I was banded on 9/22 and made it through the first three months of dieting, the preop liquid diet the first week of liquids, the second week of mushies, and now that the third week is here, I'm craving (and sometimes indulging in) some of the bad choices that landed me here!!! I haven't gained, but I haven't lost anything in a week! I'm just wondering if I have the willpower of a child in a candy shop or if this is in any way "normal"? Please give me any information leading up to my first fill (11/5) and what I can expect after that!Thanks for any input!

I got my band on the 21st and am feeling the same way that you are. I just started the mushies a couple of days ago and am having a hard time knowing how much to eat, espeically in a restaurant when the portions are so big. Based on everything that I have read, we are going though "bandster hell." This is the period that you have healed from the surgery (most of the swelling is gone) but you do not have any restriction because you have not had a fill. I just try to take one day at a time. I had not such a great day today, but am going to try to be better tomorrow. I feel your pain! Hang in there, you can do it! I really helps me when I get in this site and read about what others are going through. It helps me stay focused.

cborg is right about bandster hell right now. After your first fill you may have varying degrees of restriction from none to too much. Hopefully, you'll get somewhere in the middle, but a lot depends on how much restriction your doctor wants you to have right away, and to how your body reacts to a fill. You may have swelling the first few days up to a couple of weeks. Some doctors like to proceed cautiously, while others will be a little more aggressive in their fills. So, don't get discouraged if you don't feel restriction right away, and be sure to let your doctor know how much your eating and how quickly you're getting hungry between meals.

Thanks for the support!!! I think you're right in taking one day at a time. I know that my head is now stronger than my stomach in most (but not all) of my food intake decisions! It's hard right now because I am hungry and the idea that 1/2 cup of food is supposed to fill me up is insane! I'm eating healthy foods but my portions are more than I thought I'd be eating at this point (still no where near what I used to eat). I guess I'm just anxious for results and to not be so hungry! Keep in touch - it would be great to hear how you're dealing with the different stages!

I am one week post op and have finally started to feel my tummy growling again. It's been hell up to this point. I am able to get liquids down, go a protein shake down last night and two today and managed to get some jello down as well. I have not dared try anything mushy or solid but I do find myself "hungry" now. Is this how your first week or so post op was?

Hi Martom!

The first week I was fine with the liquids, but on the 8th day post op, I felt hungry, then as each day progressed, I felt hungrier and dissatisfied with the shakes and Jello and liquids. The thing I found the most helpful was Bariatriceating.com. I found different recipes even for the liquid stage so I was able to be a bit more creative with the liquid choices I made. Hang in there! We're in "Bandster Hell" but there is a light at the end of the tunnel!!! Keep in touch!

I just wanted to chime in and say congrats to all who have been recently banded! It does get easier so everyone hang in there! Welcome to bandland and enjoy your ride! :thumbup: