Question:
3 WEEKS OUT FROM SURGERY, AND I AM FEELING HUNGRY

I AM 3 WEEKS OUT FROM BAND SURGERY. I WILL HAVE MY FIRST FILL UNTIL ANOTHER 3 WEEKS. I JUST STARTED TO FEEL HUNGER AND STARTED TO EAT. I GAINED ONE POUND. VERY DISCOURAGING. WHAT SHOULD I DO? GET ON DIET PILLS FOR NEXT 3 WEEKS? I AM EXCERSING AND DRINKING ALOT OF WATER. I AM EATING THE SMALL PORTIONS, AND DOING ALL. I DO NOT WANT TO GAIN WEIGHT!    — ME.IN.AZ (posted on February 26, 2009)

February 26, 2009
Hi Rose, Have you been able to eat as much as you did prior to your surger? Chances are more than likely not. If you have gained weight then keeping a food diary of what you've eaten and the quantity will help you pay attention to what you are eating. Also watch the high calorie soft foods you are taking in. I was banded in May of 08 and have lost 60 pounds. It is a slow process but remember you didn't put the weight on in a month. Be kind to yourself. Best wishes for success, Mary-Anne
   — mannecote

February 26, 2009
I am also a bander and I was told to measure my food. I would start by eating only 1/2 cup of food (protein) every 2 to 3 hours. I had to get use to measuring my food because I was not able to eye the food. Good luck on your journey. I would hit the gym also or get a tape and do some aerobic exercise each day. I am not up to 4 miles in one hour. It took me awhile to get up to those numbers. I am one of the slow losers. I also have a thyroid problem so that keeps me from losing quicker. Good luck on your journey. Susan
   — susangielda06

February 26, 2009
wow give yourself a break. weight gain is normal when you moved from liquids to solids. Don't take diet pills! Just keep doing what you're doing. You'll be less hungry and get fuller faster when you start getting fills. Be patient girl you'll get there!
   — slimcolagirl

February 26, 2009
Hi! Congrats on your band! I'm a Bandster, too! Please don't think I'm yelling at you, but you need to chill out. You just had major surgery three weeks ago. You cannot even think about losing right now. Your body is healing, so let it do just that. Follow your doctor's orders for eating, drinking, and exercising. Make sure you're not drinking before or right after your meals, as it will wash your food right through, which makes you hungry before it's time for another meal. I'm not sure what your meals are. I was still required to be on liquids at three weeks out. Whatever the case, you need to find ways to add protein to everything that goes in your mouth. I add powdered milk to my protein shakes, and my morning coffee or tea. If I drink milk, I add powdered milk to it, too. Isopure has protein drinks that I take with me everywhere. They're in glass bottles, so you have to be careful not to drop them. Anyway, take a chill pill (just kidding) and let yourself heal. You'll get your fill soon enough. The band is a slow process. Yes, it's frustrating, but you have to go slow, or your band will be very unhappy. Like one of the other posters said, you didn't put on your weight overnight, so you really shouldn't expect to take it off overnight either. Go over to the lapband board and read the posts there. They always give me the support and encouragement that I need. If you'd like to pm me, please feel free. Best of luck to you on your journey!
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 27, 2009
I'm 5 weeks out from lapband. When I moved to mushies, I gained three pounds and was really disappointed. The good news is, the three pounds came back off in no time. I just continued doing what I was told to do (diet, light exercise, etc.) and began losing again. I was told the first month is for healing and no weightloss is expected. With the pre-op diet and the week right after surgery, I had lost about 20 pounds, gained a few, and now I'm at 28 pounds total loss. I had my first fill on Wednesday which is just over 5 weeks from date of surgery. I have been impatient at times, too, with the weightloss, and have wondered if the surgery was for nothing. Then I look back and average the weightloss per week and realize it's pretty good, and over a year, it will really add up to some serious weightloss. I have been reassured by other bandsters it's slooooow at first, and then once your body heals and the diet/exercise/fills/lifestyle changes all get a chance to work together, things will really click. Hang in there and just keep following the rules. The weightloss will come.
   — wenniewo