I think I'm in Bandster Hell

[Cat225 93]

So, I had my measly .5cc fill on Friday, and now I'm hungrier than ever! I figured out that if they only fill me .5 every four weeks, it's going to be the middle of summer before I feel satiated again! I am eating a lot of Protein and drinking a lot of Water, but I'm only staying full two hours at the most. It's not head hunger. I wish I didn't have to eat something, but my stomach is empty and growling. I'm not eating out of boredom, and frankly, with my new diet, there is nothing I could pig out on even if I wanted to. What can I do? I feel really discouraged.

[Bandista 7,466]

Hey there, you are doing beautifully during a difficult time. All that excitement over the surgery, initial weight loss, etc. has dissipated and yet the band is still not adjusted. You will get there! Maybe let your surgeon's office know that you are very hungry and don't want to wait four weeks before the next fill -- maybe they can bump it up as they don't want you to lose traction? Meanwhile this is a good time to be really noticing everything. The hunger, thirst, what is going on in your body. Locate stress and emotion, get your exercise in -- Celebrate the reconnection with your body that this band us giving you and know that once you have the proper fill it will all be so much easier. Good luck to you!

[cutlass6521 127]

Hi Cat:

I too had my surgery at SWLC in jan 2014. I had my first fill on Feb 27th and yeah...couldn't tell the difference either.

They tell me that they will only do one fill every 4 weeks, with only .5cc of Fluid. I was told that it can take two weeks for the fill to take effect. I'm still waiting for the "effect" to kick in. LOL

I found that to curb the cravings I have to eat lean Protein that takes a lot of chewing. I have never had a stuck issue, in fact, I think I could swallow an entire roast chicken (with a couple of side dishes). Maybe I am making the band work to pass the food by it, or I am just too tired to continue eating.

I also found that exercising helps. If I get hungry, I will go for a walk, or ride a stationary bike. Again, usually too tired to get to the fridge.

Looks like we are looking at a couple more fills this spring before we really see what this band will do.

Keep positive, everyone here has similar stories and they tell me we will get there too. I was hoping to travel this journey on a super highway, but it appears to be a gravel road with potholes.

[lisacaron 5,075]

If you are truly hungry eat something just try to make it a good choice and a healthy food for you. Bandster hell is the worst and I had it right out of surgery. Instantly hungry and no restriction or swelling.

My Dr. also gave the fills slowly once a month and it has taken me 9 months to get to the "green" zone where I am not hungry and eating smaller portions. Everyone is different and there are some here who have never needed a fill and they are doing amazing and have great restriction right out of surgery.

Don't be discouraged just do your best and know your going to get there, it's just going to take some time but slow and steady wins the race every time, so long as you stay the course and keep with it.

If your hungry eat something break your meals into more mini meals through out the day so your keeping your hunger at bay. Don't wait to be ravenous before eating because that will lead you to want to over eat or make a bad choice of what to eat.

Your going to do great!

[Cat225 93]

Thanks everyone! It is a new experience to actually feel hungry. I was stuffing myself so much before that I rarely felt real hunger. I'm trying to eat a Protein and Fiber snack when I'm hungry in between meals, like string cheese and raw veggies. I already eat eggs for Breakfast, so having an egg for a snack would be too many eggs for me.

Cutlass, I guess we are pretty similar in what stage we are at! The nurse told me, too, that it might take 2 weeks to feel anything. I don't understand why. With my band being filled so little, .5 is barely anything! I guess I'll definitely be going back in 4 weeks for another .5. Lol! I like the clinic, though, I just wish it was closer to my house! The staff are so nice and caring, and the webinars I've done have been great.

So far my weight loss has been pretty steady, but I'm worried that it might stop if I have to wait so long for the "green zone." My husband got me a Fitbug. I'm going to start wearing it and start walking. This surgery wasn't cheap. I don't want to fail.