I'm 5 days out and I stay hungry most of the day. My doctor has his patients drink 2 oz. Optisource 4 times a day, plus water, tea, coffee, anything unsweetened. I've found that after drinking tea or cofee, my stomach is growling within 10 mins! I bought some sugar free popsicles today and am letting them melt slowly in my mouth. My doctor usually does the first fill 6 weeks out, so I should be getting my first the end of October. How long does this hunger last? One of the reasons I chose lapband, was because of the commercials saying that it took care of constant hunger!! Help, please!!!!

I am sorry you are so hungry but trust me I understand how you feel. Everyone's level of hunger varies. I've heard some people say they were hungry on the first day. I didn't get hungry until day 7 and by day 10 I wanted to eat my arm (but I refrained from doing so lol). Once you are able to have soft foods aka mushies it won't be so bad. I'm not sure what your doctor allows you to eat because every doctor is different. Please follow whatever plan your doctor chose for you and you will soon be over this hump. I know it is difficult but you can do it. Wishing you all the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really didn't get too hungry till about 3 or 4 weeks after my surgery, I just know that if I eat one bit more I get a weird feeling and have to get up and walk around till it goes away. Must be the new "filled up" feeling. So I can't eat a lot. I drink plenty of water also which helps.

I had Japanese food the other day, ate about half the plate, the veggies and the beef, and had maybe two spoonfuls of rice and that got stuck. Horrible feeling let me tell you.

When are you at least able to have pureed foods? My Dr. allows pureed foods 24-48 hours after surgery for his patients. I understand that all Dr.'s are different, but in my opinion, this seems extreme to me. The objective first is to heal, secondly to be satisfied, not necessarily full. Check with your Dr.

I'm 5 days out and I stay hungry most of the day. My doctor has his patients drink 2 oz. Optisource 4 times a day, plus water, tea, coffee, anything unsweetened. I've found that after drinking tea or cofee, my stomach is growling within 10 mins! I bought some sugar free popsicles today and am letting them melt slowly in my mouth. My doctor usually does the first fill 6 weeks out, so I should be getting my first the end of October. How long does this hunger last? One of the reasons I chose lapband, was because of the commercials saying that it took care of constant hunger!! Help, please!!!!

caffieine can act as an appetite stimulant in some - so that could be the problem; maybe try protein waters/decaf??

i'm not sure what optisource is (protein drink?) - but hang in there. not sure your stages of food progression - but you need to allow for healing to take place, hydrate yourself, and take it one day at a time.

I couldn't have mushies until week 3! I had nausea along with my tummy growls... But when I got to full liquids is when my hunger pangs went away.

The week after surgery is the toughest. My doctor had me on clear liquids for a week. Try drinking some jello. It realy seemed to do the trick for me. I can tell you chicken and beef broth is about the last thing I want to have for a very long time.

I do get hungry still after my first fill. I was told it's normal and the hunger gets a little better with each fill.

Hang in there!

Those commercials should come with a disclaimer: "Lap Band takes care of constant hunger AFTER you go through post-op Bandster Hell; AFTER you have 3,4 or more fills, which can be 6 weeks apart; AFTER you get a handle on Head Hunger; AFTER you change your diet to eat protein first....etc., etc." Yes, it is going to work, but it's not going to happen overnight. I'm afraid many are misled by the advertising for Lap Band, and even by the seminars held by surgeons. And this web site should be required reading for anyone considering getting banded, because it gives a "warts and all" overview.:thumbup:

Misty, very well summed up!!!!!

Mimi

That is very true! Most of what I have learned about the band I have learned from this site! I feel pretty prepared for my surgery and the range of feelings and what to expect. I would definitely recommend this site for anyone who is considering lapband.

I had a very very extensive pre-operation meetings and testing so I knew what would happen, not overnight, and not without me doing most of the work. It's not something you do then forget to do the right things with it, it is a big help in losing weight, but you must respect it. And do what they tell you to do.