errikadb

I was banded 12/21 and still freezing all the time. I think of it as a good thing. If I'm always cold that just means my body is burning extra calories to warm me up.

I feel like I need to confess. I've been having trouble staying at my calorie allotment. Not every day and not too much at once. Just sometimes, but I feel really bad when I do. I still don't eat half as much as I used to but I still feel bad. I'm still losing. I can tell by my clothes. I think I really need to start my exercising. I guess I'm still getting used to everything. I'm going to do better though. I get a fill on 2/4. That may help some, but most of it is going to have to be me. Bandster hell is definitely not a walk in the park! I'm sure most of you already know though. Wish everyone the best and hope it gets better.

This is completely out of concern - please don't think I'm trying to be a know-it-all but I'm not for sure you fully understand how the band works. The band won't stop us from eating. It helps you feel satisfied. It doesn't truly restrict you from eating. If you look around on this forum there's more than one discussion about it. And a few very helpful links to doctors explaining the band. Also many people don't reach the "green zone" until numerous fills or months. You can't stay on liquids that long. Lots if people call this early stage "bandster hell" and it's just something we have to work through all the while eating as our doctors tell us too. Perhaps you should try the suggestions your doctor has given you. And just use will power to work thru this hard time.

I completely agree, I've followed several people's blogs on YouTube who have had lap band and the majority of them said they went through several fills before they had proper restriction. They said that it was mostly changing their eating habits and exercise. The band just helped with Portion Control, which is usually the problem when we fall off of the bandwagon. So it really is a tool to help us. Not the entire solution.

I thought about going back on liquids but I didn't want to start the habit of drinking liquids every time something goes wrong. I really want to learn a new way to eat that will last me. Don't get me wrong though! I can't wait until I get my fill on Feb 4th! It is hard! Lol

12/19/12-1/19/13 One month down!

How are you all feeling' date=' December Bandsters?! Aside from some other health issues, so far so good. I am suffering through what is known as Bandster Hell. I put a post up in the general forum that I feel like I have a placebo. LOL I have been trying to do the right thing and follow dr/nut orders. Hope all is going well with you all.[/quote']

I was banded on 12/21, and I went through it my third week out when my swelling went down. I was starving!!! Then I decided I just need to eat what is going to satisfy me the most which is Protein, so I started just eating mostly Protein and veggies and that helped tremendously to knock out my hunger. I just make sure that my calories are under 1300. I usually range from 400-1300. It seems to help my metabolism when I switch it up a bit. But protein is definitely best! I'm down 16 lbs since surgery and 34 pounds total. Just keep up the good work and try not to let bandster hell Detour you!

I have been making a lot of crock pot meals. I really enjoyed Santa Fe chicken from Skinnytaste.com It is so easy. Also' date=' made fresh broccoli in the oven. I put foil on a cookie sheet, place all the broccoli florets on top, lightly spray with cooking spray, cover with foil and place in oven at 400 for 10-15 minutes. Comes out very tender and delicious![/quote']

I have just been trying to eat lots of Protein and veggies. For instance, I had salmon, tomatoes and a boiled egg for lunch. Trying to stay low carb is best for me. good luck!

Oh wow! Hate to hear that happened, but glad you're doing ok. Hopefully you'll be out soon!

Interesting video.

You should give your friends a list of things you can eat so you will have something specifically for you at the party. Or just tell them not to bring the sweets, and have low fat Soups and other soft foods for everyone. I'm sure they'll comply.

Hi everyone, just checking in. I'm 3 weeks out from surgery too and actually feeling hungry. It's worse when I work though, and really just this last week. Someone said its because I'm mostly healed and not swollen anymore so I won't be as full with the really small amounts anymore. I eat anywhere from 500 to 1300 calories a day. I tend to eat more on days that I work because I'm constantly running around which is a good thing. I'm a nursing supervisor on a very busy floor, so I'm always walking and helping my nurses. It's kind of stressful. I think that might be where some of the hunger comes from too. I work about 10-12 hours 5 days a week. When I'm done I'm absolutely exhausted and don't feel like extra exercise. Sometimes my belly hurts after a days work or during, but I'm not lifting. Hopefully I'm getting enough in while I'm there. I don't want to push myself too much too soon. Really want to start walking the track and swimming. Can't wait until my incisions are all the way healed.

I'm still on Soups and softs. Having issues with getting all the Protein in though. Bought some Cookies and cream Protein Shake that is good, but I've never been a big sweets person (I like cookies and cream ice cream), so I prefer the taste of regular food. Can't wait to start eating more meat. I'm currently 33 lbs down. I don't get on the scale every day. Figured I would surprise myself.

Well that's my update! Good luck to everyone! I just love reading all the experiences and opinions. Looking forward to seeing us all progress!

Thanks so much guys! I'll just have to wade through it.

So, I've been doing well since I had surgery on the 21st of December. I've lost 33lbs so far. This week I have really been hungry! I don't know if its stress from work or if I'm really hungry, but I think it's stress. Is it normal to get hungry again a few weeks out? Will the fill help? I don't get it until Feb 4th. I'm worried!

I am 16 days out and I try to adhere as much as possible to what the doctor says. I am on soft/mushies now but I also understand why they tell us not to drink with the meal. If you drink with your meal, the Fluid along with the food can not only stretch your area of stomach that is supposed to help restrict the amount of food being taken in, but if you are on softs, it can wash the food through too quickly, which defeats the purpose. If you eat and drink you may not keep the full feeling for any amount of time, or you could throw up. Im not a puker, so I would rather not. Everyone's body is different and not every process is going to be the same, but the purpose of even having the surgery is to help to restrict the amount of food taken into the body. If you drink all your calories, or wash them all down with fluid, you will not get the restriction that the lap band is for. Always remember that it is only a tool to help, and if it is not used correctly, it may not work. Just my thoughts.

Hope you're doing we'll and congratulations!

I basically have to force myself to drink too as we'll as eat. I'm pretty sure that I'm not getting enough, but I'm just not hungry. I'm kind of glad that I'm not hungry. I'm sure it's because the band is doing its job. I really do want to get my Fluid in though, that way I won't retain. I've just been taking everyone's advice and sipping 2-3 ounces at a time to help get in as much as I can.

Merry Christmas and congratulations! I was banded on the 21st and I also had the gas bubble. Try walking around, but definitely don't over do it. So glad all went well for you. Most of my pain subsided by post op day three. I went from taking pain medicine every 4 hours to only once a day. This was really after the gas finally passed. Good luck to you!

Thanks everyone! I feel better! I was really worried about this. Merry Christmas to all of you and enjoy your day!

Hi everyone! My name is Errika. I was banded this past Friday, December 21st, and I'm having trouble getting my normal amount of Water down. Before surgery I would drink 5 bottles every day and now I can barely get 2-3 bottles in. I'm worried I'm not getting enough. Is this normal?