This is my first visit to the website. I am 14 days post surgery and feeling pretty good. I have just started my mushy food stage and am loving the variety. I am VERY nervous about gaining back what little I've already lost. I'm curious. At this point (without having a fill) the band isn't really obstructing anything (right or wrong)? But I'm not really having alot of hunger. Is this normal? My biggest problem is that upset stomach feeling in the evening and the bloated feeling that builds during the day. Any suggestions?

cautiously optimistic:rolleyes:

Hi, welcome to LBT,and welcome to bandland! I know it is hard not to worry about regaining weight, especially since we have thought that way about it for years and years!!! But in reality right now, it is time to heal, and you should eat with that in mind. Try eating the mushiest, yet healthiest items you can. The weight loss will come with restriction, when you are ready for your fills to begin.

The band is likely causing a small amount of restriction simply being in place, but not so much that you will feel it ususally, and a lot of early restriction is simply being felt due to swelling. When the swelling goes down, the restriction leaves.

Band placement varies within patients, and Dr.'s and it seems how it is placed makes a difference with your hunger. The nerves that signal hunger are at the top of the stomach, and my fill Dr. said occasionally the band is placed where it is in contact with them, and you simply do not feel physical hunger anymore. But most it is simply in the vicinity of the nerves, and your hunger is lessened by remaining full for long periods as well as pressure being on the nerve from the band. It is what helps you make better decisions. I know personally it is much easier to make a good food choice now that I am not starving all the time.

The head hunger, the desire to simply snack, and eat for the sake of eating, is something the band does not help at all---you have to control that....wish it too could be curbed!!!

I never had any nausea, so sorry I cannot help with that. You might try a GasX strip with the bloated feeling....it does ease as time goes on.

Good Luck, hang out, we look forward to getting to know you---if you have any issues, ask---there are some really wise people here and they are always willing to help---this site has been a life saver to me!!

Kat