lap-band

Hi,        I'm 16 days out from lap-band surgery.  I have to wait till the 19th for my first adjustment.  Went for my check -up yesterday.  I told  doctor's asst.  I'm feeling fine but, I am hungry.  She told me I could have snacks.  Is this true.  I don't have the full sensation when I eat 1\4 cup at meals.  I'm  sick of feeling hungry.                                                     HELP!!!!!!!!!!                                               Brendaleepooh

I had an RNY, so I really have no experience with the Lap Band.  It seems to me that the Staff at the Ellis Bariatric Center, know what the surgeon wants for post op care.  So I would think the snack would be OK.  Did you meet with the dietitian over at the hospital.  You could try giving her a call and asking her some questions about your diet.

You could also post the question on the main Lap Band board they might have an answer for you.  Just be careful there it seems like every Dr. is different in their post op care.

Jim

Hi, I am 5 days out from lapband surgery and I am still on the clear liquid phase.  I too am very hungry, I just want something to chew.   I go back for my 1st visit on Friday and I do not think I can last until then.  Any advice as to how to get through the first 2 weeks?  Jake117

Hi,       I felt the same way.  I just walked when I was really hungry.  It seemed to take the edge off.  Another thing is jell-o or popicles.  Other than that I not much help.  SORRY.  Hope it gets easier.                                                              Best Of Luck,                                                                brendaleepooh

Morning!  I believe what you're feeling is head hunger.  I am almost 1 year out.  I can remember going to my 1st appt to see the doc.  I told him I was eating 5 "meals" a day.  He told me NO!  Eat ONLY 3 times a day.  No snacking.  I guess all offices are different.  I also had a 6 week, quite strict meal plan to follow.  As a result, I was absolutely successful.  Add me if you'd like with your snail mail address.  I would be happy to send you my plan.  Also, when your tummie growls...I was told it was because we're thirsty.  When you truly have a fill with real restriction...you will absolutely feel full!  I am going to post what I posted in the room yesterday for you to read...it might help you understand the band and fills.  Sorry in advance for the lengthiness. Well, this past Friday I went to have a fluoroscope.  It's where you swallow barium so the doc can check out the lap band's fullness and functioning.  I was able to watch the whole thing...LIVE!  I went because I was concerned that I could consume more than I thought I should be able to.  WELL, Dr. Simon determined that the 4 times he or his nurse gave me fills, they missed my port!!!  It's been flipped!  We thought I had 3.5ccs in my 4cc band.  NOTHING was in there!!!  LOL  I now have a true 1.75ccs in my band and feel restriction!  YAY!!!  Now I know I'll be able to lose the last 40 lbs within the year!  (making it about 1 1/2 years to goal) Best of luck with your appt. on the 19th!

Hi Brenda,  It seems like you are experiencing Bandsters Hell.  It's the time after your surgery that the swelling goes down and you don't have any restriction, and you're just plain hungry.  Once you start getting your fills you will start feeling restriction.  I felt it with my first fill in 5 weeks post op, and I'm still happy with my restriction now.  Until then it will certainly be challenging but you can do it... some people gain weight back or cease to lose during this time.  Above all you still have to be careful with the amounts you eat because you don't want to damage your band.  There is a really great Lap Band Forum with many people that can give really great advice... Good Luck!