I had my surgery 8 days ago. My incisions are healing nicely, the gas pains are gone, and I am generally doing ok. My problem is that I am soooo hungry! I had heard that you shouldn't feel hungry for the first couple of weeks, until you have your first fill. But the hunger pains are really bad. To the point of pain. Any advice?:w00t:

When is your first post op appt?

I saw my doc 10 days after surgery and I was starving too...so he took me in for my first fill!!!!

I am seven days out. I am starving. I've eated everything from baby Food to Pudding. The pudding did cut my appee a little, not much. I am not scheduled for a fill until Nov 22nd. Go figure. But I am going to hang in there and follow doctor's orders, because I don't want any complications. It's not even worth it.

I had my surgery 8 days ago. My incisions are healing nicely, the gas pains are gone, and I am generally doing ok. My problem is that I am soooo hungry! I had heard that you shouldn't feel hungry for the first couple of weeks, until you have your first fill. But the hunger pains are really bad. To the point of pain. Any advice?:w00t:

I don't know where you heard that you "shouldn't" be hungry but that is BS for most of us. SOME patients don't have much of an appetite for a few days post op due to swelling etc because of abdominal surgery. For many of us, that is fleeting if it happens at all. That's why they call the first weeks post op "Bandster hell"...you can't eat (you might damage your band placement etc) but you are HUNGRY. All I can tell you is to tough it out, it will pass. It's important to follow your doctor's orders to set you up for success.

So call your doc if you are miserable, see what you maybe can add in, but know that you aren't alone. Most of us suffered and struggled but you get through it somehow and it's worth it afterward. Follow your doc's advice, though, not just what you read here. Bands are different, surgeons are different, and post op requirement are totally different, so you need to follow your physician's rules. Hopefully he'll let you add in something to help. Mine didn't even allow Protein shakes for that first week post op! :w00t:

Ditto on contacting doctor for his/her advice...I was putting Protein powder in all sorts of food and was STILL starving. So it was HIS idea to fill me 10 days out...not mine!

Good luck! And not everyone experiences 'bandster hell'...everyone has a different experience with the band and with how their doctor directs them.

:w00t:

Hey Jen,

Ahhh try to hang in there....it's likely you won't even have your first fill until around 6 or more weeks after surgery.

I am somewhat hungry, and had the surgery maybe a week or so before you.

My diet right after my surgery was pretty limited...here's a sample:

-Sugar free jello and pudding

-Sugar free popsicles and skinny cow fudge pops

-Worldwide pre-made protein shakes

-Instant grits / instant polenta

-tons of crystal light

-pre-made refrigerated mashed potatoes

-noodle soups

I had a few "mushy" cheats here and there too, but I've really been trying to stick to the doctor's orders.

It's hard, but please try to stick it out....it will be worth it in the end.

If the huger gets too unmanageable, call your surgeon's office and see what they might recommend.

You are normal. I was starving too. I went in for my post op appointment ten days later and my doctor let me go on mushies early. OMG, they were the best mashed potatoes I have ever eaten!! LOL It will get better; just hang in there.

My Dr. allows pureed foods 24 to 48 hours after surgery. I started pureed 48 hours after surgery for 2 weeks (which included protein shakes) and have had NO complications. Every Dr. is different though. Follow your Dr's. advice. The protein will help curb your appetite.

I found cottage cheese was so helpful to feel full and get protein. Give it a try. Hunger is totally normal and your body is "asking" for more calories.

Jen, I had the conversation with my doctor last Monday (surgery was 10/21). I was told to experiement a bit...but don't go crazy. Every doctor is going to tell you something different so contacting yours would be a good idea. Also, call your dietician. She should be able to point you in a good directions.

I can tell you, my dietician said that if I could fit it though a straw or had the consistency of applesauce...then it's ok. So, I pureed cottage cheese. I purred pineapple with juice and mixed them together. It was almost the texture of applesauce and it worked. Also, have you tried potato Soup? NOT the kind out of a can. I use garlic chicken broth, a small potato that has been cut up small, garlic paste and minced onions. I cooked it forever and then used my bullet to blend it up. It was very satisfying. Another one...I'm a southern girl and runny grits seemed kind of yucky. :w00t: So, I use cream of wheat and use broth and garlic salt. It worked really well too. I use this when I'm starving and need my stomach to be a bit full. One more, bean soups. Pick one...then doctor and blend.

Good luck and I feel your pain. Call your dr and ask. Dont' be afraid for him to say no. Ask him what your options are. Just think, it's only a few more days really. You can do it!!!!