Hi everyone. I was banded on November 6 and everything went off without a hitch. I went home that night, took the weekend to recuperate, and was back at work on Monday. I haven't had any gas or any real pain or nausea or vomiting, although I have been a little constipated. However, I don't feel any real restriction when I eat or drink. Is that normal? I ate a whole can of fat free refried beans last night, which I know can't be good, but I was hungry and it didn't hurt so I kept going (which of course I regretted after). I'm eating all pureed and mushy food right now after 10 days of liquids and thin soups (which I stuck to for the most part, although not perfectly). I lost 12 pounds via my preop diet and I've lost only 2 pounds since then. Is this normal? Is it possible I've stretched the pouch by accident? Or do I just need to wait until my first band fill to really get what this whole experience will be like? My starting weight was 212, I'm at 198 now, and I'd like to be 135. I'm a female, 38 years old, 5'6. Just curious if anyone has an opinion about why I'm feeling so little restriction? I'm feeling like I'm going to have to really 'diet' still to get where I want to go and feel a little disappointed so far.

Sounds like you're doing fantastic. While you're on liquids and mushies, it's not about losing weight, it's all about healing. Don't worry. Just heal. It would be rather difficult to stretch a pouch now as you have nothing in your band. It's pretty wide open. You won't "feel" any restriction until you are properly filled. That could take a few fills. It's done slowly so you don't erode around your stomach. Once you are on solid food, you will fill up a bit faster and it will be easier. But it won't be hunger free until properly filled so you will have to use a bit of will power until then. Exercise. Go for a walk every day until the doc says you can exercise. It will help more than you know. Constipation in common. talk to your doctor about that as soon as possible. I waited and was miserable. There is a lot you can do. I recommend trying the natural methods first....ie: prune juice, stewed prunes, fresh fruit, etc. If no go, a stool softener. The beans are fine. They are high in fiber and protein so it's a very good choice at this stage. Hang in there. You're doing great.