I don't know why doctors don't tell you about this stage! You think it's you when it's really your body rebelling! I assume you are still in the mushy stage? If so, then here is what helped me:

1) Put protein powder in everything that makes sense... coffee, tea, soup, water, fruit smoothies, etc.

2) Reduce carbs..... they turn to sugar and cause cravings.

3)Increase fat. I know! Goes against the USDA Pyramid and everything we fluffy people have been programmed to believe. But our bodies are meant to burn fat, NOT sugar! Eat small amounts of healthy fats.... olive oil, coconut oil, nut butters and whole fat dairy. All in limited quantities of course. You will find that fat curbs your appetite and keeps you feeling fuller longer!

4) Eat small amounts 5 or 6 times a day.

5) Drink a glass of water 15-30 min before a meal. This helps with fullness, but more importantly, will quench your thirst until well after your meal. If you drink too soon after eating, the food will be digested quicker and you will be hungry again.

This helped me get through the first 3 stages.... 1) Liquid, 2) Soft and 3) Bandster Hell! Stage 3 is the period your stomach has recovered from surgery (it's starving!), up to when you have had enough fills to feel restriction. It's Diet 101 time! And don't beg for fills too fast. Because your body needs to adjust and you need to adjust with the band.

Once you get adequate restriction, you can start working on getting back to 3 small meals a day. I didn't get there until my 5th fill... 8cc's in an 11cc band. Everyone is different. So try to relax and give yourself time to get through the transitions.

You can do this. Educate yourself, read and ask questions along the way. Talk to your doctor about your hunger. Keep a food journal and share with him/her. Focus and stay strong. You can do this!!