I read few blogs today of folks that are in the proverbial Bandster Hell. Some are eating and frustrated, some are using Weight Watchers to fill the void and others are just hungry. I do think that LapBand medical community needs to be a little more effective in helping people through this phase of the process. My take on things is they do a great job upfront with the sales pitch and the pre-op prep. I think most doctors do a good job with the operation day and the basic post-op recovery. However, there seems to be a decided gap between the operation and the restriction phase of the band process.

Which as we all know has been labeled Bandster Hell or BH for this blog. So for those of you in, or approaching BH, here is a check list to think about:

1. Avoid Consumption as Usual – it seems fairly common that once you are basically healed, many people can eat all they want and some like to test the limits of what you can eat. Needless to say this is not what we want to do. Just, assume that you can eat like the old you, but don’t do it. 

2. Prepare a BH Menu – Knowing the BH is coming, plan a special menu that is healthy and helps you keep the right habits until you have restriction. I would plan it just like you were at restriction just don’t beat yourself up if the portions are bigger during this time. One person was doing Weight Watcher, some do South Beach, but whatever it is knowledge and planning are power here.

3. Focus on 5-6 Meals a Day – For me the best way to manage BH is to get some 8oz dishes with lids (I got mine at Smart and Final) then plan on eating every 3-4 hours. This keeps me focused on small meals, but allows me to have some extra healthy food.

4. Get Your Protein – Use Whey Protein to help you get enough protein. I mix mine with yogurt and blueberries, oatmeal and other foods to load up on it.

5. Focus on Exercise – This is a great time to get your exercise program going and that will help you interim weight management, and make the time when you do have restriction more productive.

6. You Are Not Failing – BH is part of winning in the long term. You are supposed to go through this part of the journey. Don’t beat yourself up. This time is available to you to prepare for the restriction phase of the process

7. You Did Not Do This For Nothing – Reading hundreds of these threads from folks who have walked through the valley of BH, all agree when you get to the other side it will be worth it for you. You did not deal with Pre-Op, spend the money, or go through surgery for nothing.

8. Embrace the Process – This is one of the stages of BH, don’t fight it, make it work for you. Focus on picking good foods, get your body in better shape with exercise and focus on the positive.

Like many of you I am trudging my way through BH. I am staying focused getting to the other side and finding the promised land of restriction.

Thanks. Your thoughts really do help, i feel this is so true but yet sometimes it is hard when your ready for faster results. I know this is a process and change is in the here and now. Thanks again

Jade*

Great and positive take on the subject of BH, I NEVER knew about it, and never was in it!!! I just did what I was told to do, and it worked well for me. I never get hungry, but like you I plan the small frequent meals and keep a snack for emergencies with me, like 1 or 2 oz of almonds, or string cheese! Just keep something in your tummy and you will feel full and not need to overeat, great words of advice, thanks!

Great advice! This is very helpful right now. So true. Thanks for sharing.