Why so hungry

 Help! I am one week out. I am so hungry and knew very little about lapband .
I had it because GB would not work. I am on liquid for 3 weeks.

Awww... It's normal eat lots of s/f popcicles, broth,etc etc. This will pass and then refried beans will b your bestfriend.:) I was the same way Hungry all the time.

3 weeks seems like a long time for the liquid diet. That being said, you should really do your homework on the lap band. This a permanent tool placed inside your body. You really need to be educated to be successful.

 I have been reading a lot. Not sure about how it works at first since they don't fill until 4 weeks.
Your tracker indicates great success,  congratulations !
Any helpful hints ? It is difficult when you have a lot to lose and can't see results right away.

Your surgeon or nutritionist didn't provide any instructions or other educational material?  No WLS seminars or support group meetings, nutrition classes or consults?  If not, you could benefit from reading Bandwagon, my book of strategie for success with the adjustable gastric band (click on the Bandwagon ads on the Lap-Band or Realize Band forums). 

I have to be honest with you, though.  If your surgeon's office hasn't provided you with any instructions, education, aftercare, or other support, you're headed up a steep & rocky incline.  Don't burn your bridges, but I'd be looking for another surgeon to handle my aftercare.

Jean

I second that Jean!
This is not a quick fix. This is a whole new way of life. AND it will not happen overnight! We're given this tool and we must work with it to succeed. It does not do it on it's own.
The first important step is a seminar so that you know what is involved. After that, you meet w/ your surgeon, nutrition classes and support mtgs. All these play a crucial part in educating you for what's ahead.
Your hospital should be able to help you connect with all these people.
Good luck..and remember we're here to support you as well, but you must trust in your doctor first!

Hi,
Thank you for the PM. 

I also had to do 3 weeks of liquids post op.  If I can do it, so can you! 

Keep in mind that by having the band placed around your stomach you will have some decreased appetite as well as some restriction.  The band presses on a nerve that signals your brain telling it that you're full even with very little food in your new stomach, (stoma).   With that said, as you heal you may start to feel more hunger.  For the liquid phase I did 3 protein shakes a day.  I made mine in a blender with 1% milk instead of water and I added crushed ice to increase the volume and frothy-ness.  You might also try adding 1-2 TBS of peanut butter to add density, make them more filling and to add additional protein.  But remember, you need to count the additional calories.

From the very beginning I started tracking calories, and protein.  It's essential that you gt 60-80 grams of protein each day...forever.  Start working toward that goal now by looking for a Whey Protein powder that is high in protien and low in sugar.  I like EAS chocolate, Lean Body and Pure Protein best.

In and around your 3 shakes I recommend ALWAYS having something to sip on.  I used zero calorie flavored water, 25 calorie Swiss Miss hot chocolate, Diet Peach Snapple Iced Tea, beef boullion, (when you crave salt), and a variety of soups removing any chunks, (I like the imagine brand and some of the soups you find in the cartons in the organic food section).  I also lived on SF jello and the no sugar added Edy's/Dryers fruit popcicles.  You can't drink too much at this point, just keep it coming!  Just make sure you are choosing zero calorie or very, very low calorie, (25 calories for example) per serving.  For the liquid phase only I was also allowed lite juices like cranberry or grape, bu****ch the calories!  After the liquid phase, liquid calories are a no, no becuase they are not filling enough to keep you saited between meals.

If things become unbearable and you are tempted to cheat, don't do it!  Instead, call your doctor and ask if you can advance your diet to include thin oatmeal, cream of wheat and yogurt.  That should help, but make sure you get their approval.  I believe strongly in following the protocol recommended by your surgeon since they are providing your after-care. 

Hopefully your surgeons offices lack of education was due to the fact that you changed surgeries late in the game.  It would probably be a good idea to see if they have a nutritionist that you can meet with to discuss the post op food progression, because liquids are just the first step.  There are a lot of other things to master coming up soon.

I'm glad to help anyway I can.  I also strongly reommend reading Jean M's book, Bandwagon.  You can find it on her blog www.Jean-onthebandwagon.blogspot.com  It's a great "manual" for living with a gastric band.

Keep asking good questions.  You'll soon see that there are many, many versions of how to work your new tool.  Ultimately you need to decide what works for you based on the results you are getting.  Don't become over-whelmed by all the different opinions.  When in doubt, as your surgeon for help.  That's what you're paying him for and aftercare is a HUGE part of having a gastric band.

Best~
Lisa O.