned? That's good! That means you're healing. I'll pass on some advice I received here: Don't focus on weight loss during this time. Focus on feeling better, and on letting your body get used to the (uninflated) band.

You might want to look at some past posts on the board. Lots of people write shortly after they've had surgery, wondering if they're on the right track -- and more experienced readers have been generous enough to share their experiences.

Good luck -- and, remember, your increased appetite is a sign that your body is getting stronger.

Katie, you're not weird! It sounds like you're healing well. Remember, your band is empty. There is nothing in there right now to "curb your appetite". Please concentrate on eating nutriously. Whatever you eat, make sure it tastes good. Refried beans (Taco Bell) are very tasty mushies.

Katie, you are NOT WEIRD!!! :D

Mushies seem like the greatest thing since, well, sliced bread after a week or so of liquids. Now is the time to explore the pate section of your local deli! Try to focus on Proteins so you don't get too hungry (and be tempted to gorge), and DON'T worry about counting calories at this point.

Remember, you're still healing even though you're feeling better, and your stomach needs to rest. So stick with the mushies and keep yourself satisfied. Solids will be here soon enough, and they you'll start worrying that you're eating too much. (Normal, normal, normal!)

Welcome to bandland. You're on your way!

Hi Katie... Well, I'm one that came out of surgery asking the nurse when I could eat! I STAYED hungry - tummy growling like a bear. The only thing that helped me was to have a milk shake (one a day) until I was able to have solids. Even after my first fill I stayed hungry. It wasnt until I started my day with protiens (meat pattie, chicken breast) that I noticed the hunger pains getting better.

Good luck!

Thanks guys! I was wondering if it was head hunger at first but felt it really wasnt because my tummy is majorly growling. I cheated on my liquids today and had the tinyest bit of mashed potatoes and omg they were the best thing i've ever had. After that I felt really guilty and have been doing better ever since, back to my tomato soup with melted cheese for protein. Your right Paula when I have some protein i find myself in a better mood and physically able to perform better. I was wondering about the weight issue, today my sclae read 4 lbs heavier than yesterday!!!! I almost had a heart attack! Thanks for letting me know it's not about that right now. I thought this would be a great time for me to drop a big amount of weight before being filled or going back on solids...thanks for the support you guys are great!!!

edit: sorry double post

Katie, one thing that really helped me when I was on liquids/ mushies was Atkin's shakes. They taste pretty good, and have plenty of protien so they keep you feeling a little more satisfied.

I am one of those people that will stay hungry as a bear if I eat carbs. Also, it can be difficult to get all the protien you need when your in this stage if you don't do protein shakes. Good luck to you sweetie.