Does it ever get easier?

Ok , I am four days out from surgery and all I want to do is eat. I am NOT hungry but I keep finding my self looking for something to eat. It is awful! I feel like a crack head...Truly I know that I cant eat and I will not eat but that desire is so strong. I am hoping it will get easier once I can have something other than clear liquids. I did nt expect it to be like this. When it gets bad I sip some 1/2 water 1/2 apple juice and I feel much better .   I am looking forward to ff sf chocolate pudding.  thanks everyone and Happy Holidays!! Amy

Does it get easier?  a little.  Does it go away?  No.  Welcome to the realization, if you hadn't already, of being a food addict.  I told my husband I was wandering around the kitchen like a heroin addict looking for my next fix.  There was no heroin in the cabinet, nor was there doritos.  I cried 2x over not being able to eat.  It struck me like a brick exactly HOW much I went to the fridge to kill time, kill my feelings, console me.  If you look on my blog/profile page and go through the archives you will find a letter addressed to "high fat, high carb, high calorie food".  You may want to read it.  It really helped me let go of my feelings in a positive manner. Full liquids is SUCH a treat.  My first day I was soooo excited to have a Dannon Lite and Fit it was euphoric. Be careful with the pudding - myself and a few of my friends have had a lot of trouble with ss/ff pudding early out.  I too, tried it the first day I was allowed - I must have eaten it to fast even though I didn't think I had, and was very ill feeling for about 2 hours.  If you do try it, eat about 1 or 2 ounces, if that, over at least 1/2 an hour just to see how you are doing.  You feel like you are not eating anything - but then it hits you all at once. Way to go on your journey.  "They" are right when they say it is a roller coaster ride.  Buckle up and hang on.  Allow yourself to explore your feelings and understand them.  YOU WILL SUCCEED.  Keep a positive attitude - it will get you through, and post here whenever you need - the support is UNBELIEVABLE. Pam

hi amy it does get easier -- the more you accept how the surgery works the easier it will be -- don't try to rush anything -- just go with the flow of life -- it does get easier :) this too will pass :)  merry christmas roberta

I am now 2 months post op.  Some days it seems easy, and others much more difficult.  Early on I didn't seem to have the problems that you are having, but the cravings began about two weeks after surgery.  At times I doesn't even seem that I have a band, and at other times, it constricts early.  When you do see your surgeon, explain your difficulty, and after about four weeks he will do an adjustment.  i had my first adjustment two weeks ago, and i feel a difference.  But always remember that the Lap Band is but a tool, and you need to continue to work hard, attend support groups, etc.  i myself do not eat any flour or sugar, as these are trigger foods for me.  I have also found that soft or liquid foods do not produce the sense of being filled that solid protein does.  But certainly don't give up.  I believe that this is the best and possibly only way for me to go.  i have lost 40 pounds since my initial appointment, and about 25 pounds since Surgery. Paul

Hi Paul, I did my lap Dec 7,2007. Lost 17 lbs so far. In the first week I did not even wanted to see food. liquids were just fine. In the second week I was also ok. I am now on the third week and sometimes I ask myself why I am felling hungry.... I think I need really to eat more protein. My first adjustment is only 4 weeks from now and I wi**** was before that. I also do not understand how I can eat more than 4 oz a meal, sometimes 6oz and I really do not feel sick of too full. I do follow the liquid rule 1/2 hour eat then wait another 1/2 hour. sometimes during the day m,y stomach makes hunger sounds like crazy. Did you experience that? Well I am new at this and need all the help I can get. Clarisse

Clarisse; Everything that you mention is something that I have gone through.  After my first adjustment, I felt the restriction for several days - in fact, a couple of times I got a bit sick and unfortunately regurgated some of my food.  After about a week the restriction disappeared.  But i have read that it takes an average of 3-4 adjustments before one finds that "Sweet spot".  So don't give up.  Trust the process, and continue to do your best.  And I am new at this as well; just about a month ahead of you. Paul

thanks for the imput. I just signed in at a gym and will start next wed. i am sure that will help a lot. i have lost another 2 lbs. yupeee!!! Clarisse

Hi Amy,      Merry Christmas! I know exactally how you feel. The day after my surgery I would have killed someone for an egg salad sandwich...I hardly even eat egg salad! Was I hungry? No, but my mind and mouth wanted it anyway. The first 2-3 weeks post op were the hardest for me. I too would cry because I still wanted a cheeseburger and fries. I am now 3 months post op, and yes it does get easier. Like Pam said, I realized that I was or am a food addict and realized what a big part food played in my life. I am a happier person these days, I have lost 70lbs. and have had no complications. Take your time and just follow your doctors instructions....it really does get easier. I'm to the point where it's almost a chore to eat.......go figure that! Best of luck to you!                                                                     Hugs, Judy