leighmackelvey@comcast.net

I was banded on Dec. 29th, just three days ago. I'm confused because the hospital nurse told me my stomach is still the same size as it was before the surgery and that it wouldn't be restricted until the Dr. filled it 5-6 weeks from now. This was never mentioned and I never read it in all the lit I studied. Now I'm home, feeling pretty good, but when I eat ( full iguid diet) I do get full after I eat. whey do I feel full if my stomach is the same size? I'm only eatng around 680 calories a day since I've been home. No one ever told me how many calories I'm supposed to aim for each day. 680 doesn't seem healthy. I lost 10 lbs on the pre-surgery Protein shake diet, but the next morning after I came home from surgery, I had gained it all back. The next morning I gained 3 more lbs. This morning I lost 2 lbs., but I'm still over the weight I'd lost before the surgery. How can this happen if I'm only on full liquids, 680 calories per day? I've tried to call the Dr. , but no one answers my messages. I'd like to know how many calories I should be trying to get a day, how much protein a day and some after surgery support. I was so positive before the surgery, now I feel anxious and a little depressed. Leigh

My band was placed on Dec. 29 2010. I wasn't told how much to eat, only to eat full liqiuds. Now I'm seeing other sites( and this one) talk about only 1/2 cup at each meal. Is this right? I've been able to take down more than 1/2 cup with no problems. If I have 1/3 of my protein shake, a cup of soup or a cuo of yogurt and maybe some jello at one meal, I'm fine. I'm full at that point. Then I eat the same at the other 2 meals. But maybe I'm full and eating more than I should. I can't tell. The first four days, I was full and not experiencing any hunger,. Now I'm beginning to be hungry in between meals. I think.. I'm finding it hard to know if I'm really humgry or not. Should I be eating less? Is the 1/2 cup a meal I'm reading about just for when I get to solid foods? I've been losing 2 lbs a day since surgery, but today I had gained 1 lb. I don't have my follow-up appt. until Jan. 7th. I'm afraid of being hungry in between meals. Leigh

I also have a tiny burning feeling where the port is. But not too bad. If your burning feeling is really bad and different from what it was, can you call the Dr. and ask about it? Maybe that will at least give yoiu some peace. Leigh

I'm glad I read this post because today I began having the same problems: Itchy, sore, on port area. I thought the itchiness was a part of healing, but I was a little worried about my stomach being so sore. I was told not to take off the steri-strips, that they would come off by themselves as I healed. But I'm wondering about the gauze over my port area. I take it off to shower, but then put a new one on. Do I stop putting a new one on now? There's no bleeding, but everthing is swollen and very bruised. I was banded on Dec. 29th. Leigh

Thanks so much, everyone. I'm in tears because of all the responses and your support. I will be less anxious now! I'm wondering if I am "Stuck" from trying to get to much in me. Does this feel like your whole stomach area is sore? Even when I breathe, it hurts. I will try to take smaller sips and be more careful now. Thanks again! I'm so glad I found this site! Leigh