First Weeks after Surgery

[shavonneb 1]

I just got my surgery on the 28th of feburary so im just over a week out and already discouraged with this. I know its not an over the night fix nor do I want it to be... So here's my dilema and hoping someone has answers... I did the whole liquid thing the first week but I couldn't really tell when I was full and now into the 2nd week liquids aren't cutting it so Ive tried other things( crackers, fish w/ battering, eggs, etc.) Im not getting sick (i know this is a good thing) but im able to eat anything... Is this normal? Why am in not feeling satisfied? I understand each person is different but is there anyone out that has gone threw this as well? I think the real thing discouraging me is my weight is going up and down ill lose but then ill gain back and im just getting really bummed and wondering if Ive done all this hard work for nothing? Please help...

[B-52 7,113]

Let it go. I experienced almost the same. It felt as though I didn't have the surgery at all. I was always hungry, and could eat just about anything. I did get stuck once or twice from taking too big swallows. But as long as I took small swallows i was eating just fine.

I had to force myself to diet, just as before the surgery. I though what a waste of time.

Then I had my first fill, not much immediate change, but as I read here it takes few weeks for the fill to start taking effect.

I'm coming up on 2 weeks since my first fill. I'm not really hungry. At least not like before. And when I do eat, I find after eating a very little bit, I loose interest, and start to get that "Stuck feeling" which will also make you stop.

The weight is coming off. I think after my next fill things will really start kicking in.

So hang in there. You got to struggle through this Post-Op phase.

[Taylee_Rose 10]

Hello Lovebug,

I am sorry that you are having such a discouraging time. I can tell you that it is not all for nothing. Even though it may not feel it, you are doing excellent! Just keep that head up!

I can relate to what you are talking about though with the "not feeling satisfied" thing. I have my 2nd post-op tomorrow and I am going to ask my surgeon about that very issue. I am losing weight, but that magical feeling that eveyone described to me of being "full" hasn't really happened to me yet either. I will absolutely update tomorrow after my appointment and see what my surgeon has to say. Just know we are all pulling for you!

[shavonneb 1]

I do appreciate you reply to my post... I know its not for nothing but it just feels that way and im so not the negative type of person so this is all new to me... I to have an appt with my surgeon tomorrow its my first post op appt so anything I learn I will post as well! Thank you for your words of incouragement! Im just ready to figure this out..

Hello Lovebug,

I am sorry that you are having such a discouraging time. I can tell you that it is not all for nothing. Even though it may not feel it, you are doing excellent! Just keep that head up!

I can relate to what you are talking about though with the "not feeling satisfied" thing. I have my 2nd post-op tomorrow and I am going to ask my surgeon about that very issue. I am losing weight, but that magical feeling that eveyone described to me of being "full" hasn't really happened to me yet either. I will absolutely update tomorrow after my appointment and see what my surgeon has to say. Just know we are all pulling for you!

[Taylee_Rose 10]

You are so welcome!! Thats why I joined this site, to learn from anyone who has more experience with this thing than I do (and thats not hard lol). I think knowing that other people are out their that are going through or have gone through where we may be now is comforting

[Shelley64 26]

Don't be discouraged. First of all, you're still in the healing phase. Your upper stomach has to heal where the band was attached. There will be some swelling which will go down after a couple weeks. Your surgeon probably didn't put any Fluid in the band or if so maybe only 1 cc or possibly 2. I was banded 1/11/11 and after about 2 1/2 weeks, I suddenly noticed that I didn't feel satisifed after eating what was on my "list of approved foods" for that time period. I freaked out too thinking I had made a huge mistake! the swelling had gone down so I had less restriction. I got a fill on 2/23 but didn't really notice a huge difference except if I ate too fast or swallowed too big of a bite. I'm going in again next Weds but based on my weight loss, they may not do another fill yet. I hope it shows up on the scale. My clothes are so loose but I still like to see a lower number on the scale. I am keeping a food journal because it really makes me accountable and am trying to keep my calories around 1100 and get in 60-70 grams of Protein. I know for myself, I'm going to have to follow a diet to reach my weight loss goals. The band is helping me eat less at each meal BUT I still have to control what I eat. I'm focusing on making good choices of lean Proteins and veggies. I still get head hungry but I do think it's less than the cravings I had before the band. It might be just my imagination or wishful thinking but I do feel like I have more control. Hang in there! Shelley

[shavonneb 1]

@taylee- I agree it is much better knowing there are others out there with these issues and im not the only one

@Shelly- Thank you so much and congrats on the loose clothes! Its always nice to hear the things I get to look forward too...

Keep up the great work ladies yall are wonderful insperations!

[Dave_NW 92]

Sorry, but you need to slow down and take a breath. You're way ahead of yourself.

During the first four to six WEEKS after surgery your primary goal should be about healing, not weight loss. Weight loss comes later. If you abuse your system by moving too fast, eating too much or eating solid foods before advised by your surgeon, you run the risk of damaging the band placement (a slip) or of stretching the pouch created by the band placement. So try and relax and follow your surgeon's orders. It will pay you back in the long run.

After you're healed up, the fills will start. It may take several fills before you begin to feel restriction, but remember that the band will not prevent you from overeating, if you want to. Eating healthy, stopping yourself from eating too much or too often, and exercising are the keys to the weight loss you're after.

It's cliche to say it, but the band really is a TOOL. It is not a magic bullet. You have to work it to your best advantage. Weight loss takes work, and is not automatic. But I can promise that if you do as your surgeon instructs, if you get out of your chair and start moving, and if you follow the program, you'll soon be rewarded with weight loss. Over time, it will add up to meaningful numbers.

Wishing you the best of luck!

Dave

[shavonneb 1]

I appreciate the feedback and my post wasn't me worried about me losing weight as I knew going into this that it wasn't going to come off over night and that this is a tool... My main concerns were gaining and losing weight if this was common, I understand this is the healing time and im prepared for not losing weight right off the bat but I want to know that im going threw what everyone else has gone threw and im on the right track... I have been up walking around since the day of my surgery and out exercising not "in a chair". Im going to see my surgeon today so hopefully he will have a more positive outlook for me and set my mind at ease. But congrats on your success thus far keep up the good work!

Sorry, but you need to slow down and take a breath. You're way ahead of yourself.

During the first four to six WEEKS after surgery your primary goal should be about healing, not weight loss. Weight loss comes later. If you abuse your system by moving too fast, eating too much or eating solid foods before advised by your surgeon, you run the risk of damaging the band placement (a slip) or of stretching the pouch created by the band placement. So try and relax and follow your surgeon's orders. It will pay you back in the long run.

After you're healed up, the fills will start. It may take several fills before you begin to feel restriction, but remember that the band will not prevent you from overeating, if you want to. Eating healthy, stopping yourself from eating too much or too often, and exercising are the keys to the weight loss you're after.

It's cliche to say it, but the band really is a TOOL. It is not a magic bullet. You have to work it to your best advantage. Weight loss takes work, and is not automatic. But I can promise that if you do as your surgeon instructs, if you get out of your chair and start moving, and if you follow the program, you'll soon be rewarded with weight loss. Over time, it will add up to meaningful numbers.

Wishing you the best of luck!

Dave

[RickLB 3]

I was also banded on 2-28. You aren't feeling full yet because your band is empty. You won't feel restriction until you've had some fills. The period of time between surgery and feeling restriction is what they call "bandster hell" because of dealing with hunger. Just keep eating what your doc told you to eat and maintain Portion Control and you should be fine. Hang in there.....it will get better!

[HeatherinCA 10]

Healing first. I know it's hard but you can do it. The first few weeks suck BUT its only a few weeks, you will survive . Think of it as something you are FORCED to do, not a "suggestion" that helped me. Cause really, it isn't a suggestion. It's a requirement.

I know it's hard, but you have to follow the rules, or you won't lose weight. I know nobody wants to hear that, but it's true. Just focus on changing your eating habits, focus on things that aren't food, do something else, get a hobby, distract yourself.

[sdcowchick 0]

You are not alone, i am having the same issue, I had my lapband on march 3, and I was so concerned that i needed a fill already that I called my DR. They told me that i need to eat 3 meals o hi Protein soft foods, eggs, etc and to cust out any in between meal Snacks or Protein drinks. I was feeling absolutelt famished!!!! and I did not want to fall into old bad habits. I am too weak mentally to give in to my old ways

I just got my surgery on the 28th of feburary so im just over a week out and already discouraged with this. I know its not an over the night fix nor do I want it to be... So here's my dilema and hoping someone has answers... I did the whole liquid thing the first week but I couldn't really tell when I was full and now into the 2nd week liquids aren't cutting it so Ive tried other things( crackers, fish w/ battering, eggs, etc.) Im not getting sick (i know this is a good thing) but im able to eat anything... Is this normal? Why am in not feeling satisfied? I understand each person is different but is there anyone out that has gone threw this as well? I think the real thing discouraging me is my weight is going up and down ill lose but then ill gain back and im just getting really bummed and wondering if Ive done all this hard work for nothing? Please help...

[shavonneb 1]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful words of incouragement!!!!! This is a wonderful and helpful forum! I went to the Dr today and was reassured everything is just fine. I was just one of those people that didn't swell after my surgery which is why no restriction told me to keep trucking with the solids but to continue to eat high Protein and healthy as I have and keep to my walking (got in 2.50 miles today) and NO core workouts yet (Which means no kickboxing yet ...) And im ready for my first fill so scheduled my first fill for the 25th of this month just need to let the port heal up a little more Im on the right track and im figuring out working my band a day at a time!! Thanks again to all of those who took the time to help me and reply!

[Dave_NW 92]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful words of incouragement!!!!! This is a wonderful and helpful forum! I went to the Dr today and was reassured everything is just fine. I was just one of those people that didn't swell after my surgery which is why no restriction told me to keep trucking with the solids but to continue to eat high Protein and healthy as I have and keep to my walking (got in 2.50 miles today) and NO core workouts yet (Which means no kickboxing yet ...) And im ready for my first fill so scheduled my first fill for the 25th of this month just need to let the port heal up a little more Im on the right track and im figuring out working my band a day at a time!! Thanks again to all of those who took the time to help me and reply!

Glad you got your answers today, and you're more at ease. The first weeks after surgery can be pretty stressful, because you're going through so many changes. Hang in there - it does get easier. After you figure out what does and doesn't work for you, I'll bet you're going to rock this band. Good luck!

Dave