I am 6 days post op, feeling a lot of pain under my rib cage on the right side. I know that it is probably gas and I'm working on that, but what I don't understand is why am I so hungry? I must be doing something wrong, but my stomach will growl like I haven't eaten in a week. Anyone else experience this?

My stomach growled louder and more forcefully in the early months post banding then ever before in my life. It is not uncommon to feel hunger early on . . . in fact this could be considered a good sign in that you must be healing quite well.

If I were to suggest anything it would be to stay on your post-op diet and if hunger becomes excessive, call your doctor about possibly moving up dietary stages to go more towards full liquids or mushies a few days early. However, it would be a mistake to do this without getting your doctors blessing in advance since he wants you to heal properly to get a long life out of your band and avoid potential complications down the road.

It sounds like you are doing great . . . and just remember, these early days are the most difficult in banding. It only gets so much better from here once you start getting fills.

if ur doctor okay's u to eat a lil....please....please...please take my advice and measure out ur portions...in a measuring cup...dont try to eyeball ur portions....i know ur hungry...this is the toughest part...be strong willed!!!!!!!!! do it ...do it...do...it!!!!! now go lose!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just follow your doc's directions post op. I too was hungry from the start; in fact I came to in recovery ready (I thought! LOL) to eat a steak. I didn't though; it was 6 LONG weeks before I had my steak dinner. Hang in there; it is important now that you heal.

Congratulations on your surgery.

In case it would help you, if you go HERE you'll find a forum of us all going through similar experiences following banding in April. I believe there are a few hungry people around there.

Also, have added your name to the list of April Bandsters HERE. (I wasn't sure of your surgery date - was it April 8?)