This is very hard. I really wish I didn't have a kitchen at the moment. I cried a little bit since I will never have a full slice of cake, a sweet potato, a 9oz steak.

I never hated myself for being overweight, just worried about my heart in the future.

How do you get by? I just started my clear liquid stage, so I dont know how I will continue without going crazy. I HATE feeling hungry which is why I went with the Lap Band. Dieting ALWAYS made me miserable since I was always hungry. I'm depressed at the moment. I hope it passes soon.

Just whatever you do, don't cave. The post op diet sets the tone for the life of the band. It's NOT swelling that is at issue for the post op diet. It's much different.

Think "atkins" and cut out ALL carbs. No juice either. You won't die from not having fruit juice for a few weeks. If you are on clears drink Isopure Protein drinks if you can gag them down. The protein will kill hunger, carbs/sugar will make you want to gnaw on your left thigh.

You can do this, just look for the light at the end of the tunnel. We have ALL been there, if we can do it you can too!!

I wont cave since I want everything to heal properly, it just sucks. Helps to complain about it online

Im just looking forward to food again.

Justin, this is TEMPORARY!!!!! You will probably be able to eat fruitcake and most anything else...just in smaller quantities. This is not a DIET. This is a way of life. 30 days of liquids and mushies is not a lot to ask. You can do it. If you are hungry....drink something that has protein in it to help with the hunger. Don't "starve" yourself. Get creative. When you get to mushies you can eat anything that has baby food consistency. There's a lot out there. And if you are dying for the taste of something.....go GET some strained baby food in whatever it is you want. Don't LOOK at it...just EAT it. This is about healing, not losing, right now. Just keep the consistency of what you are putting in your mouth within your doctor's restrictions and you will be fine. If you are not going this alone, enlist a friend or family member to sit down and brainstorm for things you can eat. You'll be surprised what you might come up with!

I am four days after surgery and I am hungry too. I bought some sugar free hard candies to suck on and it seems to help some.

I went 7 days this past week. I just made sure that I filled up on liquids and protein. And it didn't go too bad. The second day was the worst for me. then towards the end I got a cold. But I was banded yesterday and well I don't feel hungry at all.