ARedRaider

Let me first add my disclaimer that I by no means am and "expert" or "pro" at this as I was only banded on 7/21/2011 and still have LOTS to learn and LOTS of questions. But, I do want to reassure you that I was similar to you in that the first couple of weeks post-op when I was only on liquids, or then soft foods and only eating about an ounce at a time, I was frequently hungry as well. That ounce only seemed to last me about an hour to an hour and a half. Now that I've progressed to a month post op, I'm eating about 3 ounces of Protein followed by a few veggies if there's room, and that tends to last me about 3 to 3 1/2 hours. It seems to me that it's about a 1 ounce to 1 hour ratio. Remember too, that your new little pouch is like high dollar real estate...so don't waste precious space putting something in there that won't hold you over. Protein goes first and gets "first pick" of the precious real estate. Also, don't beat yourself up on the post-op liquids. It's important to follow your doctors advice, but, I had to supplement with some very soft foods (ie mashed up, very thin red beans) because I was 1) very tired, weak on liquids alone (literally, having to pull the car over on the side of the road for a power nap) and 2) having bad, bad, GI issues that were sending me running to the ladies room when I was on that many liquids. The reason for the post op liquids and soft foods are to let you heal internally. So, I just chose things that were still very soft, high in protein--but added a little "substance" so things didn't just "run out." (Pardon the pun) I was just filled on 7/19/2011, and yes, it's made a difference in the hunger factor. Now, take all this with a grain of salt, since I was banded on 7/21/2011 and have only lost 10-12 pounds so far. 30 more to go! Hugs and don't give up.