I'm 3 weeks post op...Feel great. I saw my doc this week. Worked out today...Felt good. But I am hungry and everthing goes down just fine. So, I am sticking to soft foods, like soft fish, pasta, cottage cheese, eggs, etc. But I can eat bread and chunky soup....Is that normal? Am I just a fast healer or am I messing things up???? Let me know??:redface:

Most people are hungry early on post op. If you are progressing per your doctor's orders, you're doing fine. If you are eating things before he clears you, you aren't. They call it "bandster hell" and it's because we are hungry and don't have restriction but must follow strict post op diet to allow things time to heal.

OK, I'm going to just add my 2 cents worth. Often, yes, we can eat things like breads and pasta, but the real question is - should we? For me, having the band is not about what I CAN eat but making the best choices about what I DO eat. My surgeon would rather my calories come from meats and vegetables. Besides, if you are going to eat carbs, pasta and breads aren't some of the better choices - they're kind of like empty calories. Chips and sweets go down easy too, but eating them isn't going to help me lose weight. One point of the band is to choose foods that will take longer to digest so they stay with you longer, so you don't feel hungry before your next meal. I know I'm one of the weird ones, but I haven't had a fill yet (12 weeks out) and I don't get hungry in between my meals. If you really feel like you're hungry, try drinking some crystal light or water instead. Many times I find I'm actually more thirsty than hungry. Also, if you are waiting at least an hour to drink after your meal it will help so you don't get hungry as quick. Hope that helps!

For many of us, we're "taught" that the first 6 weeks are for healing, not weight loss. Slimandhealthy09, since you're just 3 weeks post op, unless your surgeon has told you to the contrary, just follow the post op guidelines they gave you and don't worry about "dieting" etc. Once you've healed, how you want to work the band will be very personal based on what works for you and your temperament. Some prefer to DIET, some want to count the calories in every morsel, some prefer a more "atkins" or "south beach" type approach, some don't do anything except "try" to make healthier choices. The band is a tool and is fairly flexible; once healed, you'll find your own best way to work it. AND once you have restriction and can only eat about a cups' worth of food, what you select to put in that cup will change over time. Personally I prefer steak to pasta; it keeps me full longer. Pasta isn't off limits, however. You'll find what works for you! For now, just heal! :thumbup:

I'm 3 weeks post op...Feel great. I saw my doc this week. Worked out today...Felt good. But I am hungry and everthing goes down just fine. So, I am sticking to soft foods, like soft fish, Pasta, cottage cheese, eggs, etc. But I can eat bread and chunky soup....Is that normal? Am I just a fast healer or am I messing things up???? Let me know??

I would say your progressing normally. At 3-weeks post op I was starving and on mushies. I limited my calories to 1,200 a day and started exercising around this time too to help offset those days when I consumed more than 1,200 calories.

Bandster Hell is no fun, but you sounds like you have it under control. Stick with your doctor's instructions and get your fill when it is time. You will do great!:thumbup: