Today marks one week banded. The comfort I received from food is gone. I know "find something else that comforts you"... Frankly, if I could do that, I would have done that before! Being aware of this and simultaneously being disgusted with myself I made the "Lap decision".

Now, its like pure depression. I feel lathargic, malnutritioned, and like a head case.

Of course, I feel lighter... havent weighed... really dont wanna be upset if the number isnt consistent with the level of discomfort ive put myself through.

I get these waves of indigestion-type pain every so often.. but often. I cant burp like I used to, terrible loooooong gassy farts - I actually crapped on myself - all broth.

Im nervous that im gonna have to vomit, or mess something up inside by coughing, stretching or pushing. Can I take pills? Vitamins? THe Heartburn! The Hunger pains (pangs wtfever)...

I miss my buddy, food. I know that no food tastes, as good as skinny feels, but it has always been there for me.

I really hope that once this weight comes off, this new life doesnt dissapoint again. Something had to happen to make me turn to food. What will I turn to next?

CityLights, like others have said try not to get to depressed. Remember what your dotor told you that these first few weeks are really intended for you and your body to get used to the band. I got banded this past February and totally agree that in some regards the mental changes are more challenging than the physical changes. Set small goals for yourself that you can celebrate along the way, this will help lift your spirit and remind you of your accomplishments. They may be as simple as I'm going to walk twice this week or add in an extra session of weights. Once you see the weight coming off and start really noticing changes it will be worth all the effort. Since february I have lost 98 pounds and I am about 25 pounds from my goal weight. Yet, at times it is still a challenging process. It is not an instant fix and you will go through phases, this is completely normal. I have had periods where I lost 26 pounds the first month and then two months later only lost 4 pounds the entire month. This too is normal. It took most of our lives for us to gain all that extra weight, it will take some time to lose it and get used to new habits and a new way of thinking. Hang in there, we are all behind you.

I feel for you!! I went through exactly the same thing the 1st two weeks after being banded. Keep your chin up. It does get better and you do start to change. I have lost 51 pounds in 4 months and love the difference it has made in my life! You can get through this episode, just try to stay focused, it will help if you can find something to do instead of eating. Give yourself permission to relax and find joy, you don't have to have a plate in front of you and food in your mouth to receive comfort. I know my biggest hurdle has really been my head not my stomach.

I know so many others have said it already, but I don't think it can be said enough: How you are feeling is normal! Believe me when I tell you, during the two weeks after my surgery I was soooo depressed. I missed food and continually questioned myself, "What did I do??? Take this thing out of me!!" I cried a lot.

But I stuck it out. And I mourned "the loss" of food. When you get off of the liquid diet, and start to eat food...real food...you'll feel better. I spent 33 years eating whatever I wanted and it didn't make me happy. So why did I think running out and eating pizza and Wendy's was going to make me happy now (watching TV while recurperating didn't help. Every other commercial is for fast food!!)? It wasn't. I was and still am soooo curious as to how much weight I'll lose with this tool. It's been four months for me and I've lost 55 pounds. What you are feeling now will lessen in time, and you'll learn to eat in a whole new way. and learn to eat healthy!!

And I'll be honest, I've eaten a McDonald's cheeseburger since my surgery. And I've still been able to lose weight. But it was one cheeseburger, not a Big Mac meal with a Coke and chicken mcnuggets too. I ate horribly and way too much pre-band. I can't even imagine the calorie intake before my surgery. It's like night and day now.

I just know how you feel and I am so sorry. I wish I could show you a few months, no WEEKS even, into the future and you will see that you will make it! Will power - you have it, believe it or not! And like somenoe else said, you just kinda stop thinking of food. And THAT is awesome. I'm not saying you don't get hungry, but when you do, you eat your Protein and get filled up. And then you should be good for a bit. Instead of eating lunch and immediately afterwards, start thinking "What am I going to have for dinner?"

I know this sounds lame, but if I can do it, anyone can do it!! It's so true. I was addicted to food. And probably always will be. But I'm in recovery if you will, and am taking back my life.

Hey City, we're not doctors but we have traveled this road and can offer good advice for you that some doctors aren't even aware of at all. So take as much advice as you can, use your own judgement, cheer up, and stay on your journey.

One last thing. I weigh every Wednesday morning, same time, and I am pleased with my success so far. Just don't get too involved with the scale. Everyone is different.

Its funny how we miss things we take for granted. Im 6 days post surgery and I'm starving like crazy. I was put on full liquids the day i left the hospital (which was the day after). Strained cream soups don't help, yogurt..nope...I need something a lil more...I have my first follow up tomorrow. I hope he lets me go to the mushy stage.

I am two weeks out of surgery and it has been very difficult. In my first week I probably broke down in tears three times. It is this whole new way of life that you have to learn to live without any prep work. Be strong and keep reminding yourself of why u did this.