Questions---eating, feeling full etc

Ok I have a question----I have lost 23 pounds in a month pre and post surgery--- I can eat more than the 4-5 teaspoons that they say at this stage I can eat----they said to gradually work up to a 1/2 cup----I believe Im at that--i actually got to a 1/2 cup earlier than what they say to----but i stop when Im full----so Im not sure if I have done something wrong--or if Im tolerating the advancing of foods better than they thought?? I feel like Im eating alot when I guess in fact Im right on target? Im losing more inches than pounds now----which is fine but I go for my 1st fill on the 28th--so I guess i will see more dramatic weight loss after that?  maybe not dramatic but maybe just see more pounds come off? I eat a 1/2 cup of malt o meal in the morning----  then my lunch later and my supper--no snacks in between really----but sometimes I feel hungry before the next meal---like breakfast is at 730--by 10am I feel hungry?  Is that OK? or when I feel hungry and its only been a few hours--should I drink my water to kinda fill me up or?  I dont drink before eating, while eating, 30 minutes after eating , like they suggest---I wait the time. I guess thats the part that worries me--why would I feel hungry in 3 hrs again? I just want to make sure Im doing what Im supposed to.  I dont want to screw my lil pouch up and stretch it. But----if I do stretch my pouch out---does it go back or is it stretched forever? Sorry for all the questions but I have been worrying about this and would appreciate any advice. Thanks HUGS Amber

Amber: I can't answer all your questions because I don't have a band but, I can answer some. As far as getting hungry before lunch that is normal I think for all of us. You say you ate malt O meal for breakfast. That is a thin food which runs through quickly. Therefore you will get hungry sooner. Those of us with the RNY eat 5-6 small meals. You do want to drink lots of water. Everyone is different, but, sounds like to me your right on track. Dr.H says you can't stretch your pouch. At least that is what he told me. I think you are worrying too much. I'm sure you will see a difference with each fill.

Amber, it's very normal to basically feel like you did before surgery at this point.  You have no restriction in your band yet so after the swelling from the surgery subsides your stomach is basically the same size it was before surgery which is why you're hungry in 3 hours. Sounds like you're following the rules just as you should and are doing really well.  This phase you're entering is probably the hardest because you are hungry but don't want to gain back any of what you've lost.  Hang in there - you're doing everything right.

Debbie thanks for feilding the lap band question , with no reference of what you all go thru it is hard to tell someone that they are doing alright. a half cut of food seems like a lot to me but that is because i dont know your limits and all. Again thanks i get an education on the lap band with each question and answer that someone has , so lapbanders hope you all will use this board too, there are more of you out there than you know.

Amber...Try some protein in the morning...I still like a shake for breakfast then solids the rest of  the day.  Or scrambled eggs.  You should be on softs foods and the eggs would work.  The protein, as we all know. will keep you from getting hungry as soon.  I can go about 4 to 4 1/2 hours between breakfast and lunch that way and not even think about food until then!  ( what a miracle!) Drink you water after 30 minutes have past. drink a lot between then and your next meal time and that will help also.  Just remember to stop 30 minutes before (per my docs directions) When all else fails, call the Nutritionist! Tina