Hi my name is Anna and I am new to this sight. I was banded on 5-23-07. I am still on soft foods but am introducing solids slowly. I am eating more than half a cup at a time (as recommended) however I am still very hungry. I am able to eat everything I have tried including chicken without getting sick. I have absolutely no restriction. Is this normal as I haven't had a fill. Will a fill help me do better and eat less.

Yes your fill will help you.

I used sf popsicles as my crutch. I ate a lot of popsicles. A lot.

edie

Hi, Anna!

This sounds quite normal, since you haven't had a fill, yet. Everyone is different. Some feel restriction for a period of time without a fill. There is a girl in the support group that I go to who didn't have her first fill until 3 months post-op because she had restriction and was losing weight at a good pace without a fill. Another person in my support group didn't start losing weight until her third fill. So, everyone responds differently (and, certainly the band size plays a part, too.) So, I'm guessing you're scheduled for your first fill in about 3 weeks or so? I know how hard it is to be patient, but truly the first 6 weeks after surgery is crucial for healing, so weight loss / appetite suppression is secondary. Just hang in there!

Kelly

Thats good news! I feel as if I could eat as much as before my band. I am afraid of stretching my pouch.

Ann...I'm new to the site myself...and have not yet had my surgery (have insurance approval though)...but I have done a lot of reading over the last few days. The one thing that seems to be a constant theme is that the time between surgery and your first fill are tough...as you have very little if any restriction....so you've gone through this endeavor...and you start to question "Why?" since you still feel hungry. From what I understand...things start to get better after the first fill...and it may take a few fills to get things where you really feel the restriction. It sounds though like what you are experiencing is normal. Hopefully someone more experienced will chime in and confrim or correct what I've said.

I've also learned in a very short time that there are a lot of people here to provide insight...support...advice...just about anything you need. Just hang in there...as those who are futher down the road say it's all worth it.

Take care.

Bud In Indy

Thanks Kelly for the support. Hopefully I will get a feel at my next appointment (5 weeks away).

I hope so. I am so afraid of stretching my pouch. But I did lose 16 pounds at my 2 week follow up. but I have to admit I am eating more this week.

BUDININDY is absolutely right....fast learner too! I could not even tell for sure I had the band other than incisions.....I had to be strict with myself and follow the rules for liquids and mushies. I felt like I could have eaten anything. Fill definitely made a diff!!! Hang in there, it will get better!