I am 26 years old (female) and I was recently banded (Oct. 22, 2007) and this is the hardest thing I've ever done. I knew it was going to be difficult, and that it's a tool therefore I'd have to really work at it, but I didn't expect it to be so emotionally hard.

Telling the difference between real hunger and head hunger is so hard for me.

I have a history of anxiety and depression and my meds (Lexapro being one of them) are getting all sorted out so I'm a bit off, which isn't helping.

I had the worst 10 days after surgery and instantly regretted the decision I made. Now, I don't regret it, but I wish I new more about what to do to help me lose the weight faster, but stay healthy.

I'm keeping an online journal on Livejournal about everything that's going on, and posting pictures.

If you'd like to read it, I'd love new friends!

mynewlife_22 - Profile

(just click on mynewlife_22 -next to where it says user.)

It is very nice to meet you. i am not banded yet. i have my date set for Nov 30 2007. i am 30 with a bmi of 48. i am all about making new friends on this site and i love reading all of these post. this site is so helpful and everyone is extremly nice on here. well, can't wait to join you guys and on the way to a healthier life.

Welcome! I was banded 9-20-07 and like you, I was also having trouble with real hunger and head hunger. I am still working on this but it is a lot better now. I just had my 2nd fill and I am starting to feel restriction...finally lol. Have you had any fills yet? Things will get better once you start feeling restriction. Sometimes it can take a few fills before you feel a difference. Good luck and it was nice to meet you!

First off , take a deep breathe, it will be ok. I went through this about 3 days post op . the hunger issues will get better. Most of this is probably related to banster hell ! You have no restriction right now ( if you have not had a fill) and once you get some restriction the hunger will get better.

Every time i feel hunger I stop and think " when was the last time i ate" what did i eat, how long after I ate did I drink . Sort of replay the rules in my head. THEN I ask myself, am i bored, emotional. Bascially ask myself am I REALLY Hungry . I can have up to 5-6 meals a day . SO when I do have a "snack" i make the right choices. Im sitting here now eating wheat thins.

If your on soilds now track your calories and make sure your eating enough ,

If you dont see a counselor already it might be a good idea. This is not easy .

you might need someone to help you along the way .

Good luck you can do this.

Im going to read your journal now LOL

Love

Mindy

Hi, I am just now joining the talk forum. I definitely think that I need to read what others are feeling after having the lap-band surgery. I was banded on Oct. 4, 2007. My surgeon is Dr. Clifton Thomas.

I did fine for the surgery, but I had a problem with nausea on the liquid diet. Then I broke out in hives---it was terrible. The dermatologist said that the hives were faciliatated by something that I was given before surgery.

I was on liquids for nearly three weeks, but the doctor said to also eat applesauce and watery mashed potatoes (and any other foods that I could tolerate) to keep from being nauseated.

I gradually started eating the mushy foods, along with liquids. At the end of the first week post-op visit, I had lost 16 lbs. At present I have lost 25 lbs., but I tend to worry about what I eat; like some of you stated, I have a hard time knowing if I am full or not.

I don't visit the doctor again until Jan. 7., so I haven't had a fill. I was feeling allright until this past Thursday; I have been very nauseated and keep having headaches. I have taken medicine that was prescribed for nausea, but it hasn't helped. Has anyone encountered this problem?

I am looking forward to becoming part of the group.

Carolyn

hang in there!

Hi there!

Things will improve once you start getting fills done. Once your stomach heals and the swelling goes down after surgery, you do get the hungry horrors--no fun!

If you got a post-op diet from your doctor, make sure you are following it well. If you take in enough Protein it might help you not feel as hungry. My doctor advised us to aim for about 90 grams per day in three "meals." Drink Water in between to get in 64 ounces per day.

I hope you are feeling better soon!!!

I am not banded yet, but have high hopes. I will be attending a seminar on Monday the 26th. I am 33 with a BMI of 46. I too, am looking to make some great friends.

Even though you are experiencing pain, I want to congratulate you - I hope this is the most meaningful Thanksgiving in your life. May we all remember that less is truly more!