Hi All,

I was banded about a week ago now and I wanted to share my past week experiences. I have been on a full liquid diet (including 2 days pre-op) and so far so good. I'm down a few pounds, but the scale hasn't budged the past few days. I haven't had a BM in a week and I just took something to help that along because I have a feeling that is why my scale isn't moving, and I'm also worried about it. I've been feeling incredibly bloated as well, and have not been hungry. About once a day I have an intense craving, but it's not actual hunger, just "mental" hunger.

I am starting to actually get worried I'm eating too little calories, but I'm getting in all my Protein through Protein shakes, and protein Water. About once a day I'll have Soup, usually tomato, or vegetable, or another cream based soup, and I'll strain it after cooking. I'll eat about half the portion before I feel very full. I'm not sure if it's the band, or if my stomach has adjusted to the liquid diet. In the past if I have eaten less, my stomach adjusts within a few days and I get full much faster. I'll admit, I'm having trouble drinking enough water too, so that is a challenge. I will be allowed my first "mushie" on Christmas eve, so that will definitely be a present and I can't wait!

As for the pain, it's been very tolerable. I haven't rested much at all but have been trying to take things slow. Surgery was on Monday, and I went back in to the office on Friday (half day). I had someone take me there and home so I wasn't driving because I am still on the pain meds. The pain is the worst in the morning when I wake up, but for the most part I'm starting to forget I even had the surgery, and then I'll get too ambitious and try and lift something or bend down too fast and then I remember. By Weds I was out xmas shopping, but again taking it slow. Back to work tomorrow for my first "full" day. I have my first follow-up appointment scheduled for 1/10, exactly 4 weeks after surgery and I'm pretty sure I will be getting my first fill then too.

I'm a little worried about the bloating and that my scale hasn't moved in 3 days - when I'm on liquids eating under 1200 calories a day, but I haven't had that BM so I'm thinking that might be the reason, hopefully that will happen tomorrow. I've been walking a lot too! Jeez!

Anyways, so far so good. If anyone has any thoughts on the above, let me know. Or if I'm doing anything wrong, please let me know!

Thanks!!:nervous

I would talk to your doc about the BM problem, perhaps he can perscribe a softener to help you.

Most of us worried about the "too little calories" too, but eventually the swelling goes down and you will be able to consume more. Right now, the important thing is healing and not the scales, a lot of people don't start losing until they get the propper restriction or after thier first fill. The docs are not concerned the first 6 weeks while you are healing with weightloss - at least mine were not.

Best wishes.