I need some support and advice from fellow bandsters. I just had my surgery on July 30 and Thursday this week I'll start my mushy phase of eating. I already tested the waters and ate chips and a small piece of grilled chicken and I didn't get sick. Which is a good thing but now that I know that I won't get sick I've been eating here and there and I know technically my stomach isn't ready for it. How does everyone deal with temptations and having self-control it's so hard for me. Any advice? I don't want to screw this up and not loose weight ????

....How does everyone deal with temptations and having self-control it's so hard for me?.... I don't want to screw this up and not loose weight.

For me, your answer to your question was how I dealt with it. I didn't want to screw anything up. I wanted it to work so bad, I did EXACTLY as I was told during those postop healing weeks.

I know it's tough....we've all been there. But the benefits of the few short weeks of strict compliance are so worth the longterm results.

Best wishes!

There's a saying here that fits your situation. "Till there's restriction...It's just another diet"

Most of us were very hungry till we got enough fills to feel restriction/satiety to not be hungry for up to 4 hours. It's a tough time you're in. We call it Bandster Hell. I got through it by eating as much healthy food as I could so I rarely felt hunger.

I just did what my bariatric team instructed me to do. It was hard but I was too scared to deviate that soon after surgery. I just kept drinking warm tea, broth, diet cranberry juice all day. Surprisingly, it kept me full. I must admit I was happy to reach the mushy phase. I tore up some mashed potatoes lol. Best wishes to you.

I was very compliant because I know that's the secret to success. One way I looked at it was that this was the last time I would have to fight that fight. Once my band was adjusted properly those struggles were over -- that's the whole idea. So fight the good fight -- you're fighting for your life. And hey, you might not have gotten stuck then but count your lucky stars. Doesn't mean you won't. Think of the investment that's gone into your body, into your healthy future. Keep investing! You are worth it. If you're hungry on full liquids and mushies, just have yummy stuff that is allowed. But if it's about sneaking or resisting the program -- if it's one of those mental battles we all know so well -- maybe really, really look at that. I used to do plenty of that "screw this, I know what's right but I'm doing it anyway" kind of behavior -- usually bouncing back from overly restrictive behavior. I'm glad I really looked at that with a lot of self honesty so I could let that go. The band won't ever prevent us from anything -- it's really about dimming the appetite so we can make the right decisions. But we have to want to make the right decisions. So show up for yourself and sort through your stuff. We all have stuff. There's a very successful bander here who talks about Want Power. Wanting to be healthy more than anything. I love that! Get through this time, stick to your stages, keep all your appointments. Once you are on your way -- and this can take a little time, be gentle and patient with yourself! -- there is so much flexibility. I'm very happy not to be on a diet but just to be living. You will get there!

@@Bandista -- this really hit home and I really needed to read this after having a terrible night last night. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement you have no idea how much it means to me it really put things in perspective. I never thought of my body being an investment but you're right it is. Thank you so very much.

When I find a word that works for me I put it up at my desk, on the fridge, etc., make it my own. For a while it was "willing." Maybe you should write "investment" on your hand, on a little stack of post-it's, etc. You are so worth it!