Hello! Im hoping someone can help me. I had my surgery on October 8, 07. By the end of that week I was eating mashed potatoes and gravy, ( I asked the doc's secretary and she said it would be ok) mac and cheese. I ate jello and drank the broth but I would wake up in the middle of the night hungry. When I eat I know I eat at least a cup or more. Is this wrong??? Prior to surgery and even now I have never spoken with a dietician. I'm afraid now that I have messed something up or I have stretched the band way out or I may never be able to get back on track. I feel like a failure:(!! I know I should be very watchful of the quantity of food I'm eating. I dont know how often I am suppose to eat or how much. Please if anyone would help me or give me advice or reassurance I would be very grateful. Thank you so much. God Bless!

I would continue to measure your food( 1/2 cup to 1 cup at a time), but this is what we call bandster hell. It's the time between healing from surgery and finding good restriction from a fill. I would recommend that you try to eat more protein and less carbs. Carbs like mashed potatoes/gravy and mac 'n cheese will make you crave more carbs. Try some yoghurt, protein drinks, blended soups. Does your doctor offer the services of a dietician? Did they even give you a diet/menu plan for post-op? Start walking or light exercise as soon as possible. You most likely haven't stretched the pouch so soon after surgery and with no fill, eating soft foods, etc. Just be careful, take it easy and hang in there! Good luck!

You need to follow your post-op diet. Call your doctor about your concerns. I don`t think you should be on soft food yet. Good luck Donna

Thank you. I didn't receive a post-op menu. But I will get some protein shakes and try to stay away from carbs. Once I get my 1st fill how will I feel? Will I stay full longer? Please explain as to what happens?

I, too, am in bandster hell. I can eat quite a bit. I can eat anything I want. Boo. I'm doing low carb now so I can deal with the appetite. Good luck, Beth

I was banded in April of 2007. Sometimes I feel like I can eat a whole lot (I know it is more than I should). I am terrified of stretching my pouch - can anyone else eat that way?

I was banded in April of 2007. Sometimes I feel like I can eat a whole lot (I know it is more than I should). I am terrified of stretching my pouch - can anyone else eat that way?

I can eat whatever I want, and pretty much in whatever quantity, as long as I wait until evening. Before then, I'm lucky if a cup of Soup can get down in under an hour.

It took me a long time to understand that that's just how my restriction is going to work. Any more fill and I'm way too tight. Any less and the daytime restriction goes away.

I always assumed that "sweet spot" meant that I was perfectly restricted all the time. I wish I were, but I'm just not.

I agree that you are newly banded so you need not be so freaked out yet at the amount you are eating. You will not feel good restriction until you get a fill, and for me it took until my 3rd fill.

This is not the fun part, but it is a good time to seriously look at what you are eating! Choices are critical at this point and make sure you are making good food choices!

I am not a Dr, but I wouldn't think you have stretched your band! BUT see your Dr if you question it. They know best!

I have already had 2 fills - and although I am making healthy choices (for the most part) and I am losing weight - I sometimes just feel that I am eating too much.

I think your suppossed to keep it 3-4 oz. (mashed potatoes) or about the size of a golfball. I've never been able to tolerate pasta. I had mine April 30th 2007 with a fill May 30th and 2 unfills since. I'm having problems with reflux, chest pain and regurgitation/aspirating at night. I need to get a fluroscope but so far my physician has managed my problems by unfilling band a little 2x. I've lost 72 lbs. I'll help you all that I can. It definately helps to have a support system.

Hey I had mine about the same time in Illinois. How much weight have you lost? I hope you don't think that's rude. You don't have to answer if it is rude I'll understand.

YOU GO GIRL!!! YOU HAVE DONE SO GREAT. I'd like to know more about your journey!

Hi Brandy. I'm new here and just looking around and I saw your picture and I am so inspired. You look beautiful in every shot. My daughter, my sister and I are being banded on Nov 2 and you are now my poster girl. Hope you don't mind!!

I just got back from seeing the dr and I lost another 3lbs!! Yea!! It could be more if I could get my grazing under control though but it is a total of 40.5 so far!! I asked him about eating too much and if I could have stretched my band but he said no - and as long as I am not throwing up or having any pain (which I am not) then I am fine.:clap2:

I just wanted to say that you look great!!! I will have to post some pics when I get a chance.

Brandy, Congrats to you!!!!! You look wonderful. You are an inspiration.