I had my surgery on 7/24. The first two days were okay besides the pain and gas, but the 3rd day, until now, I have been absolutely starving. My doctor has me on a calorie free, clear liquid diet (64 ounces a day) and allows 1/4 cup of calorie containing liquid such as juice, 4 times a day (approximately 50 calories. I am not allowed to take any Vitamins at this time either. I have been following the diet to a T and am probably drinking more than the 64 ounces of Fluid a day, but I am absolutely starving and have absolutely no energy due to not having any nutrition. I don't even know if I'm sore anymore because my stomach just keeps intensely growling continuously all day long and the hunger is all I can keep thinking about. I go up the stairs and I am completely out of energy. I feel like absolute crap and all I want to do is eat something.

What I'd like to know is if anyone else has gone through the same experience, or did you go through the first week hunger free. I only have a day and a half left before I go to the doctor to hopefully move to the next phase of a full liquid diet, but I'm having a tough time and am worried I may just break down and drink a Protein shake, or eat something, so I have SOME energy. I DO know that I am taking a Protein Shake with me to the appointment because the second he clears me for a protein shake, I am opening it right there! haha I never thought in a million years I'd be craving a protein shake! Please let me know if what I am experiencing is normal

Thank you!

Edited July 31, 200818 yr by NerdyGirl

Even though I was able to have protein shakes right away, I was constantly hungry. So...yes, in my opinion it is normal.

I was banded Friday, and I too got very very hungry yesterday - I was on clear liquids also, though not so strict; I had maybe 250 calories a day. I called my doc and was told it was fine to move to full liquids, and I'm OK since then. Call your doc! They may tell you it's fine to add protein shakes, strained soups, and other things that will make you feel sooo much better.

it tells you how different each dr is. My doctor allows protein shakes immediately following the surgery.

i am three days post and was told by my dr. that i could move to a solid diet by the end of the week as long as i kept it nice and soft. but bc i am paranoid i am keeping it clear liquid for the rest of the week then will move to other liquids and maybe pudding and eggs we will see how it all makes me feel.

Are you able to have SF popscicles and Jello. I find that really helped me.

I was banded on the 25th and have been starving since Monday, 5am (yes, I know since I was so grumbly it woke me up). I about kissed my doc when he cleared me to phase 2 (full liquids) today. If I never see jello again, it will be too soon!

I get the liquid part, but why such a resriction in calories? Liquid is liquid, calories shouldn't make a difference as far as the band goes, but it sure would give you some energy to recover from your surgery. I was allowed full liquids right after I got home. Hope you feel better.

I also was on a LOW calorie 7 day post op clear liquid diet... i was only allowed 59 calories a day... and i wasnt allowed unlimitied liquids... i had a diet to follow.... Only unlimited water... I also felt AWFUL!!!! I was sooooooooo weak!!! They let me move up to full liquids 1 day early... Im on my last day of FULL liquids... i have to say the FULL liquids were a little more filling... but i was still hungry all the time! Im hoping mushies are gonna be the thing that helps my hunger!!

I was starving at that point too. but I could have full liquids by that time. Girl, go drink you a protein shake. You'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel. I would always advise to follow doctor's orders, but that seems a little ridiculous. Your body can't heal without some nutrition.

My Doc allows full liquids right away also. It seems a little strange that you can't have protien shakes. The protien will help you heal. I would call for sure!

Good Luck!

Thank you all for your responses. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who was feeling this way. I called my doctor's office a bit ago and left a message asking if I could switch to full liquids today. I'm hopeful they call me back soon and give me the green light. After I got out of the shower today I was so drained that I couldn't even get my clothes on and had to rest on the bed for a while first! Thank you again!!

Edited July 31, 200818 yr by NerdyGirl

YEAH! I got the OK for the full liquid diet! I had a little cream of chicken and a protein shake and I feel full...and better already. Thanks for all the advice!

I will tell everyone I have been hungry since the pre op diet i'm 9 days post op, start mushies on sunday and can't wait. although I have enjoyed the weight loss 22lbs since pre op. yea me :biggrin:

that is awesome about the weight loss i want to know how you did that??:biggrin:

Thanks for posting this. I'd wondered if it was normal to feel so hungry.

My diet hasnt been as limited as yours, I started taking chewable Vitamins the day I returned home.

And its nice to see so many responses.