Hi fellow lap-banders,

I am 4 weeks post-op. I have lost 30 lbs thus far. I am STARVING!!!! I go to bed with my stomach growling. I cannot wait for my first fill. Has anyone else had this problem? I am following the diet plan that was given to me by my doctor's office to the "T". Drinking 60 oz. of Water daily. I also have been having a burning/stinging sensation around my port. Has anyone else felt that?

Yes I think the stinging pain is normal. I'm 6 weeks post op and I can't believe how fast the time has went and I'm not due my first fill for another 2 weeks. You are doing brilliant ????

Burning/stinging reminds me of an allergic reaction .... but then since the thing is in ME, and they know that I have a metal allergy ... then it's likely not that. I think it's just the healing process. But if you are concerned about it, I'd mention it to your surgeon.

Almost every Bandster has gone through what you're experiencing. It's called Bandster Hell and it will continue till you get enough adjustments to place you in or near the green zone. This happens anywhere from one week out to 6 months out. I was in BH for 4 months before my 3rd fill gave me enough satiety to not be hungry all the time.

Yes, the hunger seems worse than before surgery. But before surgery, it wasn't hunger, it was just our eating demons telling us we "wanted" food. Now, it's your brain and body telling you that it "needs" food. Remember these feelings so that you can tell the difference between head hunger and true hunger.

You should follow your doctors advice. But, the hunger was so intense for me I had to eat. So, I focused on eating healthy foods like salmon, chicken, lean beef, veggies etc. I ignored the 1/2-1 cup limits and ate till I was no longer hungry. I lost 12 lbs the first 2 weeks and then nothing for the next 3.5 months. Then my 3rd fill made BH go away. Hang in there, it's only temporary.

My port site took nearly 3 months to heal. I've seen many other patients comment on the same port site incision issue.

Like B-52 says: "Till there's restriction, it's just another diet"

Edited August 7, 201412 yr by 2muchfun

2muchfun is absolutely correct. It took me 6 months to hit green! I was starving and I could eat an entire steak and potato. I do not recommend that, but it could be done. I went 3 months at the same weight. Frustrating until one month I went in and stood on the scale and BAMB! I lost 12! I knew I was finally there. It takes time. And patience. And don't be hard on yourself. Remember that food is fuel. Not a reward for anything. I dont measure or count calories. I like to get a little taste of everything and I am happy. This is just what I do. My doctor is ok with it. Everyone's journey is different. Get with your dr to discuss your expectations. The goal is to be healthy, fit, and HAPPY. I think happy is the most important.

Yes to everything. It's part of the process. The pains of being hungry and your port will soon pass. Hang in there and best wishes.