For all of you out there needing a little encouragement, I wanted to share something. I was banded on November 12, and I'll admit to having a lot of pain right at first, along with terrible nausea and vomiting for the first 36 hours. I got through that, though, and never needed even one pain pill after leaving the hospital. I took a couple advil once or twice, but that's it. The next phase for me was HUNGER. After the first week went by, I just felt like I was starving. No end to the growling, nagging hunger in my stomach. When I did eat, it seemed as though everything (other than clear liquids) got stuck, and hurt a lot. My abdomen was so distended that I looked 8 months pregnant (I'm down to 6 months now! :girl_hug:), and in fact, it even caused new stretch marks to appear. I was sent home with a suggested menu plan, and instructions, just like everyone here. I realize I haven't had to stick to liquids as long as some others, but I did manage to make it through that phase.

Here's the encouraging part -- After just one or two days of adding in some more filling foods (mainly fish), I am a changed woman. I haven't had my first fill yet, (that's not till December 29th) of course, so don't have nearly the restriction that I will have later on, but with the little bit I'm getting from the band at this point, and with foods that actually stay in my stomach a while, I can't BELIEVE the difference. I am satisfied with less than half the amount I used to eat, and stay satisfied three times as long. The pain of getting stuck has "cured" me of eating too fast, or taking bites that are too big. I'm losing weight -- okay, not as much as some of you, and not as fast as I'd like, but I've lost 9 pounds so far. I realize that as the inflammation disappears, I'll probably get hungrier, and before I have that first fill, I may be feeling somewhat less satisfied than I am today, BUT, this thing is working, and I'm THRILLED!!

For all those people who are just about to be banded, and those who have just gotten their bands, take heart! It DOES get better, and it DOES work!

Banded and Thankful in Texas

Kristine

Well Said Kristine...!! I think it is a matter of adjusting to everything the whole different life style that the band causes us to do. I know that at my classes I did the months before surgery, this was engrained into our brains....but until you actually are going through it, you have no idea what you are up against.

For those who think this is easy.....guess again...it is not easy it takes alot of want to.....and it is hard work.....but I believe that once this get s to be a few months down the road, all the work we are putting in now, will pay off in weight loss as well as it becoming sort of second nature.

The way of eating and lifestyle change is for the better, and I know how I feel today is a huge improvement in how I felt just one month ago.....so for those of you preparing for this journey....or just starting after surgery.....it does get better!!

Kristine, congrats on the early restriction and controlled appetite. You are doing great!

For all of you out there needing a little encouragement, I wanted to share something. I was banded on November 12, and I'll admit to having a lot of pain right at first, along with terrible nausea and vomiting for the first 36 hours. I got through that, though, and never needed even one pain pill after leaving the hospital. I took a couple advil once or twice, but that's it. The next phase for me was HUNGER. After the first week went by, I just felt like I was starving. No end to the growling, nagging hunger in my stomach. When I did eat, it seemed as though everything (other than clear liquids) got stuck, and hurt a lot. My abdomen was so distended that I looked 8 months pregnant (I'm down to 6 months now! ), and in fact, it even caused new stretch marks to appear. I was sent home with a suggested menu plan, and instructions, just like everyone here. I realize I haven't had to stick to liquids as long as some others, but I did manage to make it through that phase.

Here's the encouraging part -- After just one or two days of adding in some more filling foods (mainly fish), I am a changed woman. I haven't had my first fill yet, (that's not till December 29th) of course, so don't have nearly the restriction that I will have later on, but with the little bit I'm getting from the band at this point, and with foods that actually stay in my stomach a while, I can't BELIEVE the difference. I am satisfied with less than half the amount I used to eat, and stay satisfied three times as long. The pain of getting stuck has "cured" me of eating too fast, or taking bites that are too big. I'm losing weight -- okay, not as much as some of you, and not as fast as I'd like, but I've lost 9 pounds so far. I realize that as the inflammation disappears, I'll probably get hungrier, and before I have that first fill, I may be feeling somewhat less satisfied than I am today, BUT, this thing is working, and I'm THRILLED!!

For all those people who are just about to be banded, and those who have just gotten their bands, take heart! It DOES get better, and it DOES work!

Banded and Thankful in Texas

Kristine

Thanks for the info - I am going to be banded in the morning and am freaking out a little. It helps to read others' experiences.