Just need some input here. Had lapband surgery yesterday and am very sore today, which is to be expected. My upper abdomen feel hard, also. Is this normal, too? Also, I am hungry already. Is it way too soon to start mushies? Whenever I smell food, I want some.

It's normal to be hungry. I don't know if the "hard upper abdomen" is normal; I didn't mash mine. And YES it is too soon to start mushies unless your doc prescribed post op diet says you can have them day 2.

They pump your abdomen full of gas when they do the surgery. Until it gets absorbed and excreted, your abdomen can feel hard. Hungry. Well, it's much too soon for mushy foods but if you aren't restricted to clear liquids, try beef broth, chicken broth, SF yogurt, SF popsicles, SF Jello. If you feel up to it, make your own chicken and beef stock....it's definitely going to taste better than the canned or boxed stuff. All you have to do is cover the chicken or inexpensive roast cut with water. Add carrots, potatoes, chopped up celery, seasonings, a bay leaf, onion....and simmer it until the chicken falls off the bones or the beef is falling apart. Strain off all the solids and drink the liquids!

Purchasing won-ton soup, without the won-ton, also makes for a tasty clear liquid. : )

hard stomach sounds normal..u are swollen on the inside of ur stomach PLUS extra gas that was added..adding mushies is a bad idea..dont forget u have swelling going on everywhere....i understand u about the hunger! lol..i'm 8 post-op and can't WAIT to eat some fooood!! lol..welcome to bandster hell buddy..hop on..and try some sugar free products!

Everyone's experience is a little different but yours does sound similar to many,

Congrats on your surgery .

In case you might be interested, wanted to let you know that there's a forum for all the April bandster's HERE - in case you'd like to share experiences with others of us being banded at around the same time. It's a wonderful place for support.

Also, you've been added to the list of April bandsters HERE.