I was banded on February 1 in Houston, TX by Dr. Spivak (who is so wonderful). The operation was a piece of cake and I was back to work in no time. The first week after surgery was a snap. I wasn't hungry, barely ate and, in total, I lost 16 lbs. Now I'm almost approaching two weeks and I feel hungry like I did before the surgery. I haven't gained back any of the weight (I know this because now I'm obsessed with the scale...BAD!), but I feel like I'm eating a lot. I know in comparison to what I was eating before I was banded that it's not that bad, but I'm just freaking out. I go in for my first fill on the 28th and I can't wait for more restriction. Is it normal to be able to eat so much before your first fill? I'm not eating crap, (no burgers or fast food or anything) just bigger portions of the soft food. Will I notice a big difference in the restriction when I get filled? I would appreciate the info! Thanks!

Hi Alv,

I don't really have a complete answer for you except that I had my surgery on 1/23 and have hardly any restriction (maybe a pinch). This is what is called bandster hell and I'm there with you! You are fortunate to be getting a fill so soon. I can't get one until March 7 and am anxiously waiting to be more in control of my eating.

I was starting to think that I am even a failure with a band in place but I've been reading a lot of the posts and one person mentioned that it's too early in the game to feel that way. Actually, when I was a week out, I knew what restriction felt like and it was heavenly. I lost about 13 lbs at that time, then it went to 15 and now I've gained back 3 so....I know it will get better. Hang in there; we can do this!!

I was banded on February 1 in Houston, TX by Dr. Spivak (who is so wonderful). The operation was a piece of cake and I was back to work in no time. The first week after surgery was a snap. I wasn't hungry, barely ate and, in total, I lost 16 lbs. Now I'm almost approaching two weeks and I feel hungry like I did before the surgery. I haven't gained back any of the weight (I know this because now I'm obsessed with the scale...BAD!), but I feel like I'm eating a lot. I know in comparison to what I was eating before I was banded that it's not that bad, but I'm just freaking out. I go in for my first fill on the 28th and I can't wait for more restriction. Is it normal to be able to eat so much before your first fill? I'm not eating crap, (no burgers or fast food or anything) just bigger portions of the soft food. Will I notice a big difference in the restriction when I get filled? I would appreciate the info! Thanks!

It really depends on how aggressive your surgeon is with fills. Mine wasn't very aggressive. I did notice a little difference with my first fill, but it didn't last long. I've had 5 fills with a total of 6.5cc in my band.

It is totally normal for you to feel hungry right now and to eat more. Once my swelling went down from the initial surgery, it felt like I didn't even have a band. Alfie is right, you are going through bandster hell right now. I promise you, it does get better. Hang in there!