Hi Fellow Bandsters -

Im having strong urges to test my band. I'm 11 days post-op, I'm starving on my liquid diet, and I really am having feelings like there is nothing even there! I feel like I need to eat something and get FULL - just to prove to myself that I can still feel FULL!

Is this normal? Am I just starting to get crazy on the liquid diet? My need to chew something is getting hard to fight!

Thanks -

I should have bookmarked a post someone made earlier, but I didn't, and I have no idea who made it. She had a very bad result with her band because of eating solids early. She ate a small bite of chicken during her healing phase, and it got stuck. Hopefully, if she comes back on, she'll tell her story again, because I'm sure I'll get some facts messed up. Anyway, she tore sutures and I believe she said later she ended up with such a bad slip she lost her band. Try to envision your band and those raw areas where your stomach is healing, and then sip another protein shake, and be thankful you're healing well. I know it's hard, and it's good you came and talked about here, rather than acting. You're so close to getting to move to your next food stage, so just hang on. Wishing you much success!!

Ok thats scary enough for me!

Thanks.... (I think). I'll hang in there. Tuna and cottage is just a couple days away!

Alright,Alright! I was coming on to post the same thing! I don't want to have to eat! I wanna feel full most of the time...Oh, I just saw Kiz's response. Sounds good,I'll wait for the next phase too!

Edited February 4, 200917 yr by JCNY29

Good for you! I know it is hard. I am remembering 2 weeks postop. ( I am 5 months post op right now.) Trust me, if you eat too soon, you will not reap the benefits of following doctors orders. You can do this!! Think of all you've been through so far! Surgery is no small feat. You will get through it a just like the rest of us and you'll be sooooo happy you fought the good fight! God bless, Patty

I'm glad you both are hanging in there. I remember dreaming about food on my pre-op diet stage. That's when I knew I had it bad..lol

The good thing is, we've all been through it. It's not like we're your skinny girlfriend who just polished off a double cheeseburger telling you she knows how you feel.

I think it's just a need for confirmation. I'm sending you lots of wishes for strength... this phase will pass quickly, and you will quickly get to feel your band. Congratulations on your surgery!

Actually I'm post op 7 months and I still tend to be "hard headed" to see how far i can push it. It's just a mental thing you have to work through. I still have issues with the "feeling full" down in the lower part of your stomach...I don't think you will ever have that feeling again because its moved up. Just hang in there and it will come along.

When you get this urge go to your bathroom mirror, lift open your shirt and run your clean hands over your surgery scars, and tell yourself you just got banded and need time to heal. But whatever you do, don't test your band. It is not worth the risk!

Part of banding is getting your head around the difference between feeling satisfied and feeling full. YOu really don't want to be full. Eating until full got us into this mess. Full doesn't really feel good with the band. We have to learn that not being hungry is enough... the little bit of time you still have to wait is small in comparison to the rest of your life as a non-obese patient. Hang in there!

The good thing is, we've all been through it. It's not like we're your skinny girlfriend who just polished off a double cheeseburger telling you she knows how you feel.

Hahahaha! Kiz, you rock!

Part of banding is getting your head around the difference between feeling satisfied and feeling full. YOu really don't want to be full. Eating until full got us into this mess. Full doesn't really feel good with the band. We have to learn that not being hungry is enough... the little bit of time you still have to wait is small in comparison to the rest of your life as a non-obese patient. Hang in there!

I agree 1000%.....A wise old bandster once told me that most of us (banded folks) had gotten the feeling of "full" mixed up with the feeling of "stuffed". Now, our goal should not be to eat until we feel full, but until we feel "not hungry".

Part of banding is getting your head around the difference between feeling satisfied and feeling full. YOu really don't want to be full. Eating until full got us into this mess. Full doesn't really feel good with the band. We have to learn that not being hungry is enough... the little bit of time you still have to wait is small in comparison to the rest of your life as a non-obese patient. Hang in there!

Susan, You said that we have to learn that not being hungry is enough. I have to say that before the band, I rarely felt hunger because I just never got to that point. I would eat regularly and before I was even hungry again, I would eat my next meal. So, for me, learning that not being hungry is enough, doesn't work. It is true, though, for the lapbander who was used to being hungry all the time preop. I have a problem at 5 months post op with not being able to eat just to eat. Eating used to be a big part of life, and now it's only a necessity for life. That's what's hardest for me. I wish I did have hunger problems before surgery, then I could say lap band took that away.

It is important to follow your Doctors instruction post op. I did and had no problems at all. My Dr.'s recommendations were as follows:

Day 1- Clear liquids only

Day-2 thru 14 - Puree diet

Day 15-30 (weeks 3 & 4) Soft diet

Slowly add soft foods

Day 30 and after - Regular diet (low carb/High protein)

I had the urge too. So much so that I called my Doctor and asked if I could try some "tester" foods to see how I reacted. Keep in mind, I healed completely from my C-section in record time (honestly, my Dr. STILL talks about it to this day) so I thought I was strong enough to try, ONLY with the OK from the Doctor.

He told me there would be no damage from eating small portions, they have the liquid diet quidelines for MOST patients, but every person is different. He stressed to me that I should take very small bites and chew, chew, chew (heard that before somewhere I'm sure..lol).

Well, I took 2 tiny bites (3 minutes apart) of corned beef hash (I KNOW not the healthiest choice, but literally both bites plus 3 more would've fit in my spoon) with no problem, I felt GREAT!

Then I tried cottage cheese, no problem. Then I tried tiny bit of dark meat chicken, no problem. Then turkey, wheat bread, etc. you get the picture.

I saw my doctor today and he told me that each person is different. Whatever I can try to eat will not hurt any portion of the surgery, incisions or band, and it is up to what my body is able to take. He did tell me to take it slow and steady.

Again, this is just MY PERSONAL experience, but I would suggest you call your physician and check, couldn't hurt!