I was banded on July 23, 2009. Surgery went okay. Went home and have been fine.... but I feel completely empty.

I feel an empty hunger. I feel lifeless emptiness. I feel a spiritual emptiness. I don't feel like talking to anyone. I don't feel like playing with my kids.

I know I am hungry. The liquid diet is hard, but I'm sticking to it. I just wonder if I'm crazy.

It may just be that I'm feeling a little weak/ tired from surgery so I'm unmotivated. But I'm usually a very upbeat person.

Anyone else feel this way?

I haven't been banded yet (07/29 is my big day), however the feelings that you describe sound like mourning. Perhaps you are mourning your previous life? your ability to eat whatever you want? Or are there other things in your life that you know, maybe that you're avoiding thinking about, that will be over now that you've made this very definite step to take control of your weight?

Just my humble thoughts....

In a way you are empty, but now it's time to fill up with all good foods....now is your chance to start all over almost from scratch....Give yourself a little bit of time to heal up and I'm sure you will be back to happy... especially when you see the pound drop...don't worry you will be fine...

You do need to mourn your old life. I also bet that getting the band has been the focus of your life for a while....now what? You have it. Kind of anticlimactic uh?

Now look toward the future. Look at goals. Get out. If the feeling doesn't go away get to your doctor and ask if it could be depression that they can help you with. Some people find that they have been depressed, but they have been self medicating themselves with food. That isn't an option so now you may need to deal with that.

Good luck. hang in there!

Wow, emptiness same feelings here. I was banded July 16, 09 and have lost 23 lbs, have been living on my protein drinks and oatmeal but everytime I turn around I see food and think, What if....

When d4lussier talked about morning that hit a cord with me. I am mourning, that is so true. I have no friends around who have done this nor any who understand what it is like to be so HUGE. I am scared to go out and eat, scared if I venture from the diet I will break, but today I made some very soft hamburger helper, 1/4 cup, and yes that filled me up.

Let's stay in touch and we can pull each other through this. I need the support too because I am losing a part of myself and losing a part of who I was for 44 years.

Keep the faith and keep visiting here.

In my thoughts.

I was banded 3/21/09 and what you are feeling is ok, I went through the what was I thinking but remember its a new chapter in your life and a new journey. Do you know anyone that has had this procedure? The reason why I asked is because I had my friend and she had the procedure and she talked to me alot she was here with me for my surgery and after surgery. I was blessed to have her with since we can talk about it. If you want to talk I'm here for you.

Remember you will be able to eat but for now your body needs to heal and recover from your procedure. You will gradually re-introduce food but in portions. Best wishes in your journey.

Hi, I was banded Three weeks ago. I have to keep telling my head this is going to work out for me. I was a mess for about five days and by the end of the first week I was feeling better. I kept telling myself I am going to feel better soon. I followed the Dr.'s orders on food to the letter. Liquids one week, then mushy second week and the small bites and chew to beat the band. I must admit I am a survivor. I will get my first fill this week. I am starting week four. Try and stay positive because we are creating our own destiny. Best wishes on your journey. We are here to listen and help. It has not been easy but it is worth it.

imaluckydog

I agree with Julie - you are mourning your old life. We have to find a different focus other than food, and it's hard for us to do. You must give yourself time to recover physically and emotionally before you get your groove back. We are all in this together - let us know how we can help.

I was banded 7/15 and I think part of me is grieving theloss of food, a way of life, etc. I was told this would probably happen so I have just been pusing through it. Today was better. Tomorrow will be better still. hang in there! This is a great place to get those feeling out and to get encouraged!

I think we all have days like that until we adjust. There's definitely a component for me of dissappointment, maybe that I didnt wake up from the procedure in a size 4! LOL This website and all of you are lifesavers from feeling alone in this...thanks to all!

Wow! Thank you all for such great support! I REALLY appreciate hearing from all of you.

Today I feel like a new woman. I switched from the strong narcotic medication to liquid tylenol and I really think that has made a difference in my lucidity. I felt like I was living in a cloud. Now I feel clear headed and motivated.

I still think about eating quite a bit and do think I've been doing some mourning. Food was my support system. I was married to a man who I had to constantly take care of and support and I have two small children who constantly need me. Food was the only thing that comforted me. I'm now divorced and my kids are now 3 and 4 and less "needy" and I needed to take control of my eating. But it does feel like I've lost a really good friend.

Thanks again for all of your support!