I am 4 days post op...Wow! I can't believe how quickly it all went My dr. required 2 weeks carnation diet pre op and 2 weeks post op. First of all, I am sick of carnation, second I am so hungry. I had chicken broth and Jello today in addition to my 2 carnation shakes and as I sit here my stomach is growling. I feel some restriction and have been sipping Water to help with the hunger but so far it hasn't worked. I thought lapband would make that nagging hunger away.

Does anyone know how long that hunger sicks around? Does the hunger go away when you get to the puree stage? I have 10 days left until I can eat puree and I can't wait.

Also the gas is horrible. I seriously feel like someone has punched me between my shoulder blades...my poor husband has rubbed my back until his hands are sore.

All feedback is appreciated!!!

You apparently weren't very well educated in your seminar... shame on your surgeon! Restriction helps you remain satisfied between meals, and that doesn't usually happen until your 3rd (or more!) fill. However it's very important that you follow your surgeon's post op diet because if you eat your stomach will churn to aid in digestion and you can pull free the sutures holding your band in place. It's tough but most all of us have suffered through it, and it gets better. Just hang in there!

I'll probably get yelled at for this and I'm sure I deserved it but the first week, I did eat one soft scrambled egg one day and another day I made lipton Soup chicken noodle and put a little bit of instant potatoes in to thicken it up. I don't really regret it because it DID help with the hunger (which was making me sick as a dog) but what helped even more is when my husband brought home the IDS New whey bullets. liquid and 46g of Protein. Filled me up pretty well.

While I would NOT suggest eating (because I may have been lucky but you may not be) I would suggest the bullets.

I'm still starving everyday but I use the daily plate at livestrong.com to track all my food and I try to keep busy. I was never told about the extreme hunger either so I was totally unprepared. I don't think they want to address that because the reason we WANT the band is because we think there won't be any hunger with it.

I just keep telling myself to stay strong, stay busy and that the fill will help.

Good luck.:Dancing_biggrin:

Salome, it was important to me that you posted. I thought I was the only one with raging hunger. I found your theory intriguing and hope more ppl post about their hunger. I am not going to post my fall from grace because I don't care to be on the receiving end of RM's constant scolding. Please keep posting.

Mimi

It seems there are a LOT of us dealing with this hunger issue. The nutritionist told me it was 'probably head hunger'.

Head hunger my ass.

I know the difference between the two and when my stomach is growling and I feel completely empty and sick, I'm pretty damn sure it's actual hunger.

I came under fire when I did a post entitled 'tips and tricks'...things to help the process along when trying to qualify for lap band. I just shared what I knew and was called every name in the book. Personally, I don't care what anyone does...all I'm here for is to share my experience and offer encouragement. We all have our personal battles and being judgemental just sets you up for some serious karmic repercussions.

As for my lap band experience, I've grown disenchanted even though I like the band. I find the doctors and hospitals beyond greedy and forcing you into programs you don't want or need and picking your pocket the whole way.

I'm glad we're all in this together!:Dancing_biggrin:

yes...thanks for posting. I am hungry as well. I went to the market yesterday to buy MORE jello and MORE popsicles and I went by the bakery department. I envisioned myself going over and picking up the fresh, hot, soft semolina and just smelling it. I could feel the butter on my tongue! But...I'm pretty sure bread is not liquid and I've got the rest of this week, and another full week of liquid, so, I'll muddle through. As I've said before, one day at a time. No one is perfect, so just adhere as best you can to your nutritionist's/doctor's plan for you. I also don't like when people tell you it's head hunger. I got my head hunger under control years ago...so I know the difference. Sipping water is great or popsicles. Make sure you get enough protein in -- that may help, and keep busy! Find something you like and can carry with you b/w protein shakes and sip on that while doing something outside if you can. Distract yourself, read--when the hunger comes back...take a little sip of something. It's annoying, I know. TRUST ME, I know, but I look at it as a little game..sort of like swatting an annoying fly -- Ooops..there's that hunger again, *sip* -- otherwise, you'd all be hearing about some madwoman running into the Jackson Hole and licking people's hamburgers!

My Dear LBT Friends,

I'm sorry to report that you are in Bandster Hell. This too shall pass. The addition of solid food will help, but you won't truely be rid of the hunger until you have restriction.

Hang in there! Help is on the way..... And pat yourselves on the back for taking this step for your health!

Salome000: I was planning to purchase the IDS New Whey Bullets this Friday at GNC. They are having a sell on them. Anyway, I was just wondering how well they work, because I am on the pre-op diet and I can assure you I am having growling stomach rumbling noises, which I am sure my co-workers can hear.

Which flavor bullets do you like and how did you like drinking them...On ice, in Water, mixed with juice?

:sad_smile: 12 days post-op and starving to death here. I didn't have a pre-op diet but am supposed to be on clear liquids 2 weeks post-op then 2 weeks thicker liquids like creamy no-chew soups and such.

Isn't happening and I can't wait for my first fill on 11/17. I honestly felt better the few days post-op when I was swollen and felt pressure in my chest rather than feeling hunger. I'd almost rather be sore again.

Okay...here are my favorite fillers when the hunger hits. This goes down easy and is healthy. These really do satisfy.

Top 5 Mushies (Eat slow and small bites)

1. 1/2 cup LF/NF Cottage cheese with herbs

2. 1/4 cup hummas

3. 1/2 cup yogurt (Trader Joe's has high Protein greek NF)

4. Small cup of prepackaged mandarin oranges (no sugar added)

5. 1/2 cup SF pudding (add milk to Water it down if needed)