I was banded Dec 4th and have been really hungry. I am allowed to eat soft foods now and next week I can go to regular foods. My question is how much could you eat before your first fill? I had Christmas dinner today and ate some turkey (mushed) and some mashed potatoes. I didn't eat as much as I would have before surgery but I felt like I could have eaten more. I am afraid that I am eating too much. Did you notice that without restriction, everything goes down? Did it change dramatically after your first fill? Thanks!

My surgery was Nov 27th. I can tell, even though I'm trying not to do so, that I can eat a good amount. From what I have read I understand that this is normal. I dont think I could sit down and eat an amount equal to what I could pre-surgery, but it's more than I'd like to be capable of at this point. At 6 weeks post-op, we should hopefully get our first fills - this is when we should really be able to feel the restriction and not be able to eat much.

Good Luck!

You do not have any restriction before your first fill!!! you will really feel what it is like after you get filled, and it will be great!!!

My doctor set my guidelines at 1 cup and increase as necessary. There were times I could easily down more than a cup.

Welcome to bandster's hell! After the first fill you will eat less.

I was eating almost 2 cups before the fill.

I can't say how much I could (and can) eat because I've never reached a physical limit. I don't eat as much as I used to but it's because I stop myself and feel satisfied on much less food. But I haven't tried to push it. I've had one fill and don't feel any difference from before the fill.

Yesterday I had some turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole, green Beans, half a roll and a bite of pecan pie and it was probably about 1-1/2 cups of food. I'm almost eight weeks out from surgery and on soft foods. If I'm losing, it's very slowly but as long as I'm not gaining, I'm fine with handling bandster hell this way, though I normally don't eat Christmas dinner every day!

You do not have any restriction before your first fill!!! you will really feel what it is like after you get filled, and it will be great!!!

Don't expect restriction with your first fill. For most people it takes a few.

My first fill did nothing for me.

I think it seems to be normal that there is no restriction...I don't eat as much as I normally do, not even close, but there seems to be little restriction.

I could eat a lot. Don't worry until you get fileld up. Even then don't worry - it takes time - I am getting my 4th next week. I was impatient at first now I realize that slow is better because I am slowly adjusting to my restriction so I make fewer mistakes. Good luck and congratulations!

Hello, I just posted the same question today, and received replies like you. I can eat 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups too I think. I never went to the Mushies stage, I went from liquids, soft, real food. I'm ok. Not even gas problems, never felt like getting anything stuck yet and really feel much better than I thought. I am now aware we will be "fuller" after our 1st fill. My is 1/4/08 and I'm really excited about it. I lost 20 lbs. after banding and gained 2 lbs. back. I have alot to lose so I'm anxious to being losing on a weekly basis. I'm sure you will too. This is a terrific website and everyone is so nice to help. Keep coming with the questions, there is always someone who has experienced it before us that can help. Enjoy your holiday.

Debbie

Thanks to all. I knew there wouldn't be restriction until at least my first fill and maybe the first couple of fills. I just didn't know if other people were struggling with eating too much before their first fill. I feel like I went from only liquids to pureed food to eating much more than I feel like I should. I am probably only eating around a cup of food but I just worry that I will gain weight. I guess I am eager to continue losing. I have an appt with the doc on Jan 4th. Hopefully he will set me up for a fill and we can get this party started!