Starting Banders Hell?

 Hi,

Today I have completed all of my protein and water needs, and I have done well.   Just a little while ago my stomach started growling like crazy, and no matter what I did, drink water mainly it wouldn't stop.  So I did something stupid, I ate two teaspoons of 99 % fat free chili with no ill effects, mainly no restriction.  Does this mean I can start eating pureed foods or should I continue my liquid diet.  I more than likely will continue the liquid diet, just curious.  Has anyone had this happen?

Sheryl

I see we had the same surgeon.  I started pureeing (sp) bean soup about a week out from surgery with no ill effects.  I also would puree a banana and peanut butter in my protein drinks.  I am definitely not telling you to do so, but only what I did.  

Best of luck with your journey!

Hi Sheryl - I'm not an expert on the band by any means, but my understanding is that you don't have any fill at the beginning and once your swelling goes down from your surgery, it is normal for you to start feeling hungry again.  Do your best to follow your surgeon's directions and you will do okay.  You will, probably, feel some restriction after your first fill.  It's just the healing process that is happening, which is good, even though it is allowing you to feel hunger again.

Linda

You should probably keep with your doctors post-surgery instructions.  THe reason for the liquid / puree / soft food diet is so that your stomach has time to heal. 

As for the hunger, it's totally normal.  It takes a while to get good restriction and everyone is different.  I just had my 2nd fill and only now am I feeling some good restriction.  I hope it stays for a while.

Do you know that there is also a lap-band forum and message board here?  They have really helped me out with all the new band experiences.

Good luck.